Best way to store a large tent?

[AndyD]

Just got a large family dome tent and was wondering what the best way of storing it is please?
I've heard that modern tents can be left rolled up in the bag,that would suit me as we have no space,apart from the garage!

If I stored it in the garage,would it be ok in some sort of plastic container with a lid,I'm thinking along the lines of some sort of bin to keep mice and insects out,or would I be better without a lid to let the tent 'breathe'?

All help appreciated!

Regards,
Andy

 

[santaman2000]

I usually just leave mine in the storeage bag it comes with but it should be OK either way as long as it's clean & dry before you put it away.

 

[SimonM]

I leave mine in the bag, dry, in the loft.

Never had a problem.

Simon

 

[spiritwalker]

yep mine stays in the pack too but i always air it out after a trip if you only have a garage then fit a line (like a washing line along the rafters) and drape it over that for a few days after a trip failing that if you have space over a washing line or if weather is bad over the banister in the house until it is dry then it can be stored packed with no problem. Its only really sleeping bags that shouldnt be stored packed up they are best left out under the bed and pack em when you need them to keep them well lofted

 

[johnboy]

We just store ours in its bag. Dry and air it out after a trip then put it away in its bag in a dry spot in the garage...

Its been stored like this for this for about 5 years off and on with no signs of milldew or any issues...

HTH

John

 

[AndyD]

Thanks for the replies,it's appreciated!

Had a look, and there's no way it will fit through the loft hatch,so garage it is.
My wife has mentioned that she has noticed evidence of mice in there,so would a sealed plastic container be better,just in case?

Regards,
Andy

 

[789987]

i would imagine there would only be an issue with using an air tight plastic container if the tent had any moisture on it when stored. if youre set on it maybe get some silica bags or something to drop in just in case.

 

[789987]

also - must be some size of tent if you cant get it through a loft hatch when its packed away... you been camping in a bouncy castle?!

 

[AndyD]

It's an 8 berth,only the four of us but we like our space!
Also,the loft hatch is quite small.

Regards,
Andy

 

[Teepee]

I have 2 large canvas frame tents that have been passed down to me, one is well over 70 an the other one 40 years old. They are both stored on a big shelf in the garage (been there for 10 years) and were not showing any mildew signs when I had them out last.

 

[rik_uk3]

Mice = bad for tents, tents make nice nests for rodents, plastic dustbin would be good.

 

[bikething]

I'm with the "put it in the bin" camp . - especially the ones where the side handles clip up to hold the lid on

It's how I store opened 25Kg bags of bird food in the garage - the plastic is too thick for the mice to eat through, and too shiney for them to climb up.

I have lost a bottle of meths that was left on a shelf in there when unknown rodents decided to eat through the bottom of the bottle

 

[ged]

Plastic bins can be attacked by rodents, although most dustbin-sized bins are made of fairly thick material so they're a better deterrent.

I'd look for a metal bin if possible, say a galvanized dustbin. I use a couple for dog food and bird food, they have heavy rubber lids and the rats don't seem to be able to get in.

 

[AndyD]

Thanks for all the suggestions!
What about a wheelie bin,I've heard they're supposed to be rodent proof?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[ged]

...What about a wheelie bin,I've heard they're supposed to be rodent proof?

I'm sure that would be fine, if you have one kicking around, but it would probably be a lot more expensive than a cheap galvanized dustbin.

And don't leave it around for the refuse collection people to empty it for you! I've known that happen when people have used a handy wheelie bin as a container.

 

[AndyD]

A new wheelie bin from the local council is £25,from what I've seen the galvanised ones seem to be around the same price,unless I'm looking in the wrong shops!

Cheers,
Andy

 

[ged]

...unless I'm looking in the wrong shops!

Yup.

http://www.midlandholloware.co.uk/dustbins.html

 

[AndyD]

Definately...

 

[demographic]

Best way to store almost anything large and unwieldy is on someone else's garage...

 

[Lordyosch]

Clean, dry and in the loft for me. We've got a big Outwell plus the trimmings, 60kg all told! Goes up in separate bags...

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