Folding an (OverZone) RTT in the Rain: Problem for Mattress?

[jsmoriss]

I admit, I didn't think about this before buying the tent (an Autohome Overzone), and we've been lucky so far on our short-ish trips: We haven't had to fold-up the tent in the rain (or just after). As I consider the problem, I can't see how the mattress *wouldn't* get wet once the tent is folded and compressed.

I'm thinking maybe I should add a plastic sheet to my kit and lay it over the mattress before folding it? What do *you* guys do when you have to fold-up your RTT in the rain?

Thanks,
js.

 

[LandyAndy]

Hi JS,

Can't really answer your question about the matress as we won't take delivery of our Overzone tent until late April. However, I was wondering if you'd had any issues or any ideas on 'improvements' that can be made to the tent. Do you have the add-on room & if so any pictures of it for the wife to look at.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[Mike S]

If you zip the doors shut prior to folding the tent the water will remain on the 'outside' of the fabric. Just remember to open and sun dry the fabric before storage.

 

[jsmoriss]

If you zip the doors shut prior to folding the tent the water will remain on the 'outside' of the fabric. Just remember to open and sun dry the fabric before storage.

Yup, we always zip the doors. I know the roof canvas is thicker and more waterproof, but the sides will probably get humid/wet, and those sides get tucked in...

However, I was wondering if you'd had any issues or any ideas on 'improvements' that can be made to the tent. Do you have the add-on room & if so any pictures of it for the wife to look at.

We setup the kitchen walls after taking delivery, but haven't needed them while camping yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time though. Here's a pic:

It would be really nice if there'd be an integrated floor -- I'll probably add one later using a wide band of velcro all around to hold it up.

There are two pockets for storage inside, but these are rather small, so we'll probably hang additional pockets from the center support. We've already figured out an elegant design, now my wife just has to sew it.

Oh, something to note... You can/should tuck in the bottom of the screens under the mattress. It took us a few days to figure that out -- we kept looking at the bottom of the screens and asking ourselves why they'd leave them open like that.

Also, I don't know if yours will come with instructions (ours didn't), but the extra bungee and clips are there to add inside the tent - if you want. You can clip the sides to each other, so when you fold the tent, they get pulled in automatically. I haven't used them yet -- we fold up the tent with one person on each side and place/push the material into place manually.

There are two poles that come out to hold the shape around the ladder area. These poles can get jammed easily, so don't push too hard when you're stowing them. You might want to rub them with a bit of silicone spray too.

js.

 

[Lemsteraak]

I have an ancient OverCamp which I've used on several long journeys. This tent uses a similar poly cotton fabric but not as thick as yours in the OverZone. After a long trip to Moab and back, nasty conditions, lots of snow and rain, I was dog tired and unloaded my tent and dumped it in a very damp storage shed near SF Bay. About a week later, when the sun came out, I remembered about the tent and that I put it away wet. I opened the tent thinking it would be really nasty, and it was dry and nice. The only damage I saw was that the plating on the ridgepoles was a little discolored.

I find that in the morning, you scrape off the snow and ice, close the tent up, and throw the cover on as well as you can before your fingers freeze. I would only strap on a couple of the bungies but after about five or ten minutes of driving you can put on the rest easily. The moisture on the roof doesn't seem to make its way into the rest of the tent when it is closed.

Probably the worst conditions for the OverCamp was in the Copper Canyon. It was cold and damp at night and really dusty in the lower elevations. The tent was on a trailer so it was enveloped in that light powdery stuff they have there. I was always afraid that the tent would be a muddy mess when I opened it up for the night. There would be a bit of dust that would settle in but not bad. I found the trick was to zipper up the doors and openings before you close so any stray dust that gets past the travel cover doesn't get into the tent.

On a long trip, I try to air the tent out, weather permitting. The mattress will absorb some condensation so it is a good idea to put it in the sun to air out every couple weeks.

Rich

 

[StumpXJ]

I dont have an Overzone, but I have had to close up my tent several times in the pouring rain, and its not fun. I usually just open the tent up for a few days in my garage to let it dry out. I have not had any problems with mold or smells, just dont like to take the chance. Also, my mattress has a cover that zips off, and I have washed it once just to keep it fresh. I cant say that the inside ever gets wet, but when it pouring down, it certainly gets damp on occasion. Even if only from me being wet, going in and out of it getting it ready to close up.

~ James

 

[LandyAndy]

If you zip the doors shut prior to folding the tent the water will remain on the 'outside' of the fabric. Just remember to open and sun dry the fabric before storage.

Hopefully we'll have a long dry summer

Looking forward to getting my tent in April.... Rene shouid have received the deposit today. Roof rack due for end of March.... :drool:

Can't wait to get out & start exploring... :wings: