Ozark Trail is a middle of the road manufacturer that makes a range of well-performing, affordable tents for the average camper. Today we will take a look at their 5 person SUV tent, a model that provides a large outdoor shelter that can be attached to your SUV for hybrid camping.
It’s their first stab at producing an SUV tent and it went deep! A very respectable model that falls within an equally reasonable price zone. The most notable feature is the design, with the front extension creating a unique shape.
Spotting this tent in the crowd is easily done, and one of the reasons it became one of the most popular SUV tents on the market.
Table could not be displayed.
Additionally, it has attractive specs and an even more attractive price tag. We wanted to explore everything it has to offer you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details.
Page Contents:
Ozark Trail 5 Person SUV Tent Review
Our First Thoughts
SUV tents for camping are gaining in popularity and we think anyone that is interested in a more comfortable camping adventure would enjoy this 5 person tent from Ozark.
Easy to attach and boasting a large interior for multiple campers, families would benefit greatly from this tent, as you can have separate living quarters for parents and kids, and still have room to spare.
Ozark has designed it to withstand multi-seasonal use, with winter being the only time of year it probably wouldn’t work well in.
Constructed well, and waterproofed to give you ultimate protection against the elements, the Ozark SUV tent should definitely be on your short list.
Important Specs at a Glance
| Type
SUV Tent |
Dimensions
14 x 9 feet (126 sq. ft.) |
| Weight
22.5 lbs. |
Height
7 feet |
| Capacity
Vehicle Cargo: 2 People Tent: 3 People |
Assembly
15 Minute Setup Time |
| Materials
185T Polyester Fabric, Fiberglass Poles |
Waterproof
Removable Rain Fly |
| Waterproof
Removable Rain Fly, Zipper Covers |
Interior Features
E-Port, Entry Mat, Storage/Media Pockets |
Overview of Features
- SUV Tent Connects to Your Vehicle
- Spacious Interior Can Fit Queen Mattress
- Full Mesh Roof Without Rain Fly
- Includes Entry Mat to Reduce Dirt
- Waterproof Rain Fly
- Includes Entry Awning
- E-Port to Run Electrical
What We Love – Our Top 3 Features
GOLD QUALITY – Connect Your Life
Connecting this bad boy up to your SUV is the reason people buy this, and Ozark does a nice job making it as painless as possible, with an elastic band sleeve providing the seal around your vehicle. A few straps allow you to tighten this band and connect it so that it doesn’t fall off or let bugs in.
Assembly of the tent requires a bit of time, as you have 2 large, shocked-corded poles that need to be assembled and threaded through the top of the shell. It then attaches to the side poles with clips to provide a strong and flexible structure. All that’s left to do is toss the rain fly over it and secure it to the ground with the provided stakes.
SUV’s are the main vehicle this tent is geared toward. A lot of consumers want to know if it will work with alternate large vehicles. The answer to that question is sometimes yes, sometimes no. To be 100% sure, only use this with an SUV. That way, you know for sure it will fit, and you can avoid any potential return/refund issues.
SILVER FEATURE – Freestanding Option
Attaching this tent to your SUV is the main selling feature, but you can also use it just like any traditional tent. This comes in handy for those times when you need to make a supply or food run, or in cases of emergency.
Disconnecting the sleeve happens just as fast as when you connect it. It can be rolled up and fastened to the tent, with a layer of mesh and a flap covering the opening to keep bugs and water out.
The freestanding tent option can be used at any time, and if you are the type that enjoys things like backyard campouts, this is the perfect type of tent for it.
BRONZE HIGHLIGHT – Rain Roll Off
An over-sized rain fly is included with this shelter and is imperative to use if you want to keep water from spoiling your weekend festivities.
The ceiling of the tent is fully mesh, so the rain fly will use its waterproof coating as a barrier to prevent moisture from soaking the interior. The tent is also designed with a bathtub floor to help keep dirt and water from spilling over if there are any ground swells. Additionally, the zipper on the front entrance is covered in a cuff to reduce water from leaking through the cracks, and the front entrance has some awning protection to help keep the rain off your shoes and gear. Windows and doors also zip shut for solid all-around protection.
Main Overview – Breaking Down Every Detail
See Through Views
This tent has a heavy amount of mesh on it, which has its pros, and cons.
The pros being that you get a large amount of ventilation at all times, as well as views of your surrounding environment. The ceiling of the tent is completely mesh, which is great for clear nights where you can look up at the stars for hours on end. Mesh also makes it ideal for hanging out inside the tent without the bugs bothering you.
The only downside is that with so much ceiling mesh, if it starts raining you need that rain fly connected or you will be one unhappy camper.
Strong and Durable
This 5 person tent from Ozark uses 185T polyester as its main fabric, for a lightweight and durable material. Polyester is a popular option for tents as they provide decent UV protection, hold their shape well, can be easily waterproofed, and pack down well. In addition, polyester is also lightweight and durable against abrasions and scrapes.
Giving this tent a sturdy frame are 2, shock-corded fiberglass poles that use an “X” formation. Not only are these poles lightweight, they are also flexible so the tent can withstand high winds and stormy conditions.
Bonus Features
Ozark includes a few extra bells and whistles on this SUV tent.
On the front of the tent are two nice features: an entry mat, and an E-port. The entry mat provides you a place to wipe your shoes (or store them) before entering the shelter, reducing the amount of debris you track in with you. If you are camping at a site that has power, you can run it through the electrical port, allowing you to keep your devices charged, or use electrical devices like fans or heaters.
Inside the tent you will find a few storage pockets for housing your essentials so they are always within reach, and a ceiling hook allows for a light to be hung, providing you nighttime illumination. Rounding out the included features is a carrying case that makes it easy to transport and store when the tent is not in use.
Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered
Lightweight Inner Framework
Does this tent have a side door?
There is only a front door on this tent, with the back “door” being the sleeve that attaches to your SUV. If you don’t want to attach the tent, you can zip up this opening.
How does it hold up to wind and rain?
The tent comes with stakes and guy lines for securing it firmly to the ground. Once you attach the rain fly you should have no problem using it in such conditions.
Will it fit larger utility vehicles?
The tent was designed for SUVs. It has an elastic band sleeve that can be adjusted to fit different vehicle sizes, but the best overall fit will be for SUVs.
Conclusion on Ozark Trail SUV Tent
If you are looking for something well-priced, the Ozark Trail SUV tent for camping is definitely one you should consider. While the craftsmanship of Ozark’s tents can feel “flimsy” to some campers, they still perform well and excel in spring and summer weather specifically.
As an SUV tent, it provides you a place to sleep in your car with a secondary space to be used however you wish. With some nice bonus features, as well as being fully waterproofed, it is a small price to pay for a tent that can pay off in a big way.
