Looking for that perfect reading spot to spend your day? Planning a multi-day camping trip with your best friend? Going on a solo hunting trip? Whatever your purpose is for exploring the great outdoors (and there so are many!), it is always good to know your tent options when you’re planning an outdoor adventure. These days there are loads of choices available to you other than sleeping in a tent on the ground or trying to get comfortable in the backseat of your truck. Truck bed tents are rising in popularity, and with that rise in popularity comes a variety of options so you can find the best one for you.
Features to Consider in Good Truck Bed Tents
Truck Dimensions & Type of Truck Bed Tent
The type of truck you drive will be the most important factor to consider when you research the best truck bed tent for you. You’ll need to know the exact length and width of your truck bed to find the tent that will best suit your needs, whether you want enough space for lounging around during the day or you just need a place to shelter and sleep at night. So don’t forget to bust out that measuring tape or your owner’s manual to find out the exact dimensions of your truck bed. If you own a truck with a hard top, don’t worry: there are truck bed tent options for you too!
Seasons and Weather Conditions
Another important factor to consider is where you plan on traveling and the time of year you want to go on an outdoor adventure. Even if you’re just heading out for a day trip, it’s important to consider the typical weather conditions and seasons in the places you’re planning to visit. All tent types, including truck bed tents, deal with weather differently and are graded on a 1-4 scale. Keep in mind that the cost of the tent will also increase as the tent grade increases.
Ease of Set Up
If you’re completely new to camping, you’ll want to pay close attention to the types of truck bed tents you’re interested in purchasing. The last thing you want is to get to your destination and spend more time setting up your camp than enjoying the outdoor adventures you came to experience in the first place! In cases like these, make sure to look for truck bed tents that are color-coded, have a sleeve system or limit the amount of gear needed to set up the tent securely.
Included Accessories
As you iron out the details for the types of seasons and weather conditions you’ll be travelling through, you’ll also want to consider the extras that come with the truck bed tent. It all depends on the type of experience you’re looking for: some adventurers prefer a little luxury while others prefer to go off the beaten track. Things like insect screens, vents, lantern holders and storage pockets are a few of many tent accessories that you will need to consider as you think in greater detail about the kind of camping experience you’re going for. There’s no wrong way to camp, so just think about what you can and cannot do without for your trip, and let that guide you as you look for the best truck bed tent.
The Best Truck Bed Tents 2020
1. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
This tent is designed to fit most pick-up trucks that are 5.5 – 8.2ft long. Even if you have a built-in tool box in the back of your truck, you should go for the tent size that matches the specifications for the exact length of your truck. The tent will accommodate the built-in tool box, and the tent straps will help secure your tent fully. Just make sure to pad any sharp edges that might catch on your tent!
Notable Features and Accessories
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is made from polyester taffeta with PU coating, giving it excellent weatherproofing and waterproofing qualities. There are two ventilation windows on the sides of the tent with netting so you can let the breeze come through while keeping the bugs out. It comes with a full floor, so you will stay dry if it rains and won’t need to clean the truck bed floor before sleeping at night. This truck bed tent also comes with a full rainfly to give you ultimate weather protection. It has a large interior with over 5.6ft of headroom inside.
Ease of Setup
The tent poles are color-coded and work by sleeve assembly, making setup easy for beginners. Being able to set up quickly and easily means that you’ll have more time to enjoy the outdoors for longer. Additionally, the full floor and tent straps along the outside frame help this tent secure strongly to your truck bed. It also packs up very nicely, so you can easily store it in the backseat of your truck and always be ready for any last-minute travel plans.
What Sets It Apart?
The Napier Backroadz Truck Bed Tent has excellent weather and rain proofing qualities along with a great set up system that secures your tent tightly to your truck. So if you plan on traveling through hard weather, you can be sure that this tent is secure enough to withstand high winds and protect you from heavy rains.
Pros
- Setting up and taking down this tent is easy and can be done solo
- Secure enough to withstand high winds
- Great for all kinds of weather
Cons
- Tent poles may be prone to bending/breaking if not reinforced
2. Rightline Gear SUV Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
Because it sets up on the ground and is a universal-fit with its adjustable cap, this truck bed tent is compatible with all types of sports or off-roading vehicles that have a hard top.
Notable Features and Accessories
The Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a great option for travelers who have trucks with hard tops. Though this tent sets up on the ground, it does provide an extended space for you to store extra gear and to change comfortably with privacy while still allowing you to use the back of your vehicle for sleeping. You can use this tent extension as an extra sleeping space, and with the security of water-resistant fabric with tape sealed seams, you’ll sleep comfortably when it’s raining outside. Its sewn-in bathtub floor can be used without a ground tarp, ensuring that water and bugs stay out. The Rightline Gear SUV tent is family-sized, so it can comfortably sleep up to four adults. Included with the tent is a rainfly and carry bag. The Rightline Gear SUV Tent comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, so if you have any issues with your tent, a US-based team is only a phone call away.
Ease of Set Up
This tent comes as a universal-fit that is able to attach to any size SUV, truck, hard top Jeep Wrangler or minivan with its adjustable cap, making it easy to set up and easy to take down to let it stand freely. Simply remove the tent cap from the back of your vehicle. You won’t have to worry about packing it up every time you want to take a drive around the surrounding area.
What Sets It Apart?
This unique design allows you to have the best of both worlds: you can sleep comfortably in the bed of your truck (or in the back of your SUV) while also enjoying some extra space to sleep other campers or for storage. This tent makes it possible to turn your truck, SUV, minivan or wagon into a spacious camping area for lounging and sleeping.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Great for traveling families and groups
- Can withstand high winds
- Provides ample extended space from your truck bed to the outdoors
Cons
- Careful with the zippers as they can catch easily
- May not be durable enough for extreme weather and/or multiple seasons of camping
3. Smittybilt Overlander Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
Though the design is for hard top Jeep Wrangler drivers looking to do a little more backcountry and off-roading camping, this tent design could easily work for 4×4 trucks that want to get into the backwoods as well. It comes with a dual aluminum track with U-clamps that can be used for universal installation. This tent set up will work best for truck tops that have built-in rooftop racks/rails.
Notable Features and Accessories
The Smittybilt Overlander can sleep 2-3 people and comes with a high-density foam double/full mattress that is fire retardant. It has a heavy duty waterproof top and rain fly, and is tested and proven to withstand heavy rain pressure. There is a built in sunroof and side windows complete with mosquito netting. The Smittybilt comes with interior LED strips and a telescopic ladder that can be set up on the driver or passenger side of your vehicle. It has a mosquito netted sunroof, external storage bags for your shoes, and a power adapter that you can connect to your 12V cigarette lighter/power plug. If this still isn’t enough, you can also opt to purchase the annex for this model which attaches to the rooftop tent and provides an extension on the ground for cooking and changing clothes for a bit more cover and privacy. The Smittybilt Overlander Tent comes with a 1-year warranty for its parts.
Ease of Setup
The tent frame poles are anodized aluminum, making it incredibly durable and secure. It is an easy tent to assemble and take down, and with heavy duty PVC cover, you can be sure that your tent will stay dry and free from UV damage if you have it stored away and strapped in on top of your vehicle.
What Sets It Apart?
If you thought the Rightline Gear Truck Tent had swag, you’d be correct, but the Smittybilt Overlander Tent just might have it beat. Though this tent is made for backcountry campers, it still has amenities galore: high density foam double/full mattress that is flame retardant, heavy duty rainproof top and rainfly, outdoor storage pockets for your shoes, LED strips, a telescopic ladder and so much more! You may have to be flexible in your interpretation of a truck bed tent here, but it does not disappoint.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for parts
- Tent material is durable and waterproof for heavy rainfall
- Great accessories included: LED lights, external storage for shoes, etc.
Cons
- May need to adjust roof rack/rails to effectively secure the tent on the roof
4. Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed is compatible with Ford F Series, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan trucks.
Notable Features and Accessories
The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent is durable, watertight and breathable, making it the perfect tent for those who are looking for something that can withstand all seasons and most weather conditions. You can use this tent year-round, but it is not equipped to deal with heavy snow accumulation. The tent comes with a large door with a covered entry that provides additional shade from the sun. It also comes with two gear pockets for storing necessary items and five windows, providing excellent ventilation. Its tunnel shaped design creates a spacious interior with a 5ft. ceiling height; if you choose to camp with your tailgate down, you can add even more floor space!
Ease of Setup
Its steel tube frame connects easily to the mount on the truck bed with clamp-on rails for a secure fit.
What Sets It Apart?
Not only is the Kodiak Canvas designed to endure most year-round weather conditions, it also creates a seamless connection between the truck bed and the front cab. No need to get out of the tent in the middle of the night if you’ve left something in the cab. Just open the tent window connected to your rear access window, and you’re in!
Pros
- Extremely long-lasting, durable, and structurally sound canvas material
- Keeps campers warm at night in very cold weather
- Ease of access between tent and truck cab
Cons
- May not always be as comfortable to use in hotter weather
- Not fully enclosed, so bugs may be able to get inside
5. Sportz Truck Tent Blue/Gray
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
You can purchase this tent for truck beds ranging in lengths from 5.5ft to 8ft. As long as your truck fits within these lengths, fitting this tent in your truck bed should not be a problem.
Notable Features and Accessories
With over 5.6ft of headroom in its interior, the Sportz Truck Tent Blue/Gray can comfortably sleep two people. Like the Sportz Avalanche Truck Tent III, this one also has a sewn-in floor, so you don’t have to clean out your truck bed every time you want to lay down and rest. Like the Kodiak Canvas and Sportz Avalanche, the Sportz Truck Tent has a large rear access panel that allows you to get in and out of the cab for additional storage space. The large entrance door coupled with two mesh windows and side vents ensures that you will enjoy a comfortable, ventilated interior. It also comes with an expandable carrying bag for storage for those times when you have to pack down in a hurry and need some wiggle room in the packing bag.
Ease of Setup
The Sportz Truck Tent has no need for guide ropes as the color-coded pole and sleeve system allows for fast, easy and secure set up. You still might want to set up with a friend rather than doing it solo. The 4ft x 4ft shade awning secures to the tailgate which means set up is simple and can be done anywhere. However, if you’re a little more on the cautious side, this tent also comes with strap protectors to provide your truck with extra security for windy weather.
What Sets It Apart?
The expandable packing bag provides a much-needed buffer for those times when you have to pack down in a hurry. The Sportz Truck Tent also has an awning that provides ample shade and protection from the elements and secures directly into your tailgate, lessening the need for guide ropes.
Pros
- Has a very roomy interior that you can almost stand up in
- Carrying bag makes it easy to take down and store the tent quickly
- Great ventilation that copes well with hot climates
Cons
- Tent poles are slightly long and may make the first set up a bit challenging
6. Sportz Avalanche III
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
This tent is made specifically for the Chevy Avalanche.
Notable Features and Accessories
The Sportz Avalanche III has 5.5ft of headroom in its interior, making it a cozy sleeping space for two people. There is a patented sewn-in floor so you won’t have to clean the truck bed floor before sleeping, and there is a large entrance door and a rear access door that provides easy access between the tent and the cab. This tent comes with a 6ft x 6ft awning that can extend off the tailgate of your truck and provide you with much-needed shade and protection from the rain. Additionally, on the inside of the tent you can find two pockets for storage and a gear loft for anything you need to keep organized and off of the truck bed floor. And it doesn’t stop there: this truck bed tent also comes with two small windows in the floor of the tent, so you can use the truck bed’s cargo lights to illuminate the interior.
Ease of Set Up
This truck bed tent is easy to set up. With color-coded, shock-corded fiberglass poles, you’ll be able to set up and take down your tent with ease and be able to count on extra security in stormy, windy weather.
What Sets It Apart?
This particular model provides much easier access to the front cab compared to the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent. The back of the tent secures snuggly around your truck’s rear access window, so you won’t need to fuss with zippers. Just go to the back of your tent, slide open the rear access window and you’re in! The Sportz Avalanche III is also equipped with two large “no-see-um” mesh windows which will help you maintain privacy while also enjoying excellent ventilation.
Pros
- Shock-corded, fiberglass poles make set up easy and keeps your tent secure against the elements
- Access to front cab is seamless with a large and snug fit against the rear access window
- No-see-um” mesh windows give you excellent privacy and ventilation
Cons
- Designed specifically for the Chevy Avalanche; may not work for other truck models
7. Guide Gear Full Size/Compact Truck Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
The Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent may fit slightly differently from truck to truck, but it works with most full-sized truck beds that measure anywhere between 79 – 81in in length with the tailgate down. This tent works with most truck types (Nissan, Toyota or GMC). However, how it fits overall may vary from truck to truck. The compact version will fit smaller trucks, and works best with a truck bed that measures between 72 – 74in in length with the tailgate down.
Notable Features and Accessories
The Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent is perfect for first-time truck bed campers. Similar to the Sportz Truck Tent Blue/Gray, this tent is equipped with sewn-in polyethylene flooring, polyester water-resistant coating and a full rainfly. You can be sure to keep nice and dry in this tent. The interior is large with 5.25ft of headroom, and with mesh windows and a large D-shaped door, you’ll have great ventilation. You can also count on having a sense of privacy and protection from invasive insects, as it is fully enclosed. The Guide Gear comes with two interior storage pockets and a weather-resistant carrying bag to keep it protected from the elements when it’s stored away. This truck is also available as a compact version.
Ease of Setup
The material of this tent makes it particularly lightweight and easy to set up with a four-pole system. The poles are shock-corded fiberglass which helps to make your tent setup feel secure. Tension straps are also provided to anchor the tent to your vehicle for extra protection against stormy and windy weather.
What Sets It Apart?
The Guide Gear Full Size Truck tent is great for any camping beginner. The four-pole setup system is easy for anyone to follow, and the lightweight material means that you won’t be struggling to get the tent in place while setting it up. Additionally, it seems to work with almost any model of truck you may own, whether it is a Nissan, Toyota or GMC, though how it fits overall may differ slightly from truck to truck.
Pros
- Easy to set up for beginning campers
- Material makes it great for protection against rain
- Holds up against strong winds
Cons
- Care is needed when tying the tent down as the seams are delicate
- May be best to have additional padding to sleep on (e.g. air mattress, foam mat, etc.)
8. Rightline Gear Truck Tent
Editor’s Rating:
Trucks Compatible with this Tent
The tent works best with truck beds measuring 5 – 8ft in length with the tailgate up.
Notable Features and Accessories
Rightline Gear provides its customers with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can purchase with confidence, knowing that the US-based team can help you with any questions or concerns that arise. This tent comfortably sleeps two and is equipped with water-resistant fabric and tap sealed seams that will keep you dry. There’s a skyview vent that allows for more interior light during the day and provides campers with beautiful views at night while also maintaining excellent ventilation. The Rightline Gear Truck Tent comes with two gear pockets, a lantern hanging hook and glow-in-the dark zipper pulls.
Ease of Setup
The Rightline Gear Truck Tent has a unique floorless design, cutting down on the time needed for you to set it up. You can pitch the tent on your truck without having to remove any gear you’ve stored in your truck bed. Additionally, the heavy-duty straps and nylon buckles won’t damage your truck’s finish. The tent also comes with color-coded poles and pole pockets that make set up super easy.
What Sets It Apart?
This truck bed tent has a bit of swag. The skyview vent makes relaxing in your tent a little more scenic than the rest while providing you with optimal ventilation. The glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls makes it easier to get in and out of the tent at night and the lantern hanging hook makes it easy to set up a lighting system for nights spent inside the tent when you’re not quite ready to go to sleep.
Pros
- Fits two people comfortably
- Has cool features like glow-in-the dark zippers and a skyview vent
- Heavy duty straps/nylon buckles secure the tent without damaging the truck’s finish
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Tent material and tent poles are sensitive to a setup with too much tension
Guide to Buying the Best Truck Bed Tents
Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind
The most important features to keep in mind before purchasing your truck bed tent are your truck’s dimensions, the size of the tent, the types of seasons/weather conditions you’ll be camping in, the ease of setup and the tent’s included accessories. All of this also depends on the camping experience you’re going for. If you need a more comfortable sleeping area and a place to lounge around during the day, you’ll want to go for truck bed tents that have things like built-in floors and awning attachments. If you don’t mind roughing it a bit and want to spend most of your time exploring during the day, a tent that quickly secures to the sides of your truck bed (and just as quickly packs down) would be a more ideal option for you.
Once you know the size of your truck bed and the type of camping you want to do, you’ll be ready to choose the right truck bed tent to best suit your needs. Truck bed tents like the Kodiak Canvas or the Rightline Gear are best for people who want a quicker option for setting up their tent. For campers who want a bit more comfort (and who don’t want to clean out the truck bed every time they want to set up their tent), models for full-size or compact truck beds like the Guide Gear Compact would work better. Of course, if you are in need of a “truck bed tent” that is a little more flexible in where it is set up, models like the Smittybilt Overlander or the Rightline Gear SUV are great options too.
Seasons and Weather Conditions
Before purchasing a truck bed tent, you’ll want to consider the types of seasons and weather conditions you’ll be traveling in. Understanding how tent types are graded will save you a lot of trouble. Here’s a breakdown of tent types on the 1-4 season scale.
1 Season Tent
This is your most basic tent. It often comes without a rainfly and minimal waterproofing (if any). This tent is really only useful for day trips in the summertime, though it can be used in areas with very mild weather, meaning not too hot, not too stormy and not too cold. Experienced campers will not recommend this tent grade because it’s not fit to withstand any type of weather conditions other than mild and sunny.
2 Season Tent
Though slightly better than a Season 1, these are also considered basic tents. They may come with or without a rainfly but still would not handle heavy rainfall or storms much better than a Season 1 tent. Again, seasoned campers would recommend that you go for a 3 or 4 Season tent instead because they handle a wider variety of weather conditions and are more durable for long-term use.
3 Season Tent
These are the most popular tents to buy because they are very durable and can handle a variety of seasons and weather conditions. They do well in rough rainstorms and provide good ventilation, making them great for use in the spring, summer or fall. Some Season 3 tents can even withstand mild winter conditions if campers come prepared with the appropriate sleeping gear and clothing. Nearly all tents in this grade come with a rainfly, helping to maintain comfortable ventilation.
4 Season Tent
These tents are meant to handle all four seasons well and are also very durable for long-term use. However, please keep in mind that this simply means that Season 4 tents are best for harsh winter conditions because they are very good at keeping the warmth in when it’s cold outside. If you plan on camping in weather conditions other than extreme cold, this tent grade may not be the best for you. You can count on sweaty summer nights with this tent grade!
What’s Your Truck Bed Size?
Another important factor to consider is the actual size of your truck bed. Most manufacturers assume that you are measuring your truck bed without including the tailgate, so be sure to measure your space accordingly. If you need some tips on how to measure your truck bed properly, check out this YouTube video that explains how easy it is to do!
I Know My Truck Bed Size…Now What?
Once you know the exact dimensions of your truck bed, it’ll be much easier to choose the best truck bed tent for you. Be sure to read the fine print on the product page for any truck bed tents you are seriously thinking about buying.
Some products will have a drop-down menu for you to choose the tent size that matches the length of your truck (e.g. Sportz Truck Tent Blue/Gray). Others will break the tent sizes down even further for you, depending on whether your truck is compact, mid or full size (e.g. Rightline Gear Truck Tents). There are product pages that will list out the exact truck type(s) that the tent will work best for (e.g. Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent), while others will label the tent as a “universal fit” or rely on you to read the fine print in their FAQ section to figure out whether or not the tent will work for your truck (e.g. Rightline Gear SUV Tent).
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Some practice before your actual travel date will be helpful: you don’t want to have to go back and forth between the instruction manual and your tent after a long day of exploring. One common mistake for first-time campers is not practicing how to set up, take down and pack up the tent. You should practice your tent setup/pack down routine at least once before you travel. It’s even better if you can get two or more practice sessions in.
The Importance of Practicing Your Setup/Pack Down Routine
A great reason you should get some practice in before your trip is that you’ll actually have an opportunity to inspect your tent for any manufacturing damage, and if you purchased a tent with a warranty (like the Rightline Gear Truck Tent or the Smittybilt Overlander Tent), you can call up customer service and sort out any issues from the comfort of your home. But the real reason for getting in some practice is to build muscle memory and confidence in your set up/take down routine. A lot can happen on a camping trip — a flat tire, extra stops to look at beautiful vistas, a herd of buffalo blocking traffic on the road — so, if you show up to your campsite later than expected, you won’t add to the time lost fumbling around with the setup guide!
Your Camping and Travel Needs
When considering which truck bed is right for you, you’ll also want to think about the type of tent you need that will best accommodate the number of people traveling and the adventure/leisure activities you plan on doing. Someone who is traveling solo will have much different needs and expectations than a traveling couple or a family of four.
What Kind of Camping Will You Be Doing?
You’ll also want to think about what type of camping you plan on doing. If you plan on moving from place to place fairly regularly, you’ll want to go with a truck bed tent that is easy to set up and pack down. You’ll also want to consider a truck bed tent with no flooring, so you won’t have to move your camping gear around as frequently during your setup and pack down process. If you plan on hunkering down in one place, you may want to opt for a few “luxury” accessories and features like a built-in awning, flooring, etc. to make your downtime at camp more comfortable.
What Do I Pack for My Trip?
There are loads of truck bed tent options out there for all types of camping, so be sure to be as specific as possible when thinking through your outdoor adventuring needs. Planning a trip for where you’ll mostly be at a campsite with your family versus a trip where you’ll mostly be backcountry camping solo or with a friend will factor in heavily when considering the type of truck bed tent you’ll need and the items you’ll need to pack.
Final Thoughts
Truck beds open up a new dimension for your vehicle. The ability to camp in the back of your truck and make your open-top vehicle into a cozy, warm space that requires minimal extra effort is super-exciting. You can drive into the unknown and be safe and happy in the knowledge that you’ll always have a safe place to sleep either by yourself or with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
