Rooftop tents work miracles when campers are off-roading or going on extended camping trips. However, all that driving and movement can lead to a lot of dirt and grime buildup, and the tent will take the brunt of it. And, of course, leaving it dirty is not an option. You might be wondering, “Can I go through a car wash with a rooftop tent?” We’ve got the answer.
If you’re thinking about taking your rooftop tent through a carwash, don’t. Most of these tents are built to be incredibly sturdy, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand the rigors of a carwash.
The tents can’t handle the high pressures of a touch-free carwash. The moisture from the wash will likely get past the seams of the tent and cause extensive damage. Additionally, a touch wash can snag at the tent and break something.
Cleaning your tent shouldn’t present much of a problem so long as you do it yourself. As the owner, you know the ramifications of mishandling the tent and know the areas that need to be cleaned the most. Plus, you’ll take better care of the tent.
Remove the tent from the roof of the vehicle and mix detergent and warm water together in a bucket. Next, get two microfiber cloths. One will be to wet and wash the tent, and the other will be to dry it. You will want to pat dry the wet areas as opposed to letting them air dry.
If these areas air dry, they have the potential to rust or build up residue. You don’t need a lot of detergent, either, because too much can leave a dusty residue on the tent.
Gauging the right time to clean the tent depends on the owner. Some clean their tents as soon as they get some from their trips; others will leave the task for another day. Depending on the type of excursion you just embarked on, you may want to clean your aluminum truck bed camper as soon as possible.
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity of these tents. Too much neglect is a quick way to increase damage and potentially force you to buy a new tent sooner rather than later. Here at Super Pacific, Inc., our tents are built to last, especially when you take good care of them.
So, the next time you think about putting your rooftop tent through a carwash, don’t. For more information, visit our website.
