Before You Store Your Tent - A little prep goes a long way.
Make sure the tent is fully dry
Moisture trapped inside any RTT can lead to mold or odors over time.
If you packed up in the rain: open the tent at home and let it air out until the canvas, mattress, rainfly, and seams are completely dry.
Brush off dirt + debris
Shake out leaves, dust, and pine needles. Wipe down the floor and ladder. A soft brush or microfiber cloth works great.
Check your zippers
Make sure nothing is caught and all zippers move freely. If anything feels gritty, wipe with a damp cloth (never add oils or lubricants).
Remove loose bedding (optional)
Skycamp 3.0 users can store lightweight bedding inside, but for long-term storage we still recommend removing pillows, thick blankets, or anything that traps moisture.
Store your tent indoors if possible
A garage or covered carport is ideal. If storing outdoors on the vehicle, keep the tent closed and latched, and consider using a breathable cover if you’re in a harsh climate.
Avoid direct sun for months at a time
Long-term UV exposure ages any material. Shade is your tent’s friend.
Keep your telescoping ladder clean + dry
This prevents corrosion and keeps the locking pins smooth.
Don’t over-tighten mounting hardware
If the tent stays on your vehicle, simply make sure nothing is loose—no need to torque everything down again.
When You Re-Open the Tent After Long Storage
Here’s what’s normal—and what’s worth checking.
A little stiffness in the fabric
Canvas tightens when stored. It relaxes after a couple openings and closes.
A quick check for moisture
Look at corners, vinyl windows, and under the mattress. If you see condensation, air the tent out in the sun for an hour or two.
Inspect zippers, buckles, and ladder pins
If anything feels stuck, clean with water only. No oils or silicone sprays—these attract dust and cause long-term wear.
Check all mounting hardware
Confirm the tent is still secure, especially if it stayed on the vehicle all season.
Make sure your gas struts feel normal
If the tent opens slower than usual (especially in cold weather), that’s normal. They’ll perk up in warmer temps. If they feel weak or uneven, contact support.
What to do if my tent is wet and I have to store it?
If your tent took on heavy rain before storage, don’t worry — it happens. Here’s how to store it safely and prevent long-term damage:
1. Open it fully as soon as you can
Find a dry, shaded spot (or indoors if possible) and open the tent completely.
Let the canvas, mattress, interior walls, and rainfly dry 100% — this may take several hours.
2. Remove the mattress and let it air out separately
Foam holds moisture longer than fabric.
Place it upright in a warm, dry room until it feels totally dry to the touch on all sides.
3. Wipe down any standing water
Use a towel to remove puddles along the edges, floor, hinge area, or around windows.
4. Check corners and seams carefully
These areas take the longest to dry.
A small fan or dehumidifier nearby can speed things up.
5. If the tent was soaked for several days
Perform a light cleaning step:
Mix mild soap + warm water
Gently wipe interior canvas with soap mixture
Gently wipe interior canvas with fresh water
Let it fully dry again
(This helps prevent mildew from forming later.)
6. Leave the tent open longer than you think
Even when it looks dry, hidden moisture can sit under the mattress or in the quilted lining. A few extra hours now saves headaches later.
7. Use moisture absorbers only after the tent is dry
Once everything is completely dry, you can place a desiccant or DampRid outside of the mattress area while storing the tent. Remove it before your next trip.
8. Avoid sealing it up the same day it got wet
If possible, give the tent a full 24 hours to dry before closing it long-term.
9. After long storage, check for:
New odors (early sign of mildew)
Damp spots under the mattress
Stiff zippers from dried minerals
Any discoloration on the canvas
If you see anything concerning, open the tent, air it out in the sun, and take a few photos for our support team.
Tips & Tricks from Long-Time Owners
Use moisture absorbers (if in a humid area)
A small DampRid or desiccant pack inside keeps your interior fresh. Remember to remove before your trip
Flip the mattress every few months
Keeps foam from compressing unevenly during long storage.
Open the tent once mid-season
Even if you’re not camping, give it 10 minutes of fresh air—this prevents trapped odors.
Want to know more about how to store your tent?
Check out this helpful article!
When to Contact Warranty
Reach out if you notice:
Mold forming despite proper drying
Warped flooring or shell deformation
Zippers separating or missing teeth
Mattresses with water damage or internal moisture
Ladder locking pins that no longer engage
Gas struts that fail to open the tent
We’re always happy to help.
Still Have Questions?
Send us a message! If you're unsure about moisture, fabrics, or anything you find inside after storage, just attach a few photos and our team will take it from there.
Happy storing—and see you on your next adventure! 🌄