Modern camping has evolved quickly and currently offers numerous different methods in which you can enjoy a getaway. Camping on top of or adjacent to a vehicle in mounted tents, has become a pretty common affair in recent times, and not such a ‘crazy idea’ as first judged.
With the embracement of Overlanding and Roof Top tents, a plethora of innovative variations has hit the market by storm, in the form of truck tents. Truck bed tents were promptly designed and manufactured given that the majority of campers do not own Jeep Wranglers and off-road style vehicles.
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Tents were swiftly manufactured to be compatible with Nissan, Ford, Chevy, and Honda pickup trucks, among many other brands. Even SUVs weren’t overlooked with SUV tents being designed closely behind.
Likewise, with all new and successful products, it also comes with a secondary problem, one of which is in the palms of the consumer. Choice.
There is an abundance of options on the market, with all major outdoor companies chiming in trying to score their piece of the pie. But which are actually good quality and which are the best value for money?
We are going to show you.
Page Contents:
12 Best Tents for Truck Beds
1. Napier Outdoor Sportz
Manufactured in a wide range of sizes it can fit a large majority of trucks on the market snugly. The 5ft model slotting nicely into Tacomas, Ridgelines, F150, Colorados, and other popular models.
Spacious
The rooms are spacious with a slight headroom advantage over the Kodiak Canvas, on the larger 8ft models. Additionally, it has an integrated floor on the base of the tent, which is very unique considering the lack of this feature among many of the other models.
Ventilated
Like its rivals, it also includes a cab access window with meshed windows and side ventilation to aid in air circulation. However, they are less in number in comparison to the Kodiak Canvas.
Awning
A shade awning attachment is evident on the front of the truck tent, providing some shelter and shade during hot and rainy weather.
Note: For a more in-depth guide, check out our Napier Sportz Truck Tent Review.
Key Features
- Shade Awning Attachment
- Meshed Ventilation
- Strap Protectors
2. Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
Probably one of the best-performing models out there, for this reason, it takes poll position. Durable, waterproof, and widely compatible, it’s easy to see why it has won the Amazon choice award in this department.
Fabric
The canvas itself is 100% cotton duck which is incredibly durable and impenetrable by water. A benefit of this is that it breathes well, providing decent circulation inside. The numerous windows also create a breeze when needed and there is an access window that can be used to enter the cab.
Frame
They have also made a mid-sized model now to fit the more narrow trucks like the Tacoma and Dodge 250 among many others. Frame-wise it’s of high quality, the tubular steel frame is 3/4 inches in thickness and surrounds the structure.
Conclusion
All in all, it utilizes a strong and robust design that can be used in all 4 seasons, although it’s important not to allow snowfall to build up if you are winter camping, it won’t hold significant weight. The Kodiak is one of the top truck tents around and it does perform well with a host of top features.
Note: For a more in-depth guide check out our dedicated Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent Review on the other page.
Key Features
- 100% Cotton Duck Canvas
- 5 Windows + Cab Access
- Storage Pockets
3. Rightline Gear Truck Tent
An excellent example of an economical yet highly waterproof truck bed tent. Modestly priced in comparison to Napier and Kodiak models, Rightline’s variation has performed very well on the market.
Waterproof
Manufactured with a waterproof material that includes a resistant membrane, twinned with sealed seams running throughout the tent, it provides a waterproof rating of 2000mm. Which is considered fully protected from rainy weather conditions.
Bundle
Every size holds up to 2 people and comes with a bundle of extras such as a rainfly and storage bag, improving the value. A great variety of sizes and they all come in full, mid, or compact model designs, giving excellent compatibility.
Features
Some other features include interior storage pockets, an attachment to hang a camping light, and zippers that glow in the darkness. A particularly cool feature that compliments camping in your pickup truck is the sky view mesh. This allows you to drive up onto the hillside and stargaze the night away.
Note: We have a Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent Review on our full review pages available now.
Key Features
- 2000mm Waterproof Rating
- Various Size Options
- Free Rainfly and Storage Bag
4. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
The second model from Napier is the Backroadz that has some convenient features and is compatible with a toolbox or bed-liner.
Waterproof
Additionally, as it’s a Napier it will come with full floor integration, like the Sportz models. It’s reasonably waterproof with the material used reaching 800mm in rating, due to the polyester taffeta fabric. Albeit not as resistant as the Kodiak or other models, but still enough to withstand your average level of rainfall. It could be reinforced with a weatherproof spray to improve this.
Easy Set Up
The set up isn’t too challenging either. They have color-coded all the parts and pieces which speeds up your first set up, which is generally the most demanding stage. Once you’ve got through the first set up and understand the design, it’s pretty easy from there on out.
Compatible
With a variety of models from 5-8 foot, these models fit Nissan, Ford, Chevy trucks easily and many other brands. The Backroadz also has a spacious interior that can easily sleep 2 adults on a standard-sized bed, which fits most trucks. There is storage inside also to keep your possessions off the floor, however, it’s pretty unequal for both sides.
Note: For more information check out our dedicated Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Review.
Key Features
- Color-Coded Assembly
- Compatible with Toolbox/Bedliner Beds
- Integrated Flooring
5. Sportz Link Ground 4 Person Tent
If you have previously purchased the Sportz truck tent, or perhaps you are considering it, you should know that it has an excellent addition. These are very common among roof top tents, however, we are yet to see these among truck bed tents, until now.
Attachable
The Sportz Link ground tent is an attachable piece that connects to the truck tent, providing additional space on a ground level.
Meshed
A large door is present on the front of the tent and there are also 3 mesh windows that surround the exterior. This helps to create some air circulation but also stops things like mosquitoes and bugs from entering. A rainfly is Included which is important given the windows are meshed, they will need to be covered during rainfall.
Size
Size-wise it’s 8 x 8 with a waterproof ground floor, this will stop any morning damp from rising up in the mornings. The tent also comes with a free carry bag that utilizes a stretchy material, useful when packing it back in, they are often a tight squeeze.
Overall it’s a great addition if you are in need of some extra space or have friends joining your camping trip.
Key Features
- Unique Attachment for Truck Tents
- Well Ventilated
- Mosquito Protected
6. Guide Gear Truck Tent
Another option is this seriously cheap model from Guide Gear. Cheap and cheerful it’s a great option to test the water with truck tents or perhaps for your next camping/fishing trip on short notice.
Economical
Given the price, we won’t expect miracles from it, however, it’s a really good seller and the reviews aren’t terrible. In fact, they are positive and it seems to be serving the community very well thus far.
Waterproof
Employing a simple set up that can be fixed into the truck bed in under 5 minutes. Surprisingly the water rating is actually above that of the Backroadz, at 1500mm. However less than that of the more premium Kodiak and Sportz models.
Materials
Utilizing a 190T polyester it fairs well in the elements and is one of the lightest tents at 10lbs for the smaller model. So it’s not too stressful on the truck. There are meshed windows that provide some ventilation and also a couple of storage pockets within.
Compatible
Compatible with trucks from Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and more, it’s a versatile and economical choice for a first truck tent.
Note: For a full review of the Guide Gear Truck Tent, compact and full-size models, check out our other article.
Key Features
- 1500mm Water Rating
- Compatible with Most Trucks
- Lower End Pricing
7. Hasika Truck Bed Tent
This imported model has some interesting details that we thought were worth a place on our list.
Waterproof
The waterproof index is really impressive for a truck tent, it has 2000-4000mm surrounding and a 3000mm rating for the PU coated polyester window cover.
Size
The size seems to be one size fits all, from 5 – 6.7 feet, so there are some adjustments and tweaks that can be made to fit standard-sized trucks. However, there aren’t any separate larger tents available for the bigger trucks, unfortunately.
Value
The value isn’t bad either, it’s moderately priced around $160-$180 and it comes with a small bundle. Carry bag, fiberglass, and steel poles. There are also 2 covers for inner and outer sections, additionally, some reflective ropes are included.
Not a proven truck tent on the market yet, however it definitely has some interesting specifications in comparison to other performing models.
Key Features
- Large Awning Attachment
- Free Reflective Ropes
- Decent Waterproof Rating
8. Nissan Titan Truck Tent
This model from Nissan designed for the Titan truck is very sleek. With its 1 color theme in deep blue, it fits perfectly into any Titan bed.
Crew Cab
In fact, they digress that it fits all short bed crew cabs, but it’s probably worth sending a message to Nissan via their profile on the product page to get a concrete answer regarding this.
Design
Designed as a Dome shape, this allows the tent to withstand strong winds better than straight walled shelters. It also has a smaller footprint and will take up less space and weight in the back.
Rainfly
There is also an external rainfly that will protect the tent during rainfall, however, we are unaware of any waterproof rating for this truck tent as it hasn’t been given.
Key Features
- Compact Dome Shape
- OEM for Nissan Titans
- External Rainfly Included
9. Nissan Frontier Truck Tent
Another from Nissan, part of its genuine accessories range, where they manufacture extras to be equipped onto their specific models.
OEM Frontier
In this case, we have a legitimate truck bed tent, with a pleasing color design and robust awning attachment, that is specifically designed for the Nissan Frontier.
Material
Rugged material used to provide decent weather protection and all gear and poles are included. It also comes with a free carry bag to keep everything packed safely away when not in use.
Weight
Weighing around 20 pounds it’s reasonably light for a truck tent and all the poles and parts are color coded, making the set up easy enough to do alone. Additionally, if you make mistakes along the way, it’s easy enough to rectify them with the coded directions.
Note
Note that the measurements must be done with the tailgate closed to avoid having to send it back due to incorrect lengths. It should be fitting most Frontiers, but do double-check before ordering.
Key Features
- OEM for Nissan Frontiers
- Spacious Interior
- Color-Coded Set Up
10. Honda Ridgeline Truck Tent
An excellent choice of truck bed tent for 100% compatibility with your Honda Ridgeline vehicle.
Quality
Made with top quality materials and parts that provide a sustainable and durable tent to fix within the bed. Designed in a sleek silver and blue color theme, it utilizes a waterproof polyester fabric to keep you dry during adverse weather conditions.
Frame
The awning attachment is sturdy, with thick poles mounting the shelter above the tailgate. Providing a decent amount of shade for all situations, like grilling or tailgating.
Set Up
The set up seems to be slightly demanding for the first time, however there are plenty of videos online for a visual guide if you are struggling. Like most vehicle tents, if they are without the color-coded set up, they can be difficult.
Prepare
Like all things, practice makes perfect and with a bit of testing at home before your trip, it should become more and more familiar. Note to make sure you call the Honda service line before ordering to clarify your vehicle is compatible with this model.
Key Features
- Sturdy Awning Attachment
- OEM for Honda Ridgeline
- Aesthetic Color Scheme
11. Ford F150 Truck Tent
This is a genuine OEM model compatible with the F150 truck. Ranging from 2009-2013 models, for models outside of this range you may need to contact the manufacturers on the product page to double check.
OEM
It basically mimics that of the Napier Sportz model, however it is has been tweaked to fit the beds of the Ford models mentioned above and is sold directly by Ford themselves.
Standard
With that being said you can expect to see the same level of quality that we are used to seeing with other Sportz models, such as waterproof fabrics with a repellent membrane within.
Sewn Floor
You can also find the sewn in floor still included in these models, which helps to protect the bed of the truck, also giving you a layer of protection between your hard surface.
Key Features
- OEM for Ford F150
- Sewn-In Floor
- Waterproofed Materials
12. Milliard Truck Tent
The most economically priced model on today’s list. This particular model is a top seller, probably due to the price. It does indeed perform well, but it generally won’t last as long as the other models due to the lower quality materials used in its manufacture.
Features
Interestingly it does have a sewn in the floor like the Napier model and it additionally comes with shaded windows for privacy. The door also meshes which will give a certain amount of ventilation throughout the interior. Storage pockets are included in the truck tent also, alongside a hook attachment for a camping lantern.
Sizes
Regarding size and models, there isn’t a great deal of choice here, this model is around 6.5ft. This size will fit models such as Chevy C/K, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F Series, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra for example. Generally, any bed that measures 76-80 inches long.
Conclusion
Be sure to measure with the tailgate closed so you can note the correct dimensions. Lastly, it’s worth noting this tent is really easy to set up given the simplicity of the design, much like an Instant Tent or Air Tent for example. In conclusion a great one for first-timers or if you just want to try one out before moving on to the more durable models.
Key Features
- Cheap and Cheerful
- Great First Time Truck Tent
- Shaded Privacy Windows
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a truck bed tent?
They are 2-3 man tents that slot securely with straps into the bed area of your truck. Allowing you to drive to remote locations and camp out for the night in a waterproof, ventilated, and elevated space. Generally $100-$350 in the price they offer a unique way to experience your next camping trip.
Are Truck Bed Tents Worth It?
I believe for the price they are worth it. To get a similar experience in other vehicles such as Jeeps, you are looking at $900-$2500, and hard shell roof tents are even more expensive. You can get a very similar camping experience with a truck bed tent for $100-$300. Camping in an elevated position, waterproof, allows remote camping, and secures tightly in the truck bed. It’s one of the most economical methods of vehicle camping.
Where Can I Buy a Truck Bed Tent?
There are various places you can buy them, they are generally sold at most auto-part stores and car accessories and some camping shops. The easiest place to shop for them is probably online, where you can easily compare models and brands and find which one will fit your model of truck.
Can I Drive with My Truck Bed Tent Up?
It is strongly recommended that you do not drive with the tent set up in the back. They will not be able to tolerate the wind speeds of a fast moving truck. If you just wanted to move slowly between camping spots or move short distances, you could but at a very slow rolling speed.
Can a Truck Bed Tent be Used on the Ground?
Not to full effect, no. It would be like using a ground tent on your truck, inefficient. Truck tents are specifically designed to fit into the bed of your truck, thus not suitable for pitching anywhere else. However, there are some options like the Sportz Link Ground Tent attachment which provides a solution to this question. A suitable option that attaches onto your truck tent, you can see our review of this above.
How do I Measure my Truck Tent Compatibility?
The most important thing to remember when measuring your truck for its bed tent is to measure with the tailgate closed. We can’t stress this enough and it’s the cause for most order errors. You can consult this great guide on wiki for detailed instructions.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article useful in discovering more about truck bed tents, their uses, and which models are worth their salt.
The models at the top of the list are the most widely sold and generally are compatible with all models and brands of trucks.
Towards the bottom of the list, we have the OEM models which are specifically designed and made in partnership with the brands themselves, such as Ford, Nissan, and Honda, etc.
This is probably a safer bet if your truck directly matches the requirements for these tents.
Try a new way of camping in an elevated position, off the ground, and feel free to explore remote areas in your pickup.
As we know camping is all about making and enjoying new experiences.
Until next time everyone,
Happy Camping!
Resources and Sources
How to measure your truck bed for a tent
It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. I wondered if you will be covering the newer truck tent models next year? I look forward to some more extensive reviews on the newer Kodiak Canvas model that should be arriving. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Sambo, thanks for reaching out. Absolutely we here at thetenthub update our articles frequently and will not let them become stagnant. We produce evergreen camping content for the readers, so they can refer to this at any time of the year, and have a current and up to date understanding of what’s good on the market. Glad it helped and happy camping!
Are there any bed tents available that could fit a Dodge Ram with Rambox ??
Actually, most are fine with Ramboxes, as long as you measure out the bed tent and follow the sizing guide on the product pages. Some have said that you cant access the Rambox while it’s installed, others say it shouldn’t be in the way as everything ties around the box. But they agree on that you cant access it from the outside, only the inside.
A friend said “I have a cross mount toolbox I left on and it still worked cos the tent just went over it”
So I think you’re good, just a little bit of adapting is necessary.