Hey There! Thanks for choosing the Bull Proof Rooftop Tent. We are so excited to see you out and about in
our gear, but most importantly we want to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase and can enjoy your camping experience to the fullest.
This guide will give you all the essential care and maintenance tips to keep your rooftop looking great, and recommendations for handling a very common issue .. condensation.
General Maintenance Tips
Regular Cleaning
Clean your rooftop tent regularly to remove dirt, debris, and stains. Use a mild soap and water solution, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the fabric or waterproof
coatings.
Air It Out
Always air your tent out after use, and even if not in use, thoroughly air the tent out every 2 weeks (especially in the colder months), to dry out any potential moisture build-up.
- Allow the tent to dry over a few hours, ideally in direct sunlight. If not possible, open it up in an undercover space till completely dry.
- Check the mattress and condensation mat, remove to allow everything to completely dry.
Storage
When not in use, store your rooftop in a dry and well-ventilated area.
- Make sure the tent is completely dry before storing it to prevent moisture-related issues.
- Store your mattress and condensation mat out of the tent when possible.
- Use a dehumidifier/silica gel pack inside the tent to reduce humidity and prevent condensation.
Inspect for Damage
Regularly inspect your rooftop for any signs of damage, such as tears, punctures, or worn-out components. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.
Maintenance of Zippers & Hardware
Check the zippers, hinges, latches, and other hardware regularly for signs of wear or corrosion. Lubricate them to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Weatherproofing
Reapply waterproofing treatments to the tent fabric as necessary, especially after cleaning or prolonged exposure to the elements.
- After a long time of use, it is natural for fabric to show general signs of wear. By applying a spray-on waterproof treatment and/or UV protectant, you can preserve the fabric life and ensure optimal functionality.
- Use a canvas/fabric specific product to avoid damaging the rooftop.
- Always patch test a product and read the instructions before coating the fabric entirely.
Check the Mounts
Take time to check your mounting points to ensure nothing has loosened or looks weak. This is a great habit to get in, especially before leaving for a trip.
Professional Inspection & Repair
If you're unsure about how to address a particular issue or if your rooftop tent requires extensive repairs, please reach out to us so we can assist you and the problem.
NOTE : Avoid car washes with your rooftop! The high-pressure water and chemicals used can damage your tents structural components and fabric.
Condensation is a problem that every camper will face at some point and can happen regardless if the tent is in
use or not. For those that are new to the camping scene, it is important to understand that this is a natural occurrence that can be reduced but not entirely avoided. During the cold season, condensation will always present substantially more. When the moist air meets a cold surface, it will convert into liquid droplets. This
explains the ‘wet’ appearance on the surfaces inside your tent.
Just to put this in perspective, the average person will exhale up to 17.5ml of water every hour, that means approx. 210ml every 12 hours! With 2 people in the tent, that’s almost half a litre of water collecting over 12
hours. *This is of course influenced by many factors, being “active..” in your tent will result in more
condensation. *
By taking the right preventive steps and implementing our tips n tricks, you can minimise condensation significantly.
What makes condensation worse?
- Wet or damp equipment in the tent
- Camping near water sources such as a lake, river, beach or creek (moist air)
- Poor ventilation and air circulation
- Excessive exhaling
- Cold, wet and high humidity weather conditions
Temperature Differences
The temperature difference inside the tent, to the outside, causes moisture in the air to condense on the surfaces. To mitigate this, try ventilating your rooftop to balance the temperature inside and outside.
Humidity
High humidity levels exacerbate condensation issues. Using a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing products inside the tent can help reduce humidity.
Proper Ventilation
Ensure that your rooftop tent has adequate ventilation. Keeping your side doors partially or fully open will help prevent condensation by allowing moist air to escape and fresh air to enter.
Air Circulation
Use the supplied fan or fan your choice inside the tent to improve air circulation. This can help distribute warm air more evenly and reduce condensation build up.
Weather Conditions
Be mindful of weather conditions when camping. Cold, wet and humid weather is more likely to lead to condensation issues.
Moisture Control
Use moisture-absorbing products or silica gel packs inside the tent to help control humidity levels. These products can absorb excess moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of condensation.
Proper use of Bedding
Ensure bedding materials like sleeping bags of blankets are breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent them from trapping moisture next to your body and contributing to condensation.
Preventative Measures : Take preventative measures like wiping down surfaces prone to condensation each morning and evening to remove excess moisture. We highly suggest getting yourself a chamois cloth for their super absorbent qualities.
Removing Mould Build Up
Removing mould requires thorough cleaning and disinfecting to ensure the tent is safe for continued use. Here is a step by step guide on how to remove mould safely :
Safety Precautions : Before you begin, ensure you're wearing appropriate protective gear such as gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling mould spores or chemicals used.
Ventilation
Set up the rooftop tent in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
Brushing and Vacuuming
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any loose mould spores from the surface of the tent. Follow up by vacuuming the tent to remove any remaining debris.
Cleaning Solution
Prepare a cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water, or use a specialised tent cleaner. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals as they can damage the tent fabric.
Spot Test
Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire tent, perform a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage to the fabric.
Scrubbing
Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the affected areas of the tent. Pay close attention to seams corners, and any areas with visible mould growth.
Rinsing
After scrubbing, rinse the tent thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
Drying
Allow the tent to dry out completely in a sunny, well-ventilated area. Ensure the tent is completely dry and try using a moisture absorbing product (dehumidifier) before storing it to prevent mould from returning.
Note : Make sure you follow our care & maintenance guide to avoid this happening again.
A rooftop tent is a valuable investment, and requires regular care and maintenance to promote a long life and optimal performance so you can continue to enjoy your travels to the fullest. By following every piece of information we have provided above, we can assure you that you will get the most out of your purchase for many years to come. Remember, your rooftop tent will look after you for as long as you look after it!
