ROOFTOP TENT USER GUIDE

HOW TO PREVENT CONDENSATION

Think it’s a leak? Think again—it’s probably condensation. Here’s how to handle it.

You wake up in your rooftop tent and notice damp walls or a moist patch on the mattress. Your first thought? “My tent must be leaking.” But in most cases, it’s not a leak at all—it’s condensation.

At Fuel Guzzla, our rooftop tents are engineered for tough Australian conditions. We use high-grade waterproof canvas, robust aluminium frame systems, and insulated panels—so genuine leaks are extremely rare. What you’re likely seeing is natural moisture build-up from inside. Here’s why it happens and what you can do about it.

Is It Actually a Leak?

If you’ve found water inside your tent, chances are it’s condensation. Our rooftop tents are constructed with:

• Heavy-duty waterproof canvas
• Reinforced stitching and weather sealing
• Insulated lids and bases
• Taped seams where necessary

Waterproof materials do a great job of keeping rain out—but they can also trap moisture in if ventilation is poor. That’s how condensation forms.

How Much Moisture Are We Talking?

Condensation can build up surprisingly fast. Two people in a tent can produce 1 Litre of water through condensation. Even an empty tent depending on temperature and humidity can cause up to 475ML of water

What Causes Condensation in Rooftop Tents?

Condensation forms when warm, humid air inside your tent touches a cooler surface, like the tent walls or ceiling. That warm air turns into liquid, collecting on the fabric and potentially dripping down onto bedding.

Common causes include:

• Closed vents or limited airflow
• Cold weather combined with high humidity
• Breathing, sweating, or wet clothing inside
• Camping near rivers, lakes, or the ocean

Do All Rooftop Tents Get Condensation?

Yes—every tent can experience condensation, no matter how well it's built. On cold, still nights or in humid conditions, even premium tents will collect moisture if airflow is restricted.

But My Tent Has an Anti-Condensation Mat...

Anti-condensation mats help—but they’re not a magic fix. Their main role is to allow airflow beneath your mattress and prevent direct heat transfer from your body to the tent base, which can create moisture.

Some Fuel Guzzla tents come with a built-in condensation mat, but we still recommend lifting the mattress between uses or before packing up to ensure everything stays dry.

5 Smart Ways to Reduce Tent Condensation

1. Ventilate—Even When It’s Cold

This is the #1 way to fight condensation. Keep your tent’s vents open to promote airflow. Our rooftop tents are designed with strategically placed vents that allow air to circulate—even in wet or windy weather.

Create cross-ventilation by opening opposite vents or windows. You can leave upper and lower flaps slightly open while keeping the mesh closed to block bugs.

2. Keep Wet Gear Outside

Wet jackets, boots, towels, or dog blankets? Store them under your awning or in your vehicle. Moist items inside the tent quickly release water vapour into the air.

3. Add a Small Fan or Crack a Window

Even a 12V camping fan or slightly unzipped window can help circulate air. Moving air disrupts condensation before it settles on the tent’s surfaces.

4. Camp Away from Water Sources

Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas naturally have higher humidity. Setting up a little farther from water can significantly reduce condensation.

5. Carry a Microfibre Towel

Even with perfect setup, nature can throw curveballs. Keep a quick-dry towel on hand to wipe down any damp areas before packing up. It’s a simple step that keeps your gear cleaner and drier.

6. Bring Humidity Satchels

Humidity satchels, also known as moisture absorbers or desiccant packs, are a simple and effective way to reduce condensation in your rooftop tent. These satchels work by drawing excess moisture from the air, helping to keep the internal environment drier—especially overnight when humidity levels tend to rise. Place a few satchels in corners, under the mattress, or near vents to target areas where condensation typically forms. They’re a low-maintenance solution that complements good ventilation and can be reused or replaced as needed.

Condensation is a normal part of rooftop camping—but it doesn’t have to ruin your experience. With the right setup and ventilation, you can keep your tent dry and comfortable night after night. Fuel Guzzla rooftop tents are built to handle the elements—just give condensation a little less room to work its magic.

HOW TO STORE YOUR ROOFTOP TENT

Keep It Dry, Locked Down & Adventure-Ready

At Fuel Guzzla, we build rooftop tents for the bold—designed to thrive in the wild, not just survive it. But what you do between trips matters just as much as the terrain you tackle. Whether your tent stays bolted to your rig year-round or you’ve taken it off for a breather, proper storage is the secret to keeping it adventure-ready for the long haul.

Here’s how to store your rooftop tent like a pro.

🔧 Still Riding Shotgun on Your Rig? Here's What to Do:

If your tent stays mounted through all seasons, rain or shine, don’t leave it to chance. Regular upkeep = long-term durability.

✅ Close It Bone-Dry, Every Time
No shortcuts here. Always fold away your tent completely dry. Even a little leftover moisture can sneak inside, get trapped, and start brewing mould, mildew, or that dreaded musty smell.

✅ Keep the Canvas Tucked In Tight
Stray fabric hanging out might look harmless—but it can wick water in past the seals. Make sure everything is folded in neatly before clamping it shut to keep things water-tight.

✅ Crack It Open Every Few Weeks

Popping your tent open for 10-15min every other week lets moisture escape and keeps it fresh inside! In damp, rainy or humid conditions your tent should be aired out and dried weekly if required.

🛠 Taking It Off for a While? Store It Like This:

If you’ve pulled your tent off your 4WD between adventures, don’t just drop it in a corner and forget about it. A little prep goes a long way.

✅ Undercover = Gold
A shed, garage, or even a carport is your tent’s best friend. Keeping it out of direct sun, rain, and humidity protects the canvas, seals, and internal components.

🧼 Clean It Before the Break

Before long-term storage, give your tent a solid clean:

• Wipe down all surfaces—canvas, frame, and hinges
• Clear out any dirt, leaves, or sneaky insects
• Let it air-dry completely before sealing it shut

A clean, dry tent won’t just last longer—it’ll be ready to roll when the next trip calls.

🚀 Final Word: It’s More Than Just a Tent. It’s a Mission Capsule.

At Fuel Guzzla, we don’t build rooftop tents to sit in driveways. We build them for red dust, rough tracks, river crossings, and wild nights under the stars. But the time between missions matters. Store it right, and your tent will be locked, loaded, and ready to back you up—no matter where the map leads next.