This article will break down everything you need to know about Rightline’s SUV tent, which offers you the ability to connect your tent to your car.
SUV tents are a fascinating take on how to spend your time outdoors, there is definitely a big market for camping with an SUV that these tents cater to, but traditional campers might be confused as to what makes them so appealing.
This particular brand has produced one of the most popular models of SUV tent on the current market, and with similar models popping up from Napier, KingCamp and other truck brand models, a full review is in need.
We break it all down so you can get a better idea of what the Rightline Gear tent can offer in the face of such competition, let’s get stuck in.
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Rightline Gear SUV Camping Tent – Full Review
Our First Thoughts
Our first thoughts are that this tent can provide you a different way of camping in a shelter that is heavy on convenience and comfort. We think families will get the most use out of this type of setup.
Parents can sleep in the vehicle, the kids go in the tent, and “separate” sleeping quarters afford parents some privacy while allowing them to keep an eye on their kids.
It’s pretty big so you won’t have a problem with fitting tall people or large mattresses and gear inside. While it probably wouldn’t be an ideal winter camping tent, getting 3 seasons of use from it is still pretty good.
Also, the build quality is such that it should return years of use for you. We think it has a lot going for it, and if you have been looking for a tent that can connect to your vehicle, you may have found the perfect one.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
SUV Tent |
Dimensions
8 x 8 feet (64 sq. ft.) |
| Weight
20 lbs. |
Height
7.2 feet |
| Capacity
Tent Sleeps 4, Vehicle Cargo Sleeps 2 |
Price
$289.95 USD |
| Waterproofing
2000mm Coating, Bathtub Floor, Sealed Seams |
Assembly
15-20 Minute Setup Time |
| Pack Size
28” x 19” x 10” |
Warranty
1 Year Against Manufacturer Defects |
Overview of Features
- SUV Tent Connects to Your Vehicle
- Sleep Off the Ground
- Sleeps Up To 6 People
- Waterproof with Sealed Seams
- Can Attach to Multiple Large Vehicles
- Tent Can Be Used as Standalone
- Can Fit Multiple Mattresses
- 2000mm Water Rating
- Easy on the Wheel Arches
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
GOLD QUALITY – A Twist On What A Tent Can Do
Traditional tents are standalone structures that provide shelter in nature, but this one takes it a step further, allowing you to connect to your vehicle to it for a hybrid camping experience.
You might be confused as a newbie as to why people would want to do this, well, these SUV tents have quite a few upsides. By attaching the tent to the back end of your vehicle, you get an extended outdoor shelter that affords you more space.
Simple Clip Overs Secure to the Roof Rack
Those that prefer to fold down backseats of their SUV and sleep in the trunk (or bed of their truck) can do that, rather than sleep on a mattress on the ground
Finally, if you decide to sleep in the tent, you can store all your camping related gear in the vehicle and have quick access to it so you aren’t constantly going in and out of the the shelter when you need something.
SILVER FEATURE – Take Shelter
As is standard on today’s tents, Rightline outfits it with a bunch of waterproofing features to keep you dry at all times. It comes with an optional rain fly that covers the top of the tent, the back window, and also provides awnings over the entry doors. The windows and doors also zip shut to help keep rain out.
Doesn’t Need a Roof Rack Per-Say, a versatile model
The floor is constructed from a durable and water-resistant polyethylene, which keeps ground moisture from seeping through, and its bathtub design helps keep eliminate water, dirt, and debris from entering the tent. The entire structure has a very good 2000mm hydrostatic head rating that allows water to bead off, while sealed seams and zipper covers provide additional protection against leaks.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Nothing Left Out
The last thing you want to find out once you arrive at your campsite is that you’ve forgotten, or misplaced vital tent parts that are needed to securely pitch your tent.
Easily Stowed Away in the Waterproof Bag
Fortunately for you, this tent includes everything you need to get it up and running – the tent, rain fly, stakes, guy lines – and it even comes in its own carry bag. In addition, it also comes with all straps, buckles, and tie downs needed to attach it to your SUV, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
Multi-Vehicle Attachment
While Rightline Gear SUV Tent was created to be used with SUVs, it can also connect to various styles of vehicle – SUVs, trucks, jeeps, and minivans.
The connecting sleeve is designed for a tight fit to the vehicles, as you want to make sure there are no bugs or water entering through cracks.
Fits Neatly Over the Back End
If you are using this tent with a vehicle that isn’t an SUV or similar size, it should still work, but you will have to do some fancy rigging when attaching the sleeve to your car.
Many campers that do this will use bungee cords, magnets (if your car doors are steel), and even painters’ tape, to keep everything nice and tight.
Interiors
Inside you will find a few bells and whistles to make your camping time a bit more enjoyable. Small storage pockets allow you to keep your phone and small essentials nearby, while the ceiling has a hook that can be used to illuminate the tent with a lantern or portable light.
Multiple Areas to Secure the Tent
With the tent hooking up to the car, you can also run electrical items from the car’s battery. This comes in handy when you need to charge your device, or want to use an electrical fan or heater for climate control.
Standalone
People tend to forget that this style of tent can also be used just the same as any traditional model. As easily at it attaches, it can be detached just as fast. If you are at your campsite and need to head out for food, supplies, or tend to an emergency, the connecting sleeve detaches quickly and simply rolls ups.
Instead of having a giant hole on one side of your tent, the sleeve window zips shut, making for clean aesthetics while functionally performing to keep rain and bugs out. As this window is designed to line up with you SUV trunk, you also get about 2 feet of extra bathtub wall protection on this side of the shelter.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
What benefits does an SUV tent have over a traditional pitch tent?
There are a few benefits to SUV tents, with the ability to sleep off the ground being the most attractive. Some people prefer to rest more comfortably in their SUV trunk or truck bed, as opposed to camping on the ground.
Easy access to your camping essentials is another reason people love these tents, so you can have all your gear and supplies under one roof and won’t have to enter and exit the tent endlessly.
Can I use this tent with a hatchback vehicle?
Possibly. There is most likely a way you can rig it up, but you will have to be crafty about it as you need a tight seal. Bungee cords, magnets, and painters’ tape are all things you can use to customize the sleeve attachment.
Will the inside of my car get wet if it rains?
It shouldn’t. The connecting sleeve should fit perfectly over your vehicle and rain will roll off and away from entry points.
Our Final Thoughts
Rightline has constructed a well-performing tent that can connect to multiple large vehicles for a more comfortable camping experience.
One thing we would highly recommend is investing in a 36” x 15” x 15” rolling duffle bag, as the provided carrying case it comes with is such a tight squeeze, there is little hope you will ever get the tent back into it.
But with good craftsmanship, waterproofing, the ability to configure it different ways, and a new slant on camping, you can have a lot of fun using this tent with family and friends.
