12 Best Truck Bed Tents - Buying Guide

12 Best Truck Bed Tents Review and Buying Guide In 2020

Premium Pick

Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent

Best Choice

Napier Backroadz Truck Tent

Best Value

Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

Are you looking for a truck bed camper? Look no further. We’ve chased down the best of the best, carefully examined their merit, and fully vetted the best and worst of each item on this review. If you’re in the market for a truck bed tent, whether for a road trip, casual camping, or even boondocking, this is your new go-to buying guide. Pay close attention to your needs and what each item has to offer. While some will be overkill, others may not provide the support you personally need or want. Check out the FAQ about how to buy the best truck bed tents to learn more about what these products have to offer and what you may want to consider before you make your purchase.

The Best Truck Bed Tent Review

BEST CHOICE: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent

Best Choice

Key features

  • The Napier Backroadz truck tent is one of the few on the market with a full floor. That means it will help to keep you clean, allowing you to avoid the dust and particles that can drift in on a breezy day. Plus, it will keep your truck bed dry and free from exposure to the elements, which also serves as a benefit to you while camping. 
  • It’s designed to have a nearly universal fit, meaning it will work with just about any pickup truck. This includes those trucks that are equipped with a toolbox or bedliner. If you need to make sure, simply check the sizing chart available on the product page. 
  • Even if you don’t plan on camping in the rain, this truck tent has a full rainfly to help provide the ultimate weather protection. This is not only useful for those sudden rainstorms that can roll in, but for morning dew and frost that can build up and sometimes penetrate your space. Having some added protection can be a huge help. 
  • There are a color-coded pole and sleeve assembly, making set-up simple and easy.
  • Lastly, there is a large interior area, providing you with over 5.6-feet of headroom.  

The Backroadz Truck Tent was created with every truck owner in mind while being easy on the wallet. A quick and easy assembly creates the ultimate campsite in the back of your open-bed -pickup. Napier’s exclusive full floor design protects you from the elements while making the tent easy to set-up and secure to your truck. It’s perfect for keeping behind the seat for any unexpected adventures such as camping, tailgating, fishing, or even lounging at the beach.

What we like

We like that this Backroadz truck tent was created as a way to offer the best, comfortable protection to as many truck owners as possible. As far as any truck tent camper goes, universal fit is a huge benefit when deciding what to buy because it’s one less concern. It’s also easy on the wallet and easy to assemble. Plus, it’s easy to keep this item behind your seat for unexpected adventures, whether on your own or with a buddy. Camping, tailgating, fishing, beach-going, and so much more are made possible when you can have access to your boat at any time.

What we don't like

Keep in mind that this is not an all-weather product. The side windows are always open. While the rain fly provides significant protection from rain, once the weather hits near-freezing temperatures, or below, it can become uncomfortable.

Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent

Premium Pick

Key features

  • The Guide Gear full-size truck tent gives new meaning to the term “truck bed.” It can be deployed in minutes in just about any pickup bed. That means you can find fast coverage from a storm or just a comfortable shelter that will keep you and your gear off the ground. 
  • This is made of high-quality construction. 
  • It has outstanding ventilation, which will keep you feeling and smelling fresh. 
  • There are sewn-in polyethylene flooring. 
  • It has the highly sought after interior area with an impressively large 5.25 feet of headroom. 
  • There’s a 190T polyester with 1500mm water-resistant coating to keep your immediate climate dry from the passing storm. 
  • It’s lightweight and easy to set-up with only four shock-corded fiberglass poles, tension straps that anchor to your vehicle, a large D-shaped door, mesh windows, and two convenient storage pockets. It also comes with a full rainfly to keep you totally dry. And there’s a heavy-duty, weather-resistant polyester carrying bag. 
  • Nearly universal fit including fits full-sized -pickups from Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, and more.
  • It comfortably sleeps, two adults. 
  • Footprint: 63″ x 79″l.
  • Center Height: 63″ (5.25′)
  • Weight: 11 lbs.

What we like

We can appreciate the water-resistant finish and the bag that makes it mobile. Being able to bring this truck tent everywhere, means you really do have an adventure at your fingertips.

What we don't like

It’s worth mentioning that the tents are actually a green color, even though the images show that it is navy blue.

Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

Best Value

Key features

  • Very similar to its full-size counterpart, this truck tent can be raised in minutes, giving you a fast, comfortable shelter anytime you need it. 
  • It’s water-resistant. 
  • There’s a large interior area, even though its model is the compact model. There’s a cozy 4.75 feet of headroom. 
  • Fits -pickups from Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota and more, but may fit slightly different from truck-to-truck. 
  • It’s fully enclosed and comes with a rainfly for added protection.  
  • Includes heavy-duty, weather-resistant polyester carrying bag
  • Fits most truck beds 72-74″ with the tailgate down
  • It comfortably sleeps, two adults. 
  • The footprint is 63″ x 74 “l.
  • Center Height: 57 (4.75′)
  • Packed Size: 26″ x 7″ x 7″h.
  • Weight: 10 lbs.

What we like

We love that this truck tent has all the best features of its slightly larger tent counterpart. The only difference is that it is slightly smaller and more compact. Many companies will cut corners when they create a compact version of their favorite product. This isn’t what Guide Gear did with their compact version. The only difference is the weight, the footprint, and the headroom.

What we don't like

Because it fits each truck bed slightly differently, set-up can end up feeling a little different. It’s easy to set up, but if you’re used to setting it up on a particular type of truck bed and then join friends on a campout and end up using a different truck bed, you may feel disoriented at first.

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent

Key features

  • The Kodiak Canvas truck bed tent is made with Hydra-Sheild. It’s a 100% cotton duck canvas that is considered among the best durable, watertight, and breathable of the water-resistant materials. 
  • It has a tunnel-shaped design, which maximizes the interior space at an impressive five-feet tall of headspace. When you take the tailgate down, it expands the usable space. 
  • There’s a sizeable D-shaped door. The top of the line YKK zippers for easy entry without a struggle. 
  • It comes with an easy covered entry. And there are two convenient gear pockets so you and your camping buddy can stay organized and keep important items close at hand. 
  • The Sturdy, 3/4-inch, steel tube frame connects to the clamp-on rails that easily mount on truck bed for a secure fit. 
  • It’s rated as an all-season truck tent, which means you can use it year-round. Although it’s not designed for heavy snow accumulation. 
  • Five windows provide excellent ventilation and openness, including a convenient cab access window.

What we like

Lot’s to love, but our favorite features are that this truck bed tent is rated for all-seasons and ready for year-round adventures.

What we don't like

This is an easy-to-assemble truck tent camper but can be confusing the first time because the directions are typically difficult to understand.

SportZ Truck Tent Blue/Grey

Key features

  • The SportZ truck tent is roomy. It sleeps two adults and has an impressive headroom that’s 5.6-feet. 
  • This is the only truck tent on the market with a sewn floor. 
  • There’s a large rear access panel that allows you to access the truck’s cab for additional storage. 
  • The entrance door, two mesh windows, and side vents all allow for exceptional ventilation. 
  • There’s no need for guide ropes with this product. The four-by-four shade awning secures to the tailgate, which allows it to be set-up anywhere.
  • There are color-coded pole and sleeve system allows for fast, easy, simple set-up. 
  • It includes a set of strap protectors to provide your truck with added protection against the tent’s straps. 
  • And there’s an expandable carrying bag for easy storage of the truck tent, as needed.

What we like

We really like that the SportZ has an impressive headroom space of 5.6-feet. We also like that it is the only truck tent on the market with a sewn floor.

What we don't like

Have a friend there to help with the initial installation and assembly. The first time can be confusing.

Rightline Gear Truck Tents

Key features

  • The Rightline Gear truck tent has a unique floorless design, which cuts down on set-up time and allows for the easy set-up without removing your gear from the truck bed. 
  • It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, allowing you to shop with confidence. Rightline also provides access to their service team, which USA-based and skillfully trained to help with any questions and concerns.
  • There’s quality weatherproof construction including water-resistant fabric with tape-sealed seams that keep you dry. 
  • The tent’s heavy-duty straps and nylon buckles won’t damage your truck’s finish.
  •  There’s a unique skyview vent that allows for more light and impressive views as well as improved ventilation.
  • This truck tent comfortably sleeps, two adults. 
  • It’s easy to install with color-coded poles and pole pockets for quick, easy, simplified set-up.
  • Lastly, this Rightline truck tent comes with a stuff sack with a sewn-in set-up guide.

What we like

We like that you can set this up quickly without ever having to move the gear from your truck bed. Plus, the ventilation mesh at the top of the tent for star-gazing is a great touch. 

What we don't like

It can’t be designed to fit every truck perfectly. Some customers report some gaps where the tent meets the truck, which allows for cold air to get in. Critters, like a small mouse, might also be able to wander in.

Rightline Gear 110907 SUV Tent

Key features

  • Unlike many truck tents, the Rightline Gear 110907 SUV tent can sit as a free-standing tent, rather than one that is limited to the bed of your truck. This makes it a great fit for your SUV and family adventures. 
  • This SUV tent comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, allowing you to shop with confidence. There is also a US-trained customer service team ready to answer questions and concerns. 
  • Because it sits on the ground, this tent comfortably sleeps four adults, rather than the more common specification of two-adults for truck bed tents. 
  • It comes with quality weatherproof construction that includes tape sealed seams. 
  • The universal fit means this can be used with any size SUV, minivan, Jeep Wrangler hard top, wagon, or pickup truck. 
  • This tent is remarkably easy to install. It includes a vehicle sleeve that quickly attaches to the rear of your SUV. 
  • The package includes your tent, rainfly, and a carry bag with a sewn-in set-up guide.

What we like

We like the versatility of this tent because it will fit most trucks and SUVs. We also love that it can fit four adults, compared to the more common two-adults of most truck tents. Finally, we appreciate that it comes with a warranty and customer service.

What we don't like

The tent is a tight fit for the included duffle, making it difficult to repack the tent when your adventure is over. You may want to purchase a larger duffle for faster set-up and take-down.

Napier Outdoors Sportz #84000 5 Person SUV Tent

Key features

  • One of the larger tents we’ve reviewed, the Napier Outdoors Sportz #84000 is perfect for all-family adventures. 
  • This is a 10- by 10-foot tent that sleeps five five-to-six people with ample headroom at seven feet high. It includes a six-foot floorless screen room. 
  • The sleeve attaches to your vehicle so you can convert your cargo space into sleeping space. 
  • If you entirely remove the sleeve, you can use this as a regular tent that doesn’t attach to your vehicle. 
  • It features new steel and fiberglass poles for an easy one-person set-up. 
  • And it also includes an expandable carrying bag for storage.

What we like

We really like that this is a versatile truck tent camper. You can attach it to your vehicle to increase the sleeping room. Or remove the attachment sleeve and use it as a standalone tent.

What we don't like

Because it’s large and meant to fit the entire family, it’s pretty heavy and bulky, making it less than ideal for spontaneous camping trips. It will mostly likely be stored at home and brought with you when you want to use it, rather than being stored in the car.

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent

Key features

  • The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent is made with Hydra-Shield, a 100% cotton duck canvas that is durable, watertight, and breathable. 
  • It is tunnel-shaped to maximize the interior space, including five-foot ceiling height. You can even lower the tailgate to maximize and expand the usable space.  
  • There’s a large D-shaped door with top of the line YKK zippers that won’t stick or fail, even in cold weather. 
  • There’s a covered entry and two convenient gear pockets. 
  • Sturdy, 3/4-inch, steel tube frame connects to the clamp-on rails. Those easily mount onto the truck bed for a secure fit.
  • This is rated for all-season, year-round use, but not designed for heavy snow accumulations
  • Finally, there are five windows to provide excellent ventilation and openness, including a cab access window

What we like

We can appreciate that this has a five-foot ceiling and that it’s rated for all-season, year-round use. We also like that there are five windows, a feature often lacking in other truck tents.

What we don't like

First-time set-up is often reported as difficult, so plan on doing this when you have time, and preferably when you have someone there to help out.

Napier Outdoors Sportz #99949 Truck Tent

Key features

  • The Napier Outdoors Sportz #99949 is perfect for a truck bed tent that sleeps two adults comfortably. 
  • There’s overhead room of 5.5-feet. 
  • It features a sewn-in floor. 
  • There are color-coded, shock-corded fiberglass poles for a fast and easy set-up.
  • There’s one large entrance door, and one rear access door lets you enter the truck’s cab through the tent.
  • You can also use the six- by six-foot awning, which extends off the tailgate creating plenty of shade.
  • Plus, it includes two interior pockets and a gear loft, as well as a carry bag for storage.

What we like

We like the 5.5-feet of headroom and the sewn-in floor. It’s a thoughtful design. We also really like the 6-foot awning.

What we don't like

First-time set-up tends to be a problem for many. There’s also consistent reports that there are some loose threads. Consider cleaning these up with scissors or tape. When customers tried to melt them, they cause irreparable damage to the mesh doors.

Napier Outdoors Sportz Camo Truck Tent

Key features

  • The Napier Outdoors Sportz Camo truck tent features tent sides that extend over the truck’s bed to help prevent water from running off the tent and into the truck bed. 
  • There’s a four-by-four awning that extends off the tailgate, providing shade and cover, without the need for guide ropes. 
  • It offers spacious comfort for two adults and an impressive 5.5 feet of headroom. 
  • There are dual side vents, two large windows, and a middle divider for maximum ventilation. 
  • There is also a rear door for truck cab access for storage and convenience. 
  • Other features include a full rainfly as well as polyester and nylon taffeta construction.

What we like

This is a surprisingly rugged outdoor tent for adventurers. Our favorite feature is that it is designed to avoid water pooling in the truck bed, which can ruin any adventure. 

What we don't like

While this is designed to be set-up with ease, it can be difficult for one person to set-up by themselves, particularly if it’s windy out.

Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent

Key features

  • The Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan tent is fun for every adventuring family. 
  • Features easy set-up with bungy cords and plastic coated hooks that attach to the vehicle’s underframe. 
  • The outdoor panels fold up and tie back for maximum ventilation. Or you can zip tie the bottom corners for privacy. 
  • There’s a convenient no-see-um insect screen. It includes an inverted “T” layout on the insect screen and two-way zippers for safe, easy entry into the rear of the vehicle.
  • Nearly universal design means this SUV tent fits: Acura SLX; Chevrolet Lumina, Venture; Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Durango, Caravan, Ram Charger; Ford Odyssey; Infinity QX4; Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee; Lexus LX and RX; Lincoln Navigator; Mazda Kiva, MPV, Navajo; Mercedes Benz ML; Mercury Mountaineer, Villager; Mitsubishi Montero; Nissan Pathfinder; Plymouth Voyager; Oldsmobile Silhouette; Pontiac TranSport, Montana; Toyota 4Runner, RAV4, Sienna; Volkswagen EuroVan; and others.

What we like

We like the insect screen. This is an important feature that not only protects the tent area but is thoughtfully designed to keep the car insect-free as well.

What we don't like

Some customers report that the opening could be bigger to make it easier to have the hatch open and still be able to wrap the bottom of the tent under the bumper. Also, there are some reports of the bungy cords missing the rubber protectors, so some cars ended up with missing paint.

Buying Guide & FAQ for the Best Truck Bed Tent

If you are shopping for the best truck bed tents, this is your best available resource. Truck bed tents can fit couples or families. They can fit SUVs, minivans, and trucks. Some are portable and can be stored behind the seat in your car. Others a bit more bulky but have added features that make them unique and worth a little extra storage trouble. Whatever you choose, select your truck bed tent from this list of the best truck bed tents. 

What to Consider before buying Truck Bed Tents

The best thing you can do is consider how many people it needs to fit, what truck or SUV it needs to fit, and what kind of adventure you want to have. Do you want a window at the top so you can view starts? Is an insect screen important? Or will you need it to not only be water-resistant against morning dew but also be waterproof and sized to your vehicle to keep water from running off your tent roof and into your truck bed. Shop for the best fit for your life and needs, and you’ll end up with the best truck bed tent. 

Why do you need a Truck Tent?

Taking a complete standalone tent isn’t always possible. Many people don’t want to sleep on the ground. They want the convenience of sleeping in their vehicle, but also want the added space and comfort of a truck bed tent. Many truck bed tents also allow you to access the cargo you take with you, instead of having to leave everything in your car while you sleep on the ground in your separate tent. 

Truck Bed Tent FAQ

What is a Truck Bed Tent?

A truck bed tent is a tent that conveniently fits to your truck, SUV, or minivan to allow you to extend the cargo space for added comfort and convenience for camping overnights. 

How can you match the tent to your truck?

Check the specs and manufacturer’s list of compatible cars. Even if the brief specs say it is a universal fit, it is always a good idea to check your specific make and model against the manufacturer’s website or the user guide. 

Do truck tents keep insects out?

Some are designed with insect barriers to help keep insects out. Others are fairly open to the elements. It’s up to you to double-check the specifications and descriptions. 

What are the benefits of using a truck tent?

With a truck bed tent, you can be more adventurous. You are free to spend more time on the road, exploring. And you can be more spontaneous. You and your family, or camping buddy can camp anywhere that you can park, instead of in tent-designated campsites, making your life on the road, or spontaneous overnights much more convenient. 

How do you set up a truck tent?

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. That said, most truck bed tents boast easy set-up. They come with poles, just like regular tents. The best truck bed tents will allow for set-up without guide lines and other hassles. It’s recommended that you bring a friend to help you set-up your truck bed tent for the first time. The first time is almost universally the most difficult because you are getting to know all the pieces, how they fit together, and how to take them down and fit them back into the carrying case. This isn’t something you want to do on the road for the first time because it’s very possible you’ll end up trying to figure out the pieces and set-up hungry, and in the dark, rather than in the comfort of your driveaway.

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