Best tent for pickup trucks
Let’s admit it–while camping is one of the most exciting and fulfilling outdoor hobbies to try, it’s also one of the most challenging and, dare we say, uncomfortable if you don’t have the right essentials to help you out on your trip. That’s why we want to introduce you to a tent for pickup trucks. (DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS ) It takes practice to really know the basics of this hobby and experience to adjust to its rather sticky parts. Just like any activity, however, being prepared beforehand can save you from a lot of trouble.
Take for example when you encounter camping situations that require you to immediately move sites. Packing and re-installing a tent takes a lot of effort and in times like this, you need a solution that can provide you with extra mobility.
Enter the tent for pickup trucks. From its name, this type of camping style involves installing a tent on your pick up truck, instead of on the ground. Now you’re probably wondering though, “why would I want a tent for my pickup truck if I can just go for normal camping?” Well, besides the extra mobility it provides, tent for pickup truck offers a few other comforts as well. For one, you don’t have to spend time looking for the perfect ground spot–sometimes the most friendly looking ones can still be uncomfortable on your back–and you can have the convenience of a power source by being in close proximity to your vehicle.
Curious about trying out this style of camping? Here are the four best tents for pickup trucks models that you should consider.
1. Rightline Gear 110766 5 Foot Mid Size Short Truck Tent for Tall Bed
When it comes to convenience, this tent for pickup trucks is a very comfortable model from Rightline has it all down pat. Building your tent can sometimes be time-consuming, and this camper solves that with its floorless design that allows for easy set up without having to remove gear from the bed. In terms of being user-friendly, this pick up truck tent camper comes with color-coded poles and pole pockets that serve as a guide for when you’re building it. The tent also comes with a stuff sack (also with a sewn-in set-up guide!), and a rainfly.
You’ll also never have to worry about feeling uncomfortable when using this as a pickup truck tent. It can easily fit a 5-foot tall bed and has enough room to fit in two people. Durability-wise, it is made with water-resistant fabric to keep you dry during the wet and dry season and heavy duty nylon buckles and straps that won’t scratch and damage your truck’s finish. You also don’t need to worry about having not enough room to place your camping essentials with its two gear pockets and a lantern hanging hook. Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls also add a nice touch for when you want to easily move inside and out of it at night.
Our favorite part about this tent for pickup trucks is It’s a sky view tent that gives better views, light, and ventilation during your trip! Perfect for when you just want to drive outside and sleep under the stars.
Pros:
- It has a floorless design that allows for easy installation without having to move your gear from your truck.
- It can be easily set up even by camping beginners with its color-guided parts and other easy-to-follow guides.
- This model has a sky view tent that lets in more light inside your tent and gives you good skyline views when camping at night.
- Installing it won’t damage your truck’s paint.
- It provides enough room for movement, even for taller people.
Cons:
- Some reviews say that there are small gaps left between the tent poles when you place them on the slits. However, this can be easily fixed by tightening the straps. Do mind though of how tight you’ll pull it since like other tents, the fabric can rip in the long run if you stretch it too tight.
2. SportZ Truck Tent
If you prefer a tent for pickup trucks that comes with a floor, then this would be the perfect choice for you. This model from SportZ has a sewn-in floor that adds extra cover between you and the actual floor of your truck, so you can easily install it without having to vacuum the area beforehand.
One of the best things about this tent for pickup trucks is that it provides a lot of moving room. It has 5.6 feet of headroom, a wide entrance door, and it also comes with a large rear access panel that lets you easily access your front cab if you want to use it as additional storage. You’ll also find its expandable carrying bag great for more storage room, too. Scared of feeling stuffy? The tent is designed with two mesh windows and side vents that give good ventilation inside. It even has a shade awning attached to the tailgate that can serve as extra roofing during hot days.
When it comes to the set-up, this one can take a little bit more time to build than Rightline due to its design. However, it also comes with color-coded poles and a sleeve system that makes it easy to navigate. This tent for pickup trucks also has a set of strap protectors with additional protection against the tent’s straps.
Pros:
- You won’t have to stress yourself over guide ropes thanks to its quick-to-install design.
- This model provides good headroom (5.6 feet) and wide enough moving room.
- It comes with a sewn-in floor for extra protection between you and your truck floor.
- This model comes with a rear access panel that lets you easily access the front of your truck and a roomy storage bag.
- Ventilation inside this truck tent camper is great thanks to its mesh windows.
Cons:
- It takes a bit longer to set this up as compared to the one from Rightline.
- While its awning is a cool addition for when you want extra roofing during the day, it can also be a bit problematic during windy days since it isn’t removable.
3. Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent
Sleek and roomy. These are two things that perfectly describe this tent for pickup trucks from Guide Gear. With 5.25 foot headroom, even those on the taller side can easily move inside it, even with their gear taking up space (do mind the headcount though!). Reviews of this model also sing praises about its durability and design. It is made with polyester and water-resistant coating which can keep you dry during rain as well as a full rainfly that can retain the heat inside during colder nights.
Similar to the SportZ model, this tent for pickup trucks also has a sewn-in floor and mesh windows for good ventilation. It has two storage pockets where you can easily stow away your gear and an additional polyester carrying bag that is also made with weather-resistant and heavy-duty material.
Design-wise, it comes with shock-corded fiberglass poles and tension straps that you can easily fix into your truck. This model can easily fit most full-sized beds and pickups, from Chevy to Toyota, though you need to note that the way it pulls and fits may be different from truck to truck.
Pros:
- It offers good headroom thanks to its size and storage areas where you can place your gear so that they don’t take up floor space inside your tent.
- Reviews for its durability are glowing. It definitely won’t budge even during windy days, and it will keep you totally dry even during the hardest rains.
- Keeping the mesh windows open will give the tent good ventilation, though it also retains inside heat pretty well if you keep them closed and attach the rainfly.
Cons:
- It’s a bit more complicated to set-up as compared to the first two models mentioned on this list.
- Type of fit will depend on the model of the truck you have. It can mostly fit full-sized pickups though.
4. Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
If you’re looking for a multi-season tent for pickup trucks , then this one from Kodiak might be just what you need. Made with 100 percent cotton duck canvas and hydra-shield, this truck bed camper is perfect for all seasons with its breathable and water-proof material that provides good ventilation and heat insulation. In fact, it might be one of the best truck bed tents you can purchase in the market today if ventilation is important for you because it comes with not two, but five windows, including a cab access one.
With its tunnel-shaped design, you can expect a lot of moving space, especially with its tailgate which can even be expanded if you want extra space. Two gear pockets add extra storage room, too. It has a large D-shaped door for easy access and comes with very durable ¾-inch steel tube frames that can connect to your truck’s clamp-on rails for extra security.
This tent for pickup trucks is best used on the Ford F Series, Nissan Titan, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, and Chevy Silverado trucks.
Pros:
- This model is very durable and can be used in all seasons.
- It provides good headroom and storage room inside. It also includes an expandable tailgate for extra space.
- This truck bed has superior ventilation, thanks to its five windows.
- You can access the front of your truck with its cab access window.
Cons:
- This model may not be ideal for use during heavy snow accumulations.
- It can be a little complicated to set up with its tent straps.
- The number of its compatible models is limited.
You also have to think of the best tent size and type. Generally, those with domed walls and higher ceilings provide more headroom. However, their curved walls will scrimp a bit on floor space. If you’re bigger on floor space, then go for one with vestibules and awnings.
And since one of the conveniences of tent for pickup trucks is more mobility anyways, you do need to think hard about the ease of installation AND unpacking of the model of your choice. It’s best to go for one with color-guided poles like some of the ones mentioned on this list. Support that can be easily clipped on the sides of your truck are also great. Straps are good, but do choose models with simple ones. The last thing you want is to struggle removing and untangling dozens of them when you suddenly need to pack up your tent and go.
Don’t forget about storage, too. Truck tent beds can only mostly fit two people comfortably, so you need one with extra pockets where you can stow away some of your gear so they don’t take up floor space. Besides from pockets, some models’ rain flies can also be used as storage space for gear and other things that you don’t want to leave in close proximity to you like muddy boots and wet clothes. If your tent has a window giving you access to the front cabin where you can move some of your things, the better.
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