Sleeping on the ground can be very restless if you camp in an area where the earth is full of rocks and other hard materials. Additionally, it allows you keep your tent nearby your vehicle so that you can keep all of your belongings together. Since they can be easily installed and taken down in one convenient area, many people prefer this sort of model if they have a truck bed.
The size of your truck bed allows you to naturally hold more supplies. When it comes to camping, many people probably considered sleeping on the truck bed a time or two before they realized that there is already a thriving truck bed tent market. For your reference, we have compiled the best truck bed tent options so that you can decide if this type of tent is right for you.
BACKROADS SUV TENT
This truck bed tent is great for people who want their tent to last at least one year. Since it comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, it will last you at least this amount of time. Of course, with careful use and maintenance, it can last indefinitely. This is a great option for anybody on the market for the best truck bed tent since it offers a large array of sizes and plenty of ventilation.
Specifications:
- 5’ 5” to 9’ x 9’ sizes.
- Fits two people comfortably.
- Four large windows and door.
- 3-season design.
This truck bed tent comes with a sewn-in floor, which many people prefer. However, if you would rather leave the space of the floor on your truck bed open you are better off getting a floorless model. This product comes with a storage bag, sizes to fit most truck models, and protection from rain.
Pros:
- Full polyester taffecta rain fly and storm flap.
- Sewn-in floor for light cushion.
- Included with storage bag.
- Shock-corded fiberglass poles.
Cons:
- Not for cold winter weather.
- Poles can snap with careless installation.
There are a couple things that you should be aware of before you consider this truck bed tent. First, this isn’t the best model for winter weather. It is only designed for the other three seasons. Lastly, make sure that you take care of the poles when you install them since they can easily snap with rushed installation.
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Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
This is a great truck bed tent for tall people who need some extra headroom. Since the ceiling stretches up to 5 feet, this is one of your best options. The frames are also constructed with steel poles, allowing you to have some extra peace of mind when you are installing and taking down your truck bed tent.
Specifications:
- 5’ to 8’ models.
- Fits two people comfortably.
- Five windows and D-shaped door.
- All-season design.
There are plenty of sizes available for this model to suit truck beds of most sizes and types. It also has plenty of windows and a large door which has extended tailgate ceiling space. There is plenty of ventilation with this tent, and it can be used during all four seasons.
Pros:
- Heavy duty 3/4” steel tube fame.
- The ceiling is 5’ tall.
- Tailgate expands open for extra space.
- Plenty of windows and ventilation.
Cons:
- Won’t work with heavy snow accumulations.
- A little more expensive.
You should be aware that large levels of snow will quickly turn into a problem. Although this model can be effectively used in winter weather it is not going to hold up if the snow starts pouring down hard. It will also require a tad more of an investment than some of the models for the benefit of the extra space and features.
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Rightline Gear 110730 Full-Size Standard Truck Bed
If you don’t want a sewn-in floor to get in the way of your truck bed space, then you might prefer a floorless design like this one. Of course, you can always add in bedding of your own which makes a sewn-in floor simply a hassle to many people. This model also comes with color-coded poles for easy installation, a storage bag, rainfly, and setup guide.
Specifications:
- 5’ to 8’ sizes.
- Fits two people comfortably.
- Floorless design with rainfly.
- Plenty of straps and buckles.
The fabric of this design is water resistant by itself, but you will likely choose to use the included rainfly when the rain strikes. Just remember to keep your things away from the outer edges so that the moisture doesn’t condense into your tent. There are plenty of straps and buckles included with this model, straying away from the pole-heavy design that a typical camping tent uses.
Pros:
- Strong water-resistant fabric.
- Tape sealed seams.
- Color-coded
- Included storage bag.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable if you don’t bring padding.
- Straps and buckles are a tad fragile.
Since this is a floorless design, remember that your truck bed will transfer the cold much quicker than it would with a sewn-in floor. As a result, make sure to bring plenty of padding so that you
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Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent
If you want an affordable truck tent that can be both easily installed and taken down, this should be one of your top options. There is plenty of space for two people to sleep comfortably, a soft sewn-in polyethylene flooring, and included zipper shutters for the windows. Although there aren’t that many windows, there are two large ones for you to view the outdoors from the comfort of your tent.
Specifications:
- 25’ x 6.5’ truck bed tent.
- Fits two people comfortably.
- Two large windows and D-shaped door.
- Sewn-in polyethylene flooring.
Although this truck bed tent doesn’t have any elaborate tailgate openings, extra ceiling space, or other premium features, it is heavily worth considering if you are on a tight budget and simply go out camping once or twice every year or so. Since many people only camp for short-term trips, they are less focused on some of the features which provide little benefit at two or three times the cost.
Pros:
- Zippers for the windows.
- Easy four-pole installation.
- Great for short-term use.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- Ventilation isn’t optimal.
- Weaker parts and stitching.
Whenever you search for an affordable price for just about any product or service, you typically get what you pay for. The same rule should apply here. The ventilation on this truck bed tent isn’t perfect, but can be easily boosted if you keep the windows and/or door cracked open. It is also important that you install this tent with caution and treat it with respect or you could risk tearing it.
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SportZ Truck Tent Blue/Grey
This is probably the best truck bed tent for tall people. The ceiling of this model stretches all the way up to 5.6’. This means you will be able to sit comfortably no matter how tall you are. Many people will even be able to stand up inside this tent, which is a very nice luxury. There are two large mesh windows and a large tailgate entrance door which can prop open.
Specifications:
- 5’ to 8’ sizes.
- Fits two people comfortably.
- Two mesh windows.
- Large entrance door can stay open.
The construction of this truck bed tent is considerably strong and even comes with a set of strap protectors to keep the tent’s straps intact. There is an included storage bag and which can fit the tent easily when you are finished using it. This tent will protect from rain, even on the edges of the truck bed using the included rain fly.
Pros:
- Lots of space for two people.
- Sturdy construction with a large opening.
- 6’ ceiling with plenty of interior space.
- Included storage bag.
Cons:
- Setup requires a learning curve.
- A tad expensive.
The setup of this tent is a tad more complicated than some of the other options due to the precise placements of some of the parts. This includes the rain covers for the sides of the truck bed, the tailgate opening, strap protectors, and so on. It is also a tad more expensive than some of the other best truck bed tent options.
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Best Truck Bed Tent: Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have looked at the 5 best truck bed tent options, let’s now finish by breaking down the information that each potential buyer should be aware of. Although truck bed tents are made to be put on your truck’s bed, they aren’t too much different than what you might already be used to. However, it’s important you know what you’re getting into before you spend your hard-earned cash.
Size of your Truck Bed?
The longer your truck bed is, the more space you can reserve for your tent. Some truck bed tents range up to 9’ in length, which is great for people with this amount of space. However, even if you have a 9’ truck bed you can still secure a smaller truck bed tent without worrying that the wind will blow it away. You can either choose to measure your truck bed and get the largest truck bed tent possible, or simply get your favorite that suits your budget. Either way, you’ll be fine.
Floorless or Sewn-in Floor?
One features you will inevitably choose between is having a floorless model or one that comes with a sewn-in floor. There are potential benefits and setbacks for each of these. For starters, floorless models allow you to save truck bed space, but can also conduct cold easier on metal truck beds. Sewn-in models provide a small amount of “padding,” but can also easily tear and get in the way. They can also easily hold dirt for long periods of time.
Amount of Headroom
If you are a tall person, you will probably like to have plenty of space for your head while you are sitting up. Although you likely won’t be able to stand fully upright, there are models like the SportZ Truck Tent Blue/Grey which comes with elevated ceilings. This one, in particular, stretches up 5.6’ in the air. Just remember that this is a luxury feature which will cost you a tad bit more.
Windows and Ventilation
Windows and ventilation go hand-in-hand. It’s important to keep rain out of the tent, but equally as important to keep fresh air coming in so that you can breathe. For best results, find a truck bed tent which has plenty of windows and includes a rain fly so that you can keep the windows cracked open even if the rain starts pouring.
Installation and Storage
Some truck bed tents only need a few poles to stay upright, others require a more detailed process including straps, buckles, and even strap protectors to be installed in addition to several different rain flies. If you want a simple installation, get a simple model. If you are okay with a learning curve, then you should be fine using trial-and-error to figure out how to install the most elaborate truck bed tents. In any case, you should ensure that your truck bed tent comes with a storage bag so that you can keep all your parts together.
Best Truck Bed Tent: Summary and Our Pick
If you want the best truck bed tent, you should start by taking a look at the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent or the SportZ Truck Tent Blue/Grey since they have plenty of luxury features and a nice amount of headroom. If budget is your top concern, your top option should be the Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent since it has plenty of space for two adults and comes at a very reasonable price.