If you’re in a hurry and want to find out what the best truck tent is, we recommend the Sportz Truck Tent.
I’m going to admit it right off the bat…I love driving. If I could road trip everywhere, I would, but there are things called oceans that get in my way on occasion. Combining my love of driving with my love of camping would be a dream come true, as I’m sure it would be for many of you. Thankfully there’s a solution to this little dilemma, which is why we’ll be looking at some of the best truck tents, so you can get the most out of these two amazing activities.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following truck tents:
- Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent – Best Bang for Your Buck
- Sportz Truck Tent – Best Overall
- Granville Pickup Truck Bed Camping Tent
- Hasika Waterproof Double Layer Truck Tent – Best Multifunctional Tent
- Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
- Rightline Fullsize Truck Tent – Best Floorless Tent
Truck Bed Size
This might sound obvious, but one of the most important things to know before buying a truck tent is…how big is your truck bed? It might be easy to overlook this step, and then find out that the tent you ordered doesn’t fit on your truck! For example, a Tundra bed tent may fit differently than a Silverado bed tent. If you don’t know the dimensions of your bed, grab a tape measure and write it down to reference while shopping around.
Be careful when doing your research as well. Many folks use the terms “tailgate tent” and “truck tent” interchangeably, but they’re quite different. A tailgate tent tends to extend out from your truck bed, so you have a canopy to stand under while you’re grilling for your friends during the game. A truck tent will cover your actual truck bed, so you have shelter from the bugs and elements while you’re sleeping.
Floor vs Floorless
Another important feature to consider is if the tent has a floor or not. Some truck tents are more or less a glorified awning, which will keep the wind and rain out, but aren’t useful for much else. These are actually pretty nice for folks who might have stuff in their bed that they don’t want to move, or for those who just enjoy resting directly on their truck.
Setup is easy, but it won’t provide the same level of insulation as a tent that has a floor. So if you’re looking to go floorless, I would recommend keeping your outings limited to the warmer months. Also bring a good pad to lay down underneath your sleeping bag. This will work to limit the amount of chill that seeps up from the cold truck bed so you can stay comfortable all night, and if you’ve decided to go floorless, it’ll keep you from lying directly on the dirty truck bed.
Seasonality
Speaking of warmer months, you’ll want to nail down what seasons you’re hoping to camp in. Tents are designed for a specific range of temperatures, falling anywhere from a 1 season tent to a 4 season tent. If you plan on camping during the colder seasons at all, it’s worth it to go with a 3 or 4 season tent and use it year round.
Another thing to consider is ventilation. The sides of your bed will block air flow from entering the lower part of your tent, so you’ll want to make sure you have some mesh openings closer to the top. Not only will this help keep you cooler at night when it’s hot out, but it will also work to prevent condensation buildup.
Accessories
Providing shelter is the bare minimum that your tent should be able to do. But if that was all you wanted, you could just buy a cheap tarp, wrap yourself up in it and call it good. The accessories that a tent has to offer should also play a part in your decision making process, for both convenience and comfort. There’s nothing better than having a gear loop to hang a lamp for some light, or a few extra pockets to store your phone or other items.
Rooftop Tents
While they don’t fall within the scope of this article, it feels like a waste to not mention another way to throw a tent on your vehicle. Rooftop tents are typically found on Jeeps, but there are some that are designed to fit various trucks and sedans as well.
As the name implies, these tents are placed on the roof of your car, instead of in a truck bed. Because of this design, it means that even if you don’t have a truck, you’re not necessarily out of luck if you want to camp out in your vehicle. Additionally, they have all the benefits that come with a traditional truck tent, such as the ability to keep you away from wet ground and critters.
The downside, of course, is that you’re literally camping on the roof of your car. This space isn’t easy to get to, and typically requires a ladder to access. It’s also more exposed to the elements (wind especially), but can still be the ideal setup for many campers looking for a unique experience.
Truck Tent Reviews
Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Weight: 8.5 Pounds
- Center Height: 63 Inches
With a large “D” shaped door for easy access, you won’t have any trouble getting into Guide Gear’s full size truck tent. It fits well in most truck makes and models, so if you’ve got a bed, it’ll probably fit (still double check your dimensions though). It does come with a floor, so you will need to clear out any items that you might currently have in your truck bed if you want to set the tent up.
With good water resistance, you can sleep at ease even during a big storm with strong winds and rain. There is no extra window to access your cabin, so if there’s anything you think you’ll want with you during the night, make sure to grab it from inside your truck first. The poles are fiberglass, though, so make sure you don’t use them in the cold or they might splinter and break.
If you like the way that the tent looks and functions but don’t have a truck, I must warn you that you won’t be able to use it on it’s own. The poles rest on the sides of the truck bed, so if you try to pitch it on the ground, you’ll be out of luck.
Pros:
– Large “D” shaped door
– Integrated floor
– Good durability
– Water and wind resistant
Cons:
– No rear access window
– Fiberglass poles
Napier Sportz Truck Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Weight: 23 Pounds
- Center Height: 66 Inches
With 5.6 feet of headroom, the Sportz truck tent is big enough to accommodate any size camper. You can comfortably sleep 2 people, maybe 2 adults and a child if you want to live on the edge a little bit.
The tent does come with plenty of mesh vents for great airflow, so you won’t suffocate during the night when it’s hot out. There’s also a handy opening in the back, so you can easily reach into your truck’s cabin for extra storage space.
If you like being outside of the tent, but don’t want to get too much sun or rain, the tent comes with an awning that you can put up. It secures to the tailgate, so you can set it up anywhere without needing any added guy ropes or other gear.
The tent straps hook under your truck so that the tent doesn’t go flying in the wind. If you’re worried about the straps scratching or damaging your truck in some way, you’ll be happy to know that they come with protectors so you can keep your bed looking spotless.
Pros:
– Comes with an awning
– Tent straps have protectors
– Rear access window
– Plenty of vents for airflow
– Large amount of headroom
Cons:
– Rainfly may be too small
Granville Pickup Truck Bed Camping Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Weight: 12.5 Pounds
- Center Height: N/A
Designed for short bed pickups with a 6.5 footbox, this truck tent can easily fit two tall folks. It comes with an integrated floor, so you can stay dry no matter what’s going on outside. It also helps to keep your sleeping area clean, since you’re not lying next to any dirt or grime that might have accumulated on your truck bed. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to clear out any items that you like to stow away on your bed in order to make room for this tent.
If you’re planning on bringing a lot of things that you’d like to keep close at hand, this truck tent comes with a rear access window. This provides easy access to your truck cabin, and anything that you’d like to keep in there, without having to leave your tent.
The tent is surrounded by mesh windows for ventilation, so you can stay comfortable during the night. If you’d like a little bit more privacy without the hassle of putting on the rainfly, all of the mesh windows do come with separate flaps that zip up to close you off from the outside world.
Pros:
– Integrated floor
– Rear access window
– Windows come with zippered flaps for privacy
– Easy assembly with two people
– Windows on all sides
Cons:
– Instructions are inadequate
– May have an issue with tearing
Hasika Waterproof Double Layer Truck Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Weight: 13 Pounds
- Center Height: 66 Inches
Hasika’s truck tent takes the cake when it comes to the size of its attached awning. Large enough to easily fit a table and chairs, you’ll be able to enjoy lunch outside under the protection of the awning.
The tent is designed to fit trucks with a 6.4 – 6.7 foot bed, and is advertised to be able to sleep up to 3 people. As a rule of thumb, take this to mean 3 smaller people, or 2 adults and a child, unless you want to be packed in there like sardines. The benefit of having a truck tent, though, is that you already know how much sleeping space you’ll have before you even buy the tent.
The tent does come with a rear access window, so you’ll have your snacks and other essentials within arms reach at any given time. There are also two large mesh windows on both sides, so you can keep that air flowing to prevent the tent from getting stagnant.
Pros:
– Rear access window
– Fits up to 3 people
– Large awning
– Good ventilation
Cons:
– Not the most durable tent on the market
– Slightly smaller than advertised
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Taffeta
- Weight: 15 Pounds
- Center Height: N/A
A cozy 2 season tent, the Napier Backroadz truck tent is a great option for fair weather campers. The tent comes with a built-in floor, so you can avoid the dirt and grime that might be on your truck bed, as well as any moisture buildup that can come from a rain shower or humidity.
There are also two large windows on either side of the tent to allow adequate airflow. Each window does have zippers, so you can easily close them up for more privacy, without having to get out and throw the rainfly on.
But honestly, what bumps this tent up from “average” to “worth buying” is the company’s plant a tree policy. For every tent purchased through Backroadz, a new tree will be planted through their partnership with Trees for the Future. If taking care of the environment is important to you (as it is for me) then this is a nice little bonus that may end up swaying your purchasing decision.
Pros:
– Large windows with their own zippers
– Full tent floor
– Gear loft, pocket, and lantern holder
– Full rainfly
– A tree gets planted if you purchase a tent form Backroadz
Cons:
– No rear access panel
Rightline Fullsize Truck Tent
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Weight: 9.25 Pounds
- Center Height: N/A
The Rightline fullsize truck tent is a fantastic option if you’ve got gear in your truck bed that you don’t feel like moving. With a floorless design, all you have to do set the poles up, secure the straps around your truck, and you’re good to go! It’s nice for when you’ve got sleeping arrangements, a cooler, or other items in your bed that you plan on keeping inside the tent during the night. However, remember that you’ll be lying right on the truck bed, so I’d suggest you clean it off thoroughly before setting up.
On the inside, you’ll notice a cute little skylight that allows you to see the stars when you don’t have the rainfly on. When you do have the rainfly on, it does a great job of keeping moisture out, and it’s surprisingly good at preventing condensation buildup. This is likely because of the excellent ventilation created by the two windows on the side as well.
You’ll also find that there are two internal pockets for storage, and a lantern hanging hook. The zippers are even glow in the dark, so you’ll be able to make your way in and out pretty easily for those emergency bathroom visits.
Pros:
– Easy to set up
– Nice skylight
– Great ventilation
– Taped seams and waterproof rainfly
– Plenty of internal storage
Cons:
– A tad difficult to put back into the stuff sack
– Floorless design can be a pro or con depending on how you look at it
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FAQ
How Long Do Truck Tents Last?
As it is with anything, a tent will last for a long time if you take good care of it. However, truck tents have an advantage over normal tents, simply because they don’t rest on the ground. Without being exposed to the sharp rocks and roots found on the earth, the floor of your truck tent won’t experience much abrasion. That being said, a well-made truck tent should last you for several years, if not more than a decade.
What Features Should I look for in a Truck Tent?
You should look for a lot of the same features that you would value in a normal tent. Waterproofing, durability, internal storage, a loop for your lantern, and something that isn’t too difficult to set up.
On the other hand, there are features specific to truck tents that are also worth considering. Do you want a tent with a removable floor (or perhaps one that never had a floor to begin with)? How about an opening in the back of the tent that would allow you to access the cab of your truck?
What Can I Use Instead of a Truck Tent?
If you don’t want to use a truck tent, your options are pretty much limited to ground tents and campers/RVs. It just depends on the style that you prefer, and how much comfort you want to have.
Conclusion
There’s a unique joy that comes from camping out in your own vehicle. The feeling of mobility, the comfort of your own car, and the knowledge that you’re a good 3 feet above any critters can be motivational for some to hit the open road. However, there are a handful of things that you’ll want to be sure of before planning your getaway. What kind of weather will you be experiencing? Do you want a tent with or without a floor? Are there certain features or accessories you’d like to have?
When considering all of these areas, we believe that the Sportz truck tent is the way to go. As a 3 season tent, it can withstand the elements better than many of its competitors and is suitable for anything short of snow and freezing temperatures. The straps that secure the tent to your truck have protectors on them, so they won’t scratch or mark up the body or paint job. It also comes with a rear access panel so you can reach into your cabin at any time, and there are plenty of large, mesh windows for airflow.
Want a tent that gets you off the ground, but aren’t fond of the idea of putting it on your car? Check out our review on tent cots!
