Best Truck Bed Tents

The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent is one of the best truck bed tents on the market. Not only is it profoundly durable but it provides extreme comfort with many features. It comes to no surprise that this model is on Amazon’s choice award for this department.

Fabric – Made of Hydra-Shield, 100% cotton duck canvas which is very breathable, watertight and robust.

Frame – Constructed with high quality tubular steel that’s ¾ inch thick surrounding the structure. It is a perfect fit for a Dodge 250, Tacoma or any vehicle with a 5-6ft truck bed.

The Napier Backroadz offers a variety of features making it the ideal choice for truck tents. It is designed to fit most truck beds, even ones a bed-liner and a toolbox. In addition it is reasonably priced to fit most any budget.

Easy Set Up – Color-coated parts make for a stress-free set up; simple even for one person.

Waterproof – It has an incorporated full-floor and polyester taffeta fabric with an 800mm rating.

Applicable – The Napier Backroadz comes in several models from 5-8 feet to easily fit different beds like Ford, Nissan and Chevy.

#3. SportZ Truck Tent

This SportZ Truck Tent is a very comfortable truck tent that easily sleeps two people with 5.6 feet of headroom. What is more, it offers a sewn in floor tom prevent rain from getting into the truck. If you are pinched for time, no worries; this tent can be assembled in 10 minutes.

Attachable – No guide ropes needed, 4' x 4' shade awning attaches securely to the tailgate. It also includes access to the cab with a large rear access panel.

Extra Protection – Has a set of strap protectors to give your truck added protection against tent straps. Plus it comes with a flexible carrying bag for storage.

The Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent is the perfect choice for anyone who wants see what it’s like to sleep in truck tent. Packed full of numerous features, this tent will have everyone hooked on its comfort and convenience

Waterproof – Compared to other models, this truck tent has better waterproof ratings than Backroadz, at 1500mm. On the other hand, it scores lower than Sportz and Kodiak models.

Inexpensive – The price is right. It fits full-sized trucks such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, GMC and more.

Fabric – The lightweight tent weighs in at 10 pounds. It utilizes 190T polyester material that does not put stress on your trucks paint job. In addition, there are mesh windows for ventilation.

This Hasika Truck Tent is an imported model that has a large array of features worth mentioning. It is a roomy tent that can sleep 2-3 people with more than 5.6 feet of headroom. It also features additional awning that’s provides 5' x 6.5' shade which is enough room for chairs, a table and even the coolers.

Waterproof – This smaller tent packs a punch with a 2000-4000mm waterproof index. In addition, the PU coated polyester window covers have a 3000mm rating.

Buying Guide For The Best truck bed tent

Commonly Asked Questions - Truck Bed Tents

Are truck bed tents worth it?

If you are looking for the perfect entry-level tent, then you might want to consider the idea of purchasing a truck bed tent. This is the perfect kind of tent if you are looking for something that is easy to set up and doesn’t require you to be on the ground. On top of that, they are great to have if you don’t have a camper.

Truck bed tents are often easy to take down as opposed to rooftop tents when the camping trip is finished. Plus, they’re a lot easier to pack up before you move onto your next camping adventure (or if you’re headed home).

Can a truck bed tent be used on the ground?

Short answer: Yes. However, it’s not really the best of ideas. Tent floors are designed to keep your camping equipment dry. Not to mention, setting it up on the ground will be an even difficult challenge since you may need additional equipment to set up. Plus, staking up a truck bed tent will be difficult since you’ll need a clipping system that will try to keep it upright. Of course, it also needs to be compatible with your vehicle as well.

In short, a truck bed tent should not be placed on the ground unless you have the right kind of equipment to do so. You’re better off just setting it on your truck bed and saving yourself the frustration.

How do you measure a truck bed for a tent?

Before you set up a tent, you’re going to need to make some measurements to your truck bed. Of course, measuring the length of the bed will be first and foremost. You’ll need to measure the distance between the insides of the tailgate and the bulkhead. Keep in mind that you may need to round up when finding a tent. That’s because truck manufacturers will tend to round up to the nearest half-foot and do not specify any exact measurements.

For example, if you’re truck bed is measured at 78 inches in length, you might want to consider getting a truck bed tent that will be 7 feet in length. A tent that is measured at 6.5 feet may be a little too short for your truck.

What size air mattress will fit on your truck bed?

This will depend on the measurements. But you can get away with adding a full-sized air mattress to complement your truck bed tent. A full size will be perfect if the measurements are enough to fit it (and prevent any kind of slippage or shifting around). A twin bed may be sufficient in some cases where the truck bed is smaller in size.

Keep in mind that some of the air mattresses will be fitting for certain truck beds depending on the make and model. Some of them are universal and can fit on any truck bed, but others will not work with certain makes and models. These will be explicitly mentioned in the item description when you are simply browsing around online.

Before purchasing an air mattress for your truck bed, be sure to check that it fits the right measurements. Furthermore, you’ll need to consider whether or not if it’s compatible with your truck (based on the make and model).

Can you use a truck bed tent with a Tonneau cover?

If you have a rolled-up Tonneau cover and is measured below six inches in height, then you can install a truck bed tent over the Tonneau cover itself. If it is measured above six inches, then the Tonneau cover will need to be removed. Alternatively, you can choose to place the truck tent up against the tonneau cover to prevent any kind of difficult installation.

What do I need for truck camping?

There are plenty of things that you’ll need to pack for truck camping. Aside from your regular camping equipment like an air mattress, sleeping bag, and the usual camping essentials you’ll need to consider some of your automobile equipment as well. For example, jumper cables and battery chargers are a must. Auto trouble can occur anytime, anywhere especially when you are camping. So it’s important to power your battery and check to see it’s in good working condition before you head out camping in the outdoors.

Of course, don’t forget that you’re going to need some lighting equipment so you can be able to navigate through your truck bed. Since your tent won’t have the appropriate light setup, you’re going to need a flashlight. Alternatively, an LED lantern or something similar will be a sufficient option.

Don’t forget, there is plenty of storage equipment that can come quite in handy. These include but are not limited to toolboxes, backpacks, and coolers. There is no need for overpacking for equipment if you are just camping for the weekends. But it’s also a good idea to consider the amount of space you have in your truck (including the cab area).

How do you transport a mattress in a pickup truck?

It’s important to know the proper way to transport an air mattress or even a regular mattress in a pickup truck whether you are going to the campsite or heading home. If you are using an air mattress, then it’s easy. You’ll need to deflate the bed itself and store it in the bag that it comes with. With a regular mattress, it’s going to be a much more complex situation.

If you are using a regular mattress for camping, then it’s important to take the regular precautions so your mattress doesn’t get damaged even when the weather hits. You’re going to need to cover the bed itself with a tarp. First off, you’re going to need to place the mattress flat on the truck bed.

Next, you’re going to cover the mattress itself with a tarp. You’re going to securely tie the corners so the tarp stays in place and keeps the mattress well covered while you are traveling. Be sure that everything is secure before closing the truck bed. It should already be secure for transport.

What’s the best truck for camping?

There are plenty of options as to which truck is great for camping. It will depend on the make and model of the truck itself. Also, your truck should also have the ability to handle any kind of off-road driving (such as navigating dirt roads or even unpaved land. Trucks like the Ford F150, Subaru Forrester, and the Toyota Tacoma are just a few different examples of how you can go about camping with a truck bed tent.

Keep in mind that some trucks may be more focused on work than play. If you are considering the idea of purchasing a new truck for anything beyond regular driving, it’s important to consider your options. If you are someone who appreciates the outdoors, you’re going to think about whether or not if the truck is actually suitable for any kind of outdoor camping (especially if you plan on using a truck bed tent).

Can you live in a truck camper?

If you are looking to rough it in the outdoors or take the road trip of a lifetime and save yourself from extra cash, living in a truck camper might be a good idea. Especially if you are someone who is considered more of an adventurer than anything else.

Is it legal to sleep in a Walmart parking lot?

If you are unable to find any kind of available camping space, you can consider using a Walmart parking lot at a great place to set up shop for the night. It is completely legal to sleep in a Walmart parking lot. Plus, the parking lots are well-lit and have plenty of security cameras. Not to mention, there are some Walmarts that are open 24 hours a day. This will be a huge advantage since you can utilize the restroom facilities if needed. Plus, if you need a few needed essentials in the middle of the night, then you can just go to the store and grab them no problem.

Some stores that are open 24 hours are usually within a short walking distance of a Walmart parking lot. You can be able to get the essentials you need or use the restroom. Either way, a Walmart parking lot is one of the best places to hit the hay whenever you are using a truck bed tent or even a truck camper.

However, don’t confuse a Walmart parking lot with just any regular campground. There are still rules that will need to be followed. Plus, you’re going to need to clean up after yourself since you are in more of a public, urban space than outside of civilization.

What are some spots to sleep in if you use a truck camper or tent?

If you are miles away from any campsites, you can be able to stay in places where you are able to spend the night without having to shell out a lot of money for a hotel room. Aside from Walmart parking lots, casino parking lots may also be a good place to crash for the night inside your truck camper since they are well-lit and secure.

Another place to consider camping out for the night is rest stops. These are perfect since they have restroom facilities available. On top of that, they have plenty of vending machines if you need a snack or drink. They are well-lit and will usually have staff members on site. You will also have access to a telephone in case of an emergency. However, some rest stops may not look all that comfortable to spend the night. If they appear to be poorly lit and out of the way of civilization, you may want to move on to someplace else.

When considering rest stops, check to see how well-lit it is. Are there any restroom facilities? What else is available? Are there security cameras? The more, the better.

Lastly, federally owned land will also be a great place to set up your “campsite” for the night. So long as you follow the laws and rules depending on where you are, you should be in good shape.

Do you need any kind of special hookups for camping?

If you are using a truck camper, you may need some kind of power connectivity if you need if (assuming you were staying in an RV park or something similar). A small generator or a similar hookup feature will be sufficient if you have an overhead light for your camper. If you are using a truck bed tent, none of those things will be needed since there is no power connection available at all for truck bed tents.

How can you get water for a truck camper?

There are a few ways to supply water to your truck camper. One way to go about doing it is by hooking up a water tank. The tank size will depend on the camper you have hooked to your truck. Another way is by using a water supply that is made available by RV parks. Most of these RV parks and public campgrounds will have a water hookup to where a tank can be optional if you have the right equipment.

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