Moisture in the roof tent

Moisture in the roof tent – how to protect your camping bed

The days are getting warmer again and the camping season is drawing ever closer. Camping enthusiasts are gearing up their vans and motorhomes and preparing their vehicles for adventurous road trips through the great outdoors. Camping in a roof tent is particularly popular. Thanks to the quick set-up and folding, campers are particularly flexible when travelling and can spend the night comfortably in different places without having to pitch a tent or carry out a costly conversion in their camper. However, camping in a roof tent also has its disadvantages. On rainy and colder days, moisture quickly collects in the tent, which in the worst case can lead to the formation of mould spores. In our guide, you can find out what causes moisture in the roof tent, how you can best avoid condensation and what you can do if mould stains have already formed inside your roof tent.

Causes of moisture in the roof tent

Moisture forms when warm air meets a cold surface and condenses there. The risk of moisture accumulating in the roof tent is therefore particularly high on rainy days, during cold nights or when there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. However, leaks can also be the cause of moisture in the roof tent. Small holes or open seams allow moisture to penetrate the roof tent from the outside and can make your sleeping pad feel clammy. If you discover damp spots in your roof tent, you should identify the cause as quickly as possible to prevent mould growth.

How to avoid condensation in the roof tent

Moisture in the roof tent is a tiresome topic among campers. Not only do you risk damaging the materials of your tent if moisture builds up, but you also have to accept health risks. Mould can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itchy eyes, coughing, sore throats and breathing difficulties. For this reason, we have summarised a few tips for you on how you can easily prevent moisture in your roof tent.

1. Ventilate regularly

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent damp in your roof tent is to air it regularly. Especially in the morning after waking up, you should open the windows and doors of your roof tent and let fresh air in. By exchanging air, you can reduce the moisture inside the tent and prevent it from settling on your bedding or the walls of your camping bed.

2. No wet clothes in the roof tent

Also, do not leave any wet clothing in the roof tent. Especially in winter, many campers try to dry their ski or snowboard equipment in the roof tent. However, the moisture has no way of escaping and immediately settles on your sleeping pad or the walls of your tent. If possible, try to dry your clothes outside or, for example, in a tumble dryer at your campsite.

3. Dehumidifiers can help

Dehumidifiers can also help to reduce the humidity in the roof tent. You can find these practical camping gadgets in many outdoor speciality shops. If you prefer to save money or don’t have space for additional luggage, it is often enough to simply set up a bowl of cat litter.

4. Dry walls and material

You can recognise a high level of moisture in the roof tent particularly well by the condensation that collects on the walls of your tent. It is best to wipe the visible drops dry immediately with a towel before the moisture can attack the materials of your tent.

5. Mesh mattress base works wonders

Mesh mattress pads are also particularly popular among roof tent holidaymakers. The open-pored 3D mesh fabric is simply placed under the roof tent mattress and creates an air space between it and the floor of the roof tent. This prevents moisture from accumulating under the mattress, which in the worst case can lead to mould growth.

Mould in the roof tent – what you can do

Have you already discovered dark spots on the corners and angles of your roof tent? Then the moisture has probably already reached the point where mould has settled on the materials of your camping bed. But don’t panic – we have a few practical tips on how you can easily deal with mould infestation. Before you start removing mould, you should take personal protective measures. It is best to wear disposable gloves, a protective mask and safety goggles to protect yourself from potentially harmful mould spores. Now mix a solution of water and a mild detergent such as washing-up liquid. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the mould off the affected areas. Make sure you clean the materials thoroughly and remove all visible mould spores. Once you have removed the mould, you should also use a solution of water and bleach (1:10 ratio) or a mould-inhibiting cleaning agent to disinfect the area afterwards and kill any residue. Protective gloves are also mandatory here!

Further tips against moisture in the roof tent and camper

But it’s not just in the roof tent that moisture can collect. There is also a high risk of condensation forming on windows and textiles in the camper itself if you don’t take the right measures. It is therefore best to read our guide on the topic of moisture in motorhomes and learn valuable tips on how to prevent moisture build-up in your camping home. You may also be interested in our article on removing mould in motorhomes.