Caring for Your Rooftop Tent

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Adventures

Our lightweight rooftop tents are built to handle the rigors of outdoor adventures, but with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure they stay in top condition for years to come. Whether you're preparing for your next trip or storing your tent between seasons, following these guidelines will help keep your rooftop tent in prime shape, ready for any expedition.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your rooftop tent in top condition and ready for any adventure, regular care is essential. Below are a few easy maintenance tips that will help ensure your tent lasts for years and continues to perform at its best, no matter where your travels take you.

Interior Cleaning Guide

Regular Airing Out:
After each trip, make it a habit to air out your rooftop tent. This helps prevent odors and allows you to shake off any dust or debris collected during your travels.

Seasonal Deep Clean:
Depending on how often you use your tent, aim for a deep clean once per season to keep things fresh—starting with the bedding:

  • Remove the mattress pad and bedding.
  • Unzip and wash the mattress cover separately. Do not wash the memory foam mattress itself—only clean the cover. Hang the cover to dry.
  • If you have our Hybrid Air Mattress, close all valves before cleaning. Use warm water with a mild detergent and a cloth or sponge to scrub gently. Rinse well and let it air dry. Avoid bleach, and never machine wash or dry.

Interior Wipe Down:
Use a towel and mild cleaning solution to wipe down the inside of the tent. Focus on areas where dust and dirt tend to collect, like between the mattress and tent base. If the frame or poles are exposed, wipe those down too.

Thorough Drying:
Before reassembling or storing your tent, make sure every component is completely dry. Packing up a damp tent can lead to mildew or mold, so always allow time for full air drying.

Exterior Cleaning Guide

Our acrylic, carbon fiber, and tonneau-grade vinyl surfaces can collect dust, bugs, and debris. Hose them down and gently scrub away any stubborn buildup using a compatible cleaner. Below are recommended products.

For general cleaning and conditioning:
303® Automotive Protectant

For UV Protection:
303® Marine Aerospace Protectant

Even though our products come pre-coated, customers can also apply PPF (paint protection film) to their carbon fiber or acrylic rooftop tents for added scratch resistance and the ultimate UV protection.

Zipper/Latch Maintenance

YKK Zippers:
Keep your tent performing at its best by taking care of the zippers. After each trip, use a soft brush to clean out dirt, dust, and debris from the zipper teeth.

Then apply a zipper lubricant to keep it running smooth and prevent premature wear. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your gear and ensures hassle-free use in the field.

Billet Aluminum Latches:
Keep your aluminum latches working smoothly by keeping them clean and using the right lubricant. Because of the tight tolerances, even small debris can cause binding.

After cleaning, apply a dry lubricant—like PTFE or graphite spray—to reduce friction without attracting dust. Avoid grease-based products like WD-40, which can cause gunk buildup and impact performance.

Ladder Maintenance

Don’t forget about the ladder. Wipe down your telescopic ladder after each trip to remove dirt, dust, and moisture.

For smooth operation, keep the sliding sections clean and dry—avoid using grease-based lubricants like WD-40, as they can attract debris.

Instead, use a dry silicone spray to keep the telescoping action smooth without buildup. Always ensure it’s fully dry before collapsing to avoid internal moisture or grit getting trapped.

Support Pole Maintenance

Don’t overlook the telescopic support pole. Dust, sand, or moisture can get trapped in the sliding sections and affect performance over time.

After each use, wipe it down thoroughly and make sure it's dry before collapsing. For smoother extension and retraction, apply a light coat of dry silicone spray—this helps maintain function without attracting dirt or grime.

Checking and Replacing Hardware

Over time, some hardware may wear down or loosen. Make it a habit to inspect your tent’s mounting brackets, bolts, and screws. Tighten any loose components, and replace worn parts as needed. If you're in need of specific replacement parts, visit our Spare Parts Section.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about maintaining or caring for your rooftop tent, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team. We’re here to help you get the most out of your rooftop camping experience.

Shop Now & Adventure Confidently

At Inspired Overland, our values drive every product we create and every adventure we inspire. We are committed to delivering innovative, durable, and affordable gear that helps you explore with confidence, knowing you’re backed by a brand that shares your passion for adventure.