Help me decide - big tent problems from winter 'storage'

[chorky]

Since this week has some nice sunny 50 degree days for several days, I decided to open up the tent on Sunday. My worst fears were realized. Longish post - sorry, quite depressed and frustrated.

So, upon opening the tent - it was soaked. Completely drenched to the bone. All of the fabric. The interior had a couple small standing puddles, like 2" in diameter or so. Seeing as I left the mattress up there it was soaked as well. So it is currently sitting open since Sunday, trying to dry out. I have moved the mattress into the house, but I highly doubt the internal foam will actually dry.

The problem is mold. On first inspection, mold growth was just starting on the window screens. But after looking at it closer yesterday, the canvas has mold growth in some spots on the outside and various areas on the inside. I will probably try to clean it with a diluted bleach solution, but I know from experience it is a matter of time until it is trash because once mold starts on canvas/tent fabric, it really cannot be stopped. Plus it's a health hazard.

From day one I was cautiously optimistic of a RTT long term living a climate that has long cold winters, but threw caution to the wind considering nobody really ever seems to talk about winter storage issues. And before anyone says it, I do not have a garage - current market prices put the price to build over 35K and that is if I build it all myself. I also don't have the ability, without difficulty, to reasonably remove it every fall, put it in the basement and then reinstall in the spring. I live here alone, no wife/kids to assist, and coworkers seem irritated enough when I ask for a ride to town to get the JT in the shop if it has to be left overnight. Plus, the whole idea here is to have it set up ready to go all the time. So whatever solution I come up with, it must be essentially a permanent mount.

I dont know what to do. The tent manufacturer has been notified so we'll see what they say - I expect them to say tough luck - for which they will in return get a poor review because I was quiet lenient on several manufacturing flaws that made no real problem, but tent didnt come with features I was 'promised' it had (zippers top and bottom for easy fabric removal in case of repairs are needed - which was one of two features that was the deciding factor on this tent for me. This is a real problem. My entire build revolves around a RTT, so to go another route would be very expensive and likely kill this entire summer for camping.

I am trying to weigh options:

• just get a new tent
  • I have a feeling this is caused by just condensation. A cold winter morning, but day sunshine heating up the black tent shell, causing a 'beer bottle' effect pulling moisture into the warm tent from the outside, condensing on everything. So even a different tent I am sure would have the same problem. I definitely do not want to spend another 2500 bucks to have the same issue.
• try and build a low cost garage
  • A garage would allow me to open it up and air it out as often as desired and wanted, but getting a garage, and then having power run to it - is a long term plan for the house as it will cost a LOT and take several years.
• forget the RTT idea and get a ground tent and cot
  • I really wanted to be off of the ground for night time critters that tend to eat through fabric. Lots of mice in the woods around here and they carry diseases. I also live in big time griz country, although this would be the simplest of options and cut down on probably 130 pounds.
• Go the rout of an all-cab or ovrlnd camper
  • I also don't want to have to redo a bunch of stuff like if I swapped over to an OvrLnd camper. Plus I am already very heavy, so the alu-cab is not an option unless they come up with one lighter than my current setup.
• nix the whole gladiator and look at a JL with Ursa Minor or some other vehicle option
  • This would allow me to ensure the fabric is dry even without a garage since the entire top of the Jeep would then be a tent - but it would require swapping EVERYTHING over from the JT to a JL, and of course the cost, redoing the whole purchase thing, no guarantees I could qualify for a loan at today's rates either.
• nix the whole Jeep thing and look at a power wagon with a camper
  • Even more problems and cost than switching to a JL, plus, its not a jeep and although would be comfortable winter camping, would not be able to go on as many small roads to explore unless towing the jeep behind, which presents its own issues.
• use the Gladiator as a standard 'truck' and immediately start building the LJ into the camping/overlanding vehicle
  • I am going to build out the LJ anyway, but it will not be ready this summer at all.

Clearly this is an issue. And I really do not know what to do about it. I am hoping the tent manufacturer will just step up and find a way to get this situation resolved, but the only resolution I can realistically think of is ensuring their tent fabric is fully zippered in for easy removal. Based on new updated photos of their new fabric I dont think that is an option anymore.

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[RudeJeepin]

I would think about using vinegar water vs the bleach. I've had good luck with that on seat belts and carpets in older cars.

 

[chorky]

Good call. I have a bunch of vinegar too.

 

[Hipbilly]

Yeah, I wouldn't sweat it. As a long time camper, and a lazy camp-striker, I can say the mildew (not likely black mold), will come back but you just wipe it down with vinegar once a year after storage and get back to using it.

Its really not going to damage the equipment unless it gets to the point of rot, which takes quite a bit of neglect with synthetic materials.

Regarding condensation, that is water that comes from humid air; the air inside the cover has to have been saturated first, so either way it points to a leak on the (I'm assuming) PVC cover.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Since this week has some nice sunny 50 degree days for several days, I decided to open up the tent on Sunday. My worst fears were realized. Longish post - sorry, quite depressed and frustrated.

So, upon opening the tent - it was soaked. Completely drenched to the bone. All of the fabric. The interior had a couple small standing puddles, like 2" in diameter or so. Seeing as I left the mattress up there it was soaked as well. So it is currently sitting open since Sunday, trying to dry out. I have moved the mattress into the house, but I highly doubt the internal foam will actually dry.

The problem is mold. On first inspection, mold growth was just starting on the window screens. But after looking at it closer yesterday, the canvas has mold growth in some spots on the outside and various areas on the inside. I will probably try to clean it with a diluted bleach solution, but I know from experience it is a matter of time until it is trash because once mold starts on canvas/tent fabric, it really cannot be stopped. Plus it's a health hazard.

From day one I was cautiously optimistic of a RTT long term living a climate that has long cold winters, but threw caution to the wind considering nobody really ever seems to talk about winter storage issues. And before anyone says it, I do not have a garage - current market prices put the price to build over 35K and that is if I build it all myself. I also don't have the ability, without difficulty, to reasonably remove it every fall, put it in the basement and then reinstall in the spring. I live here alone, no wife/kids to assist, and coworkers seem irritated enough when I ask for a ride to town to get the JT in the shop if it has to be left overnight. Plus, the whole idea here is to have it set up ready to go all the time. So whatever solution I come up with, it must be essentially a permanent mount.

I dont know what to do. The tent manufacturer has been notified so we'll see what they say - I expect them to say tough luck - for which they will in return get a poor review because I was quiet lenient on several manufacturing flaws that made no real problem, but tent didnt come with features I was 'promised' it had (zippers top and bottom for easy fabric removal in case of repairs are needed - which was one of two features that was the deciding factor on this tent for me. This is a real problem. My entire build revolves around a RTT, so to go another route would be very expensive and likely kill this entire summer for camping.

I am trying to weigh options:

• just get a new tent
  • I have a feeling this is caused by just condensation. A cold winter morning, but day sunshine heating up the black tent shell, causing a 'beer bottle' effect pulling moisture into the warm tent from the outside, condensing on everything. So even a different tent I am sure would have the same problem. I definitely do not want to spend another 2500 bucks to have the same issue.
• try and build a low cost garage
  • A garage would allow me to open it up and air it out as often as desired and wanted, but getting a garage, and then having power run to it - is a long term plan for the house as it will cost a LOT and take several years.
• forget the RTT idea and get a ground tent and cot
  • I really wanted to be off of the ground for night time critters that tend to eat through fabric. Lots of mice in the woods around here and they carry diseases. I also live in big time griz country, although this would be the simplest of options and cut down on probably 130 pounds.
• Go the rout of an all-cab or ovrlnd camper
  • I also don't want to have to redo a bunch of stuff like if I swapped over to an OvrLnd camper. Plus I am already very heavy, so the alu-cab is not an option unless they come up with one lighter than my current setup.
• nix the whole gladiator and look at a JL with Ursa Minor or some other vehicle option
  • This would allow me to ensure the fabric is dry even without a garage since the entire top of the Jeep would then be a tent - but it would require swapping EVERYTHING over from the JT to a JL, and of course the cost, redoing the whole purchase thing, no guarantees I could qualify for a loan at today's rates either.
• nix the whole Jeep thing and look at a power wagon with a camper
  • Even more problems and cost than switching to a JL, plus, its not a jeep and although would be comfortable winter camping, would not be able to go on as many small roads to explore unless towing the jeep behind, which presents its own issues.
• use the Gladiator as a standard 'truck' and immediately start building the LJ into the camping/overlanding vehicle
  • I am going to build out the LJ anyway, but it will not be ready this summer at all.

Clearly this is an issue. And I really do not know what to do about it. I am hoping the tent manufacturer will just step up and find a way to get this situation resolved, but the only resolution I can realistically think of is ensuring their tent fabric is fully zippered in for easy removal. Based on new updated photos of their new fabric I dont think that is an option anymore.

get a kiddy pool from HD and fill it with vinegar and water or bleach and water. Then de clothe the tent and let it soak in the kiddy pool for a few hours. hang up to dry somewhere with lots of air flow. should get rid of all the mold. as far as storage, go get a cheap shed from HD and make a pad for it. Store the tent in there with the exterior cover off or at least unzipped. also store it standing on its side instead of flat on the ground. hope this helps.

 

[chorky]

Yeah, I wouldn't sweat it. As a long time camper, and a lazy camp-striker, I can say the mildew (not likely black mold), will come back but you just wipe it down with vinegar once a year after storage and get back to using it.

Its really not going to damage the equipment unless it gets to the point of rot, which takes quite a bit of neglect with synthetic materials.

Regarding condensation, that is water that comes from humid air; the air inside the cover has to have been saturated first, so either way it points to a leak on the (I'm assuming) PVC cover.

I looked really hard for a water trail and saw none. It is entirely aluminum with canvas for the tent fabric. No cracks or anything that I saw anywhere either. And I had 3 very large silica packets placed inside it for the purpose of absorbing any moisture in the air. Before I shut it up for the winter, I left the tent open in the hot sun for 3 full days, with a heater in it at night, so theres no way the air in the tent had that much moisture. The seals around it do get compressed, but it's not like it's a fully water tight seal like engine components, so my best guess is water seeped past the seal and condensed from there. The silica packets might have been a mistake as they purposefully pull in water but they are supposed to hold the moisture not let it evaporate. Everyone in my region that I know with a RTT uses them every winter, but they also have a garage for winter storage.

I really don't want to have to be dealing with mold/mildew every year though. I have some pretty major health issues and I dont need to stress my body any more with something that I know can be avoided. If the fabric could easily be zippered off and then back on in the spring, that would be a solution, but I dont think that will be an option unless I find a way to disassemble the tent and take it to a sewing shop. This year might be ok, but unless I can resolve the situation I will ultimately have to sell the tent for another option no matter what. Mold/mildew is one thing I just dont want to be dealing with on a recurring basis.

pool for a few hours. hang up to dry somewhere with lots of air flow. should get rid of all the mold. as far as storage, go get a cheap shed from HD and make a pad for it. Store the tent in there with the exterior cover off or at least unzipped. also store it standing on its side instead of flat on the g

Yeah I dont even know how to get the fabric off though. I think the whole tent base has to be disassembled, drill out rivets, and pull everything apart. The major selling point for me was it was supposed to have zippers on top and bottom for easy fabric removal - that obviously didn't happen. I would have to remove the tent, and fully disassemble it to get the fabric off and I have no clue if thats realistically even an option. but as for the storage, remember, I'm solo. All by my lonesome. Taking it on and off every year defeats the entire purpose of it in the first place. I just can't realistically do that unless I had a garage with a pulley system. Even then with how it is mounted to the canopy it requires a minimum of 2 people for removal. Granted it will have to come off anyway for this situation, but I need a long term solution that does not require that until I have the ability to get a garage built and find a way to make a quick release bolting system.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I looked really hard for a water trail and saw none. It is entirely aluminum with canvas for the tent fabric. No cracks or anything that I saw anywhere either. And I had 3 very large silica packets placed inside it for the purpose of absorbing any moisture in the air. Before I shut it up for the winter, I left the tent open in the hot sun for 3 full days, with a heater in it at night, so theres no way the air in the tent had that much moisture. The seals around it do get compressed, but it's not like it's a fully water tight seal like engine components, so my best guess is water seeped past the seal and condensed from there. The silica packets might have been a mistake as they purposefully pull in water but they are supposed to hold the moisture not let it evaporate. Everyone in my region that I know with a RTT uses them every winter, but they also have a garage for winter storage.

I really don't want to have to be dealing with mold/mildew every year though. I have some pretty major health issues and I dont need to stress my body any more with something that I know can be avoided. If the fabric could easily be zippered off and then back on in the spring, that would be a solution, but I dont think that will be an option unless I find a way to disassemble the tent and take it to a sewing shop. This year might be ok, but unless I can resolve the situation I will ultimately have to sell the tent for another option no matter what. Mold/mildew is one thing I just dont want to be dealing with on a recurring basis.



Yeah I dont even know how to get the fabric off though. I think the whole tent base has to be disassembled, drill out rivets, and pull everything apart. The major selling point for me was it was supposed to have zippers on top and bottom for easy fabric removal - that obviously didn't happen. I would have to remove the tent, and fully disassemble it to get the fabric off and I have no clue if thats realistically even an option. but as for the storage, remember, I'm solo. All by my lonesome. Taking it on and off every year defeats the entire purpose of it in the first place. I just can't realistically do that unless I had a garage with a pulley system. Even then with how it is mounted to the canopy it requires a minimum of 2 people for removal. Granted it will have to come off anyway for this situation, but I need a long term solution that does not require that until I have the ability to get a garage built and find a way to make a quick release bolting system.

What tent u running?

 

[jeventures]

Maybe find a used GFC Superlight so you can bring it indoors easily in the winter.

 

[chorky]

What tent u running?

nimbus-hardshell-roof-top-tent

I got it last year on sale with a veteran discount for just over 2K. Prices have definitely gone up since then so that is a factor as well. But this situation is daunting and I have a feeling any tent will do the same through winter.

Maybe find a used GFC Superlight so you can bring it indoors easily in the winter.

I was thinking about that possibly. Or even one of these
https://inspiredoverland.com/product-category/roof-top-tents/
But it will still require at least 2 people to remove and reinstall.

 

[kevman65]

First things first, depending on it's age, contact manufacturer about a warranty claim.

Second, if the first option isn't viable, contact your insurance company about a claim.

Lastly, you don't want to use that one, period. Even if you get it dried out, the spores are in there, you're breathing them in.

 

[PuddleJumper]

nimbus-hardshell-roof-top-tent

I got it last year on sale with a veteran discount for just over 2K. Prices have definitely gone up since then so that is a factor as well. But this situation is daunting and I have a feeling any tent will do the same through winter.




I was thinking about that possibly. Or even one of these
https://inspiredoverland.com/product-category/roof-top-tents/
But it will still require at least 2 people to remove and reinstall.

WTH?! my buddy has the exact same one. We snow wheel and get hella rain. It has never leaked either. it lives outside 24/7. I think you may have a bad seal.

 

[chorky]

First things first, depending on it's age, contact manufacturer about a warranty claim.

Second, if the first option isn't viable, contact your insurance company about a claim.

Lastly, you don't want to use that one, period. Even if you get it dried out, the spores are in there, you're breathing them in.

I already sent them a message, waiting to hear back. Probably wont get a response until later this week.

My insurance will not cover it unless it is damage from theft or an accident. Even then I think they only cover like 1500 bucks in 'accesssories'. Insurance is a joke these days.

Your right, ultimately I dont want it at this point unless I can get the fabric replaced and have a way to easily remove and/or replace again in the future. I would be willing to consider that if I could guarantee it would work, but I have a feeling that then the mold/mildew will just start growing on the aluminum - which would be much easier to clean. Ultimately, it is looking like a RTT option is not going to work for me until I can get a garage. Which seriously compromises my entire build. I will probably have no choice but to use it this summer, or get a ground tent and cot and hope that works. But this brings about some MAJOR considerations with the whole Gladiator and plan for easy camping/exploring situation entirely.

WTH?! my buddy has the exact same one. We snow wheel and get hella rain. It has never leaked either. it lives outside 24/7. I think you may have a bad seal.

Yeah maybe I have no clue. I have suspicions on what caused this but I'm not certain. Living in it 24/7 is way different than closing it up and letting it sit on the roof for 9 months. I think if I had lived in mine I would have not experienced this or would at least have ample opportunities to dry it out. I am not totally convinced it is just a seal. Although I am sure mine is not as good as it should be, but I really think a lot of this is simple condensation over 9 months of sitting closed up. But, I dont really want to risk another 2500 bucks on a different tent only to have the same problem. I would need guarantees, or free replacement, or something. That's just too much money to gamble on, and with this current situation I am feeling like I have wasted an entire year of 'building' the JT for something I really wont be able to use it for now. At least not as intended.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Yeah maybe I have no clue. I have suspicions on what caused this but I'm not certain. Living in it 24/7 is way different than closing it up and letting it sit on the roof for 9 months. I think if I had lived in mine I would have not experienced this or would at least have ample opportunities to dry it out. I am not totally convinced it is just a seal. Although I am sure mine is not as good as it should be, but I really think a lot of this is simple condensation over 9 months of sitting closed up. But, I dont really want to risk another 2500 bucks on a different tent only to have the same problem. I would need guarantees, or free replacement, or something. That's just too much money to gamble on, and with this current situation I am feeling like I have wasted an entire year of 'building' the JT for something I really wont be able to use it for now. At least not as intended.

Thats the kicker. That buddy just had a kid, he's been down for months and that tent just sat under a tree on gravel for most of the winter. we just put it on a week ago and it was bone dry inside.

 

[chorky]

Thats the kicker. That buddy just had a kid, he's been down for months and that tent just sat under a tree on gravel for most of the winter. we just put it on a week ago and it was bone dry inside.

That's interesting. No moisture at all inside? Nothing? With it under the tree did it get hit by sun during the day that would heat up the aluminum structure a lot? Thats how condensation would form.

Maybe I can use this comment of yours to push for a warranty replacement. I honestly dont expect anything from them just based on the last couple conversations I had 6 months ago. My experience is most companies these days just tell you to deal with it and tough luck.

 

[PuddleJumper]

That's interesting. No moisture at all inside? Nothing? With it under the tree did it get hit by sun during the day that would heat up the aluminum structure a lot? Thats how condensation would form.

Maybe I can use this comment of yours to push for a warranty replacement. I honestly dont expect anything from them just based on the last couple conversations I had 6 months ago. My experience is most companies these days just tell you to deal with it and tough luck.

He lives in flat delaware. It got all the sun, rain, tree and bird dropping, salt, snow, ice, mud. Still bone dry on the inside.

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