Truck bed tents are a really nifty idea, but they are something you don't see all that often in most campgrounds. These are a great option for anyone who likes the idea of using their pickup for camping, but still wants the same protection from the elements offered by a traditional ground tent. In this article, we will explore 8 different truck bed tents and all they have to offer. Hopefully, you will find the perfect tent for your truck as you read through our list.
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Napier's Backroadz tent comes in 5 sizes, but the product pictured here is fit for a full-size, regular bed (6.4 to 6.7 feet long). If that is not the right size for your truck, check out the sizing chart in the product description to find one that works for you.
The manufacturer claims that setup is relatively easy, taking just 10 minutes in total. After it's all set up, this tent offers many handy features, including a full rainfly to keep you protected from the elements. There is also a gear loft, lantern holder, a fully seamed floor, and two large windows for your convenience.
There we have it - lots of good reasons to consider the Napier Backroadz. Plus, there is one more: Napier partners with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every tent sold.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Napier Sportz Truck Tent
Offered in six different sizes, the Napier Sportz truck tent should fit just about any truck bed ranging from 5.5 to 8 feet in length. And with over 5'7" of headroom, this tent will feel nice and spacious once it is set up.
This tent also features 3 large windows and two vents to keep out condensation and let in some air. If you plan on spending much time inside of your tent aside from sleeping, those windows are an incredibly nice feature.
The SportZ truck tent includes a rear access panel that allows you to easily access the interior of your truck - so much handier than getting out of the tent and walking around to the cab! A 4' by 4' awning attaches to the front of the tent create some shade in your campsite.
Click here to see more on Auto Anything.
Guide Gear Truck Tent
Guide Gear makes a great budget-friendly truck tent that fits most full-size truck beds between 63 and 81 inches in length.
The low price of this Guide Gear product doesn't mean you have to sacrifice much. And the reviews are generally very positive, with most owners surprised by the quality of this affordable product.
This tent comes with a full rainfly, mesh windows, and even a polyurethane carrying bag. Once inside, this tent provides two gear storage pockets so your stuff isn't just rattling around back there.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Napier Sportz Avalanche Truck Tent
Two large mesh windows and 2 ceiling vents allow great airflow. A large awning provides some extra shade for those hot, sunny days.
If you forget anything inside the truck, a large access door allows you to reach inside the rear window. This tent is fully enclosed, so you will have the most protection from the elements.
Click here to see more on campingworld.
Rightline Gear Truck Tents
Rightline claims that this truck tent is the most spacious of any truck bed tent on the market. This claim is hard to verify, but the lack of a floor might help create some more space.
Of course, not having a floor makes setup a breeze as well. Unfortunately, it also means less protection against the moisture, dirt, and the cold air coming from your truck bed. The rainfly will keep you protected from any inclement weather, however, so you should still be warm and dry inside this tent.
This is a great option for anyone who doesn't care about being a little exposed to the elements and just wants a quick and simple canopy over their truck bed. Plus, it also offers a unique sky view vent to allow you to enjoy the night sky from inside your tent.
Click here to see more on cabelas.com.
Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
Here we have another floorless model. Kodiak uses a heavy-duty cotton duck canvas construction to create a very rugged, long-lasting tent. Steel poles also help this tent stand up to just about any sort of weather you might encounter. Of course, with all of that heavy-duty construction, this tent will likely be one of the heaviest on the market.
Designed to be used with the tailgate down, this Kodiak tend maximizes interior space. The ceilings are measured at 5 feet high, which is not as high as some other models. A cab access window provides an easy way to reach any gear you left inside the truck.
Click here to see more on cabelas.com.
Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent
At just 10 pounds, the Compact Guide Gear tent is about as easy as it gets to tote around. Of course, the compact size also means you will have less space inside once set up. But this small tent will still fit in most full-size truck beds measuring 72 to 74 inches in length.
It might be small and affordable, but this tent has plenty of features to appeal to comfort-minded campers. Mesh windows provide excellent airflow and the chance to appreciate the campsite view. A polyethelene flooring and full rainfly ensure no muck or moisture seeps into your home away from home.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Rightline Gear SUV Tent
Okay, so far we have focused on tents that fit into your truck bed, but this last tent will work for anyone whose "truck" is actually an SUV. It's the Rightline Gear SUV tent. Of course, that means it functions a little differently.
This tent sits on the ground and allows you to sleep in your cargo area and/or inside the tent. It takes your SUV's interior and essentially doubles or triples the available space. Rightline claims that up to four adults can sleep inside the tent, and many owners enjoy this setup for camping with kids.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Pickup Truck Tent Campers FAQ
Why Do People Choose to Truck Tent?
Reading reviews online, it's clear that many truck tent owners love their product. They find these tents handy and much cheaper than a rooftop tent.
Here are some of the advantage of a truck bed tent versus a standard ground tent:
Being inside the bed keeps your sleeping platform level - no bumps or rocks to deal with.
If the ground is wet or snowy, you will stay drier and warmer than if you were sleeping on the ground.
Being inside the bed provides some protection against small animals or insects.
Strapping one of these tents onto your truck bed makes it very secure even in high winds, and the strap system is much easier to set up than guy wires on a traditional tent.
Can You Drive with a Truck Bed Tent?
Unfortunately, no manufacturer advises driving while your tent is set up. These products are not made to withstand this kind of use and because doing so may result in damage to the tent, your vehicle, or injury to any bystanders, you should never drive while the tent is up.
How Do You Set Up a Truck Bed Tent?
Each tent comes with its own specific set of instructions, but most follow a similar setup process. If you are wondering what setup usually looks like, here are some of the basics of setting up a truck tent:
- Lower your tailgate and lay your tent out inside the bed.
- Attach the side straps loosely to the bottom outside edges of your truck bed, then lace the tailgate straps around the tailgate.
- Extend your tent poles, then insert through the pole sleeves.
- Tighten the side straps.
- Add and attach rainfly (if necessary).
What Size Mattress Fits in a Truck Bed?
Because truck tents fit inside your truck bed, any mattress that fits inside your bed will fit in the tent. So to truly find out, you will want to measure your truck bed's dimensions and see which mattress size will fit inside. Keep in mind that it will need to fit between the wheel wells.
Here are the most common mattress sizes people use for their truck beds:
Full: 54" x 74"
Full XL: 54" x 80"
Queen: 60" x 80"
If you need to purchase a new air mattress anyway, you might consider a dedicated truck bed mattress. Most of these, such as this AirBedz model (Amazon Link), mold around and over the wheel wells to really maximize the space in your bed:
Go camping with your truck!
We hope this list helped you choose the best camping tent for your truck. Isn't it amazing how many things you can do with a truck? If you enjoy owning one, you may also find these posts interesting -
13+ Pickup Truck Customization Ideas (Some will blow your socks off!)
10 Best Pickup Truck Bed Organizers
Top 10 Bike Racks For Your Pickup Truck
And just in case you're wondering about taking camping in your truck to the next level, maybe you'd consider a truck camper? Soft-sided or hard-sided, these are the ultimate truck camping gear upgrade. Here are some posts to get you started -
What's Living In A Truck Camper Shell Like?
How Much Does A Truck Camper Cost?
8 Small Truck Campers That Take You Camping Where No Trailer Can!