Your last trip of the season is over and your roof tent will be resting until the next adventure. Plan for more than an empty storage space: the tent needs to be completely dry, stored in a way suitable for the model and accessible for occasional checks.
This article helps you organise the winter break. Storage orientation, support points and lifting equipment must suit the specific roof tent. Follow your model's instructions and resolve any questions before removing or storing it.
Before storage: dry, complete and documented
Open the tent according to its instructions and check more than the visible fabric. Look beneath the mattress and in areas where moisture can go unnoticed. Allow enough time for the tent, mattress and any textiles stored with it to dry completely.
The Thule Tepui manual's “Storage and Handling” section explicitly calls for complete drying before storage to help prevent mould and mildew. This general principle does not replace the storage instructions for your BIA model.
If cleaning is needed, use our roof tent care guide. The focus here is the longer storage period that follows.
Plan the storage space before removing the tent
Check whether the proposed space is dry and sheltered from the weather. A basement or garage is not suitable simply because of its name: are there damp walls, condensation or occasional water ingress? Will you be able to reach the tent for later checks?
Also plan the route from the vehicle to the storage space, the space required and the support specified for the model. This article does not provide blanket approval for upright storage, wall brackets or ceiling hoists. Only use such solutions once their suitability for the roof tent and the particular installation has been established.
Keep bedding and accessories organised
Remove loose items and check them separately. Store bedding and other textiles clean and dry. Whether the mattress should remain inside the closed tent depends on the model instructions and storage conditions.
Photograph the tent's condition before storage and make an accessory list. Clearly identify any removed parts and keep them together with the manual. Before your next trip, you can then see whether anything is missing or needs attention.
Plan checks during the winter break
Set a reminder to check the tent rather than leaving it unexamined until spring. Check the storage space additionally if water has entered or conditions have changed significantly. This article does not specify a universal inspection interval for every environment.
Look for new moisture, unusual odours or visible changes. If you notice anything unusual, establish the cause and the appropriate next step before closing the tent again. An exterior that appears dry is not a substitute for checking inside.
Before the next season
Allow time for a condition check before your first journey. Check setup, ladder and mounting against the correct instructions. Do not assume that storage replaces checks before the next use. Resolve damage or missing parts before travelling.
Your winter storage checklist
- Are the tent and textiles completely dry?
- Have you checked the storage space for moisture and accessibility?
- Are storage orientation and support confirmed for the specific model?
- Are accessories complete and clearly identified?
- Have you recorded the condition and set a reminder to check it?
- Is the manual available for returning the tent to use?
The product pages for Robert and Gerald link to their respective manuals. If you are considering a particular storage solution, describe it using our contact details so that any model-specific questions can be addressed in advance.