Rooftop tent maintenance in 5 steps: make your tent last for years
A hardshell rooftop tent is built to take a beating — the aluminium shell of our LCM models has been tested from the Sahara to the Ardennes. But like anything you use intensively, it stays at its best with a little care. These five steps will keep your rooftop tent in top condition for years.
Step 1: Clean the tent the right way
Rinse the hardshell after a dusty or salty trip (beach, offroad) with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. Do not use a pressure washer on zips, seams and rubbers — you'll blast away the waterproof coating and seals. Brush the tent fabric clean when dry; stubborn stains come off with a sponge and lukewarm water.
Step 2: Only store the tent bone dry
The biggest enemy of any tent is moisture. Closing the tent wet is fine on the road with a hardshell — but open it again at home within 48 hours to dry completely. That prevents mould, damp stains and musty smells. Don't forget the mattress: lift it occasionally so condensation underneath can evaporate. A mattress topper with an open cell structure helps air circulation and prevents condensation under the mattress.
Step 3: Check hinges, gas struts and latches
Check a few times a year that the hinges and gas struts move smoothly. A drop of silicone spray on the hinge points keeps everything running freely. Do the gas struts feel heavier, or does the tent no longer stay firmly open? Drop by — that's usually fixed quickly.
Step 4: Check the bolts — especially after the first 100 km
The mounting bolts of your rooftop tent deserve extra attention. Check after the first 100 kilometres that everything is still rock solid, and again before every big trip. Vibrations — especially on unpaved roads — can slowly loosen bolts. Tip: if you buy a rooftop tent from us and collect it, we fit it as standard with stronger, better-quality bolts than the ones in the package. That extra service is included with the fitting help.
Step 5: Treat your tent to proper winter storage
Not using the tent in winter? Take it off the car (saves fuel too) and store it dry, clean and preferably flat. No room in the garage? That's what our “Hotel” service is for: we store your rooftop tent safely, dry and dust-free ánd give it a complete check-up of hinges, gas struts and fabric. In spring you drive off straight away with a tent in top condition.
The maintenance checklist
- After every trip: let the fabric dry, rinse the shell after salt or dust
- After the first 100 km (and before every big trip): check the bolts
- 2–3x per year: check and lightly lubricate hinges and gas struts
- Before winter: store bone dry or book winter storage
- Always: air the mattress regularly against condensation
Need help? That's exactly what we're here for
From fitting help at collection (with those better bolts) to winter storage and maintenance: see all the options on our service page. One thing you always arrange yourself: suitable roof racks for your car. Not sure which are suitable? Call or email us — we're happy to help you figure it out.
