Last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 02:38 pm
As an avid camper, you may utilize your vehicle more than most. Especially if you’re off-roading to get there. However, camping on the ground can get dirty, wet, and uncomfortable… fast. Luckily, truck bed tents are a fantastic middle ground between glamping and roughing it. They keep you warm and dry, give you access to the truck’s electricity, and offer a quick setup. Plus, they keep you safer off the ground. To help you find the ultimate tent for your truck, we’ve rounded up the 5 best trunk tents, plus our 6th place tent.
Truck bed tents are a great way to rough it while remaining comfortable and safe. An ideal tent for your truck bed is seasonally appropriate, durable, easy to use, and compatible with your vehicle.
Our Favorite Tents for Truck Campers Are...
Our adventure to find the best truck bed tents led us to a few options. After comparing these points and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
The Best Overall: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Second Best: Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Bed Tent
Our Favorite Budget Option: Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent
In addition, below are our more detailed reviews on the best truck tents for campers.
Comparison Table of Truck Bed Tents
Here, we placed our five front runners into a table below for quick reference.
As you can see above, truck bed tents come in many different designs and price points. We explain those differences further in the in-depth reviews below.
1. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
First up is our favorite overall. The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is a fantastic two-person option with a well-ventilated, large interior.
Campers love it for its thoughtful fly design. We love it for its storm flaps, gear loft, and easy setup.
Superior Ventilation and Weather Protection
As previously mentioned, the Napier Backroadz features two large, mesh windows for optimal airflow and ventilation.
In addition, it also comes with well-designed storm flaps and a full rainfly to protect you from rain and wind.
Moreover, the Napier’s large interior is spacious, offering ample air flow for multiple campers.
Quick Set Up
You also won’t lose precious camping time setting up with this tent.
The Backroadz comes with color-coded poles and sleeves to make setup easy and efficient.
This is also great when you’re setting up in rainy or cold weather, as it speeds up the process.
Thoughtful Design
Finally, one of the main highlights of the Napier is its fly design, which drains water out of your truck bed.
We just love everything about camping in the Backroadz. Sometimes you can tell when a tent is designed by an outdoorsman. This is certainly the case with this tent.
In addition, there is a pocket designed specifically for stashing gear. As a result, campers won’t have to dig in their packs for easy-to-reach items.
And, the full patented tent floor helps you stay clean and dry in all elements.
Pros and Cons of the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent PROS
Large windows for ventilation
Storm flaps
Easy and quick set up
Efficient water-draining fly design
Gear stash pocket, loft, and lantern loop
Full patented tent floor
Napier plants a tree with every purchase
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent CONS
- May be limited to trunk beds without rails or covers due to the fly design
Who is The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Perfect For?
Overall, the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is a favorite for its quick and easy setup, large windows with storm flaps, and storage. If you’re looking for comfort and efficiency during your road trip or beach camp, the Napier is where it’s at.
2. Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Bed Tent
Next is our runner up, the Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Bed Tent. This tent is great for gazing at the stars in comfort. Additionally, with a floorless design, this tent is erected very quickly.
Plus, a high-quality weatherproof construction will keep your journey dry and fun.
Weatherproof Construction
Firstly, the difference between a good camping trip and an excellent camping trip? Staying dry. Fortunately, in the Rightline, this will be easy due to its fully weatherproof construction.
Plus, it also comes with a separate rain fly to keep rain and excess wind out.
Campers enjoy the reliability of camping under this simple construction. However, as we mention below, the floorless design can allow water to enter from the underside.
Floorless Design
The Rightline has a unique floorless design that makes setup easier. By not having a floor, campers can set up without emptying the truck bed first. This can save you time and effort in unloading and reloading your bed. Furthermore, the Rightline attaches directly to the truck bed sides and tailgate, which maximizes space.
Skyview Window
Finally, one of the best parts about camping is laying under the stars!
And, with the Rightline’s Skyview window, you can fall asleep beneath a clear view of the night.
Of course, extra windows also create a feeling of more interior spaciousness.
Pros and Cons of the Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Bed Tent
Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent PROS
- Weather-resistant materials
- Floorless design for faster setup
- Separate rain fly
- Skyview window to view the stars
- Color-coded poles for easy setup
- 1-year warranty
Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent CONS
- Reviewers mentioned the zippers may be weak and break easily
Who Will Love The Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Bed Tent?
The Rightline Full-Size Truck Bed Tent is ideal for truck campers who desire space and efficient design. Whether your adventure is a road trip or beach camp, all campers will enjoy its quick setup.
3. Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent
An amazing option for the budget-conscious, the Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent is compact, lightweight, and water-resistant. Not only is set up easy, but it also fits a variety of bed lengths.
With the Guide Gear, you can comfortably get on the road for less. Plus, its universal fit means it’s flexible for future trucks.
Compact and Lightweight
The Guide Gear weighs just 11 lbs and comes with only 4 poles for easy setup.
We found this tent to be a great combination of value for the money and ease of use.
Plus, the floor is sewn-in, so you can be dry and ready for sleep in no time.
After all, when you’re in the rain, you don’t want to spend extra time setting up.
Water-Resistant Coating
And, water worries, be gone! Guide Gear’s polyester construction is coated in a water-resistant treatment to repel rain and moisture.
Campers also have an additional layer of protection with the included rainfly.
This also helps keep humidity out, making for a more comfortable sleep and dry gear.
Forgiving Design
Finally, this tent is designed to fit a multitude of truck models.
For instance, the Guide Gear will fit most truck beds between 79-81″ with the tailgate down.
Additionally. some reviewers said that it could even be set up on a shorter bed.
Others have stated it can even work around rails. This suggests the Gear Guide is very forgiving in its design.
Pros and Cons of the Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent
Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent PROS
- Lightweight and comes with a weather-resistant carrying case
- Water-resistant coating
- Large interior headroom
- 2 storage pockets
- Attached floor
- Budget-friendly
Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent CONS
- Some reviewers mentioned weak stitching
Who Will Love The Guide Gear Premium Truck Tent?
The Guide Gear is perfect for campers looking for a spacious, comfortable truck tent on a budget. Moreover, with a fast set up and water-resistant materials, you can be on the road in no time.
4. Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
Another great option is the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent. There’s no doubting the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent can handle the elements.
Made of a unique, sturdy canvas with Hydra-Shield, it’s guaranteed to keep you dry and warm. Take it on your next rugged adventure for maximum comfort.
Hydra-Shield Canvas
Firstly, the Kodiak is made of 100% cotton duck canvas with Hydra-Shield. Not only is this a natural alternative to polyester and nylon, this is unique material is watertight but extremely breathable.
Campers state that the Kodiak is also excellent at sealing out moisture, even in rainy conditions.
If you’ll be experiencing a lot of rain on your adventures, this is a material that can’t be beaten.
5 Windows Offer Great Ventilation
Breath a sigh of relief, this tent features 5 windows for superior ventilation.
As a bonus, the Kodiak also contains a cab access window.
Not only can you reach into the cab to access bags, but this also allows you to charge electronics through the truck window. Say goodbye to sitting inside your truck to charge your phone!
Sturdy and Secure
Finally, the Kodiak’s Hydra-Shield canvas is durable and resistant to the elements.
Not to mention, its frame poles are made of steel. This means it can withstand some testing from cold, wind, and rain.
If you’re also dealing with stormy conditions, the Kodiak can be relied upon to stay put without crumbling.
However, being made of cotton duck, this tent is indeed quite heavy at 41-lbs.
Pros and Cons of the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent PROS
Hydra-Shield cotton duck canvas for breathability
Watertight
Sturdy construction
5 windows for ventilation
Spacious interior
Cab access window
Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent CONS
- Heavy at 41 lbs
- Takes 15-40 minutes to set up
Who Would This Tent be Perfect For?
The Kodiak is for campers who value superior durability or prefer a natural material. For instance, its heavy-duty canvas is superior for moisture control and breathability. Additionally, we feel that with its weight and set up time, this tent is best suited for longer trips.
5. FOFANA Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup
Finally, the FOFANA Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup makes our list with its incredibly fast setup and 360 views. In fact, less set up time equals more time in nature, and FOFANA understands this. The FOFANA Truck Bed Tent features an automatic, popup-style construction for the fastest set up. Plus, it offers a panorama of windows, views, and loads of extras.
Quick and Easy Automatic Setup
FOFANA offers one of the fastest setups of truck bed tents without cutting corners.
For instance, the FOFANA uses an automatic pole structure for quick assembly.
As a result, this gives you more time to relax and enjoy camp, instead of setting and packing up.
Full Views and Large Headspace
It’s true, you can stand up in a FOFANA!
Most campers will fit in its 6 ft of headspace, complete with large panoramic windows.
This means campers can see the entire landscape around the truck. Additionally, this lends to the tent feeling more open and airy.
Because the ventilation is so supreme in this tent, we hesitate to land this tent as #5 on our list.
Universal Fit
Finally, if truck flexibility is a factor, the FOFANA can accommodate.
The FOFANA can fit truck beds of 5.5 ft to 8 ft, making it a universal fit.
Campers especially love this flexibility when waffling between which truck to take on the adventure. Or when considering the additional bed space to be occupied by a portable fridge or hunting and fishing gear.
Pros and Cons of the FOFANA Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup
FOFANA Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup PROS
- Automatic pole structure for the fastest set up
- Lots of headspace at 6 ft
- Universal fit
- Panoramic windows + Skyview
- Window flaps for privacy
- Zippered access port to cab for charging and cables
FOFANA Truck Bed Tent Automatic Setup CONS
- Some campers had issues with material quality, especially in the rain fly.
Who Would This Tent be Perfect For?
The FOFANA is perfect for campers who value beauty and the fastest set up possible. FOFANA delivers stand-up height for ultimate comfort. Plus, panoramic windows also provide landscape lovers with the ultimate view.
6. JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent
If you’re expecting rainy or wet conditions on your trip, meet the JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent.
This truck tent has waterproof construction and all the layers needed for a comfortable camp. Plus, its durable construction makes it ideal for longer, cross-country adventures.
Waterproof Construction
Firstly, waterproofing is a main feature of JoyTutus.
Not only is the top shell coated in PU2000 waterproof coating, but so is the floor.
As a result, this helps avoid rainwater from pooling inside.
Additionally, JoyTutus also includes an extra canopy layer for protection in storms.
Double-Layer Design
Another notable feature for campers is this tents its double-layer design. Even the windows are protected.
The JoyTutus features a double layer, one for shade and privacy, and one as a screen.
Campers will enjoy the 3 large windows for viewing or even hunting.
Extra Vents
Finally, although the JoyTutus is insulated against the rain, it’s also well-ventilated.
Not only does it have a Skyview vent, but campers will also find ample extra vents for more circulation.
In humid climates, this keeps breathability high, and moisture low. We found that it also helps greatly with cool summer nights creating condensation inside your tent.
Pros and Cons of the JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent
JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent PROS
- Waterproof construction with outer canopy
- Easy to set up
- Double-layered windows with shade for privacy
- 4 storage pockets
- Skyview vent
- Packing bag included
- Durable Oxford polyester
JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent CONS
- Poles may be broken easily, but the company states they will send free one-time replacements
Who Would This Tent be Perfect For?
The JoyTutus is perfect for campers who are expecting rainy or wet conditions on their trip. Its waterproof construction and extra protective canopy offer the ultimate water protection. If staying dry, but also ventilated, is the priority, this tent will stand the test of the weather.
What Makes a Great Tent for Truck Bed Camping?
Firstly, several factors should be researched before choosing your truck bed tent. We base our recommendations on a combination of expert market research and personal experience. Before we consider which tent to rely upon on the trail, we consider the following attributes.
- Seasonality: Like all tents, truck bed tents should be considered based on the season in which you’re camping. 3 season tents are great for peak season between late spring and early fall. However, if you’re heading out in winter, consider a 3+ or 4 season tent.
- Bed Compatibility: Some truck tents offer a universal fit with most truck models. It’s important to find a tent that will properly fit and attach to your specific truck.
- Durability: Tents with durable zippers, tough ripstop material, taped seams, and sturdy poles will help you keep your tent for many trips into the future.
- Ventilation: It’s always important to find a tent that is weatherproof but remains breathable so you don’t suffocate in humidity with your sleep mate.
- Ease of Use: As with any tent, it’s ideal to have an easy setup. Many tents on the market are a beast to setup, especially rooftop tents.
- Features: Depending on your needs, there are many extra features that can aid in your comfort. Features such as gear lofts are a game changer.
As you can see, truck bed tents offer so much more than ground tents. For instance they keep you warmer, drier, safer from wildlife, and are more comfortable. So, truly any tent that meets all of the above criteria is a great find. However, more features or tougher materials almost always means a more expensive and heavier tent.
Load Up and Move Out
Truck camping bridges the gap between luxury camping and roughing it. Truck campers have access to the truck’s battery for electricity through the night, they’re kept off the chilly, wet, buggy ground, and are safer from wildlife. And, when you’re ready to hop in your truck and hit the road, they easily hitch to your ride. No more hard ground and wet tents! Not to mention the ease of anchoring a truck bed tent versus driving stakes in the ground.
If you’re researching tents for your truck bed, chances are you’re planning an epic adventure. First of all, that’s awesome! Second, whether you’re a weekend warrior or heading on a multi-week trek, any of our favorite truck tents will serve you well on the journey. So, now you just have to decide whether or not to invest in a portable refrigerator for your trip. We wish you many miles of adventure and laughs. Happy Camping!
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
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