Truck Bed Tents
Invented by Roman Napieraj in 1990, the truck bed tents provide the most unforgettable camping experience. These protective coverings let you enjoy camping outdoor without having to sleep on the uncomfortable ground. Over the last few years, the use of these tents has been growing in popularity, especially due to the fact that they are very comfortable and easy to set up. With so many models available in the current market, choosing a truck tent that meet your requirements could be a back-breaking task. However, if you are in the market for a truck tent, but you have no idea about their features and characteristics, this is the right place to be. After a lot of research into the pros and cons of various models found on the market, we picked our final 5.
Top 5 Truck Bed Tents Comparison
Truck Bed Tent Reviews
Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
1. Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
If you are looking for a durable yet affordable truck tent that makes you feel comfortable enough to spend more than one night inside, then the Kodiak Canvas tent is exactly what you are looking for. Its hydra-shield, 100% cotton duck canvas coating makes it a great choice for those people looking for a watertight and breathable tent. As compared to other similar products, this tent has 5 windows which provide the user with great ventilation and one door. Also, there is a cab access window which allows you to charge your electronics. However, what you really need to know is that this tent is extremely spacious. More than that, there are two sizes to choose from, including the long bed size which fits 8 to 8.5 ft. beds and the standard size which fits 5.5 to 6.8 ft. beds. Before buying this model, keep in mind that it is compatible with the Ford F Series, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.
Sportz Truck Tent
2. Sportz Truck Tent
If you are a camping enthusiast and you are on the hunt for a quality truck tent for two people, then the Sportz Truck tent is surely an option worth taking into consideration. It provides enough space for two people with 5.6 ft. of headroom. It features one door and 2 polyester mesh windows which provide great ventilation and openness. The Sportz Truck Tent is among the best products available on the market this year. It is made of durable polyester which ensures sturdiness and provides comfort. What we really like about this model is the fact that it comes with a plethora of accessories. As compared to other similar products, it comes with strap protectors which provide security, an expandable bag for storage, a lantern holder a gear loft and a rear pocket. Specially designed for use in spring, summer and fall, this tent creates a comfortable, restful sleeping place for two people so it will surely be a choice that will satisfy your needs.
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
3. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
If you are interested in purchasing a new truck tent, you might want to consider the one offered by Napier Enterprises. The Napier Backroadz truck tent comes with a 5.5 ft. interior made with polyester taffeta, 1 door and 4 large and rain fly windows made with polyester mesh. It is extremely comfortable and very easy to assemble. There are countless types of truck tents on the market, but very few are as good as this model. We are impressed with how well its rain fly windows protects you, ensuring that no rain come close to you when you are inside it. Furthermore, it’s very important to know that it is compatible with various vehicles including the Ford F Series, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet C/K Siverano. Overall, this could be a great choice if you intend to use your vehicle’s cargo area for having a comfortable sleep off the ground.
Rightline Gear 110750
4. Rightline Gear 110750
If you are interested in buying a truck tent, you will likely want to invest in one that makes you feel as comfortable as possible. It comes in numerous sizes, so it’s important to decide whether you want a regular size or a large size before you go for it. It is equipped with nylon buckets and durable straps to ensure durability and sturdiness. This truck tent is made with water-resistant fabric and tape sealed seams. Because of this water-resistant construction, the tent can be used under any weather conditions with no concern. As compared to other similar products, this tent is well-designed and very easy to install. It is equipped with color-coded poles with pole pockets which make the setup process extremely easy. However, if you are thinking about purchasing this truck tent, keep in mind that it is suitable for vehicles, including Chevrolet C/K Siverano, Nissan Titan, Ford F Series, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra and Dodge Ram.
Guide Gear 6-by-6-Foot Compact Truck Tent
5. Guide Gear 6-by-6-Foot Compact Truck Tent
The Guide Gear 6-by-6-Foot truck tent is one of the most affordable options on the market. It comes with a top-notch construction, 2 mesh windows and one D-shaped door. Additionally, it comes with a sewn-in polyethylene flooring, a water-resistant coating and a spacious interior with 4.75 ft. of headroom. In comparison to other truck tents, this model is equipped with rain fly to keep you completely dry. Most customers have a good opinion about this model, especially because it fits various trucks very well, it has enough space for 2 people and it is extremely useful for rainy and windy weather. In what regards its compatibility, keep in mind that it is suitable for vehicles like Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan and Toyota. Overall, it is a great product that will surely satisfy all your needs.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a new Truck Tent in 2018
There are countless types of tents on the market, so choosing the best model can be an exciting yet daunting task. Therefore, before making a purchase, there are a few factors to take into account and the following information will help you make the right decision.
-
Type and size
-
Seasonality
-
Truck Bed Liner for Maximum Comfort
There are plenty of truck tents to choose from, but it’s important to know that the right model will depend on your vehicle. In simple terms, the chosen tent should be compatible with your vehicle. Truck tents come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and designs. The hatchback-style models are designed for vehicles with extra cargo space. This means that you can turn the cargo area of your vehicle into a place where you can sleep and rest. They work for smaller SUVs as well. Also, there are larger truck tents designed specifically for minivans and huge SUVs. Both models can be easily attached to your vehicle. However, if none of these models will fit your car’s dimension, you will surely want to have a look at the universal camping tents which can be easily installed on any vehicle. The universal tents will allow you to turn your vehicle into a comfortable place. They are convenient and very easy to set up, but it’s quite important to know that they might not fit all budgets. Although the size of the tent is limited by your car, make sure you choose a tent which is spacious enough to sleep comfortably. While most truck tents can accommodate 2 to 3 people, you may also find tents for one person.
Another important factor you need to consider is the seasonality aspect. There are three season and four season tents also known as all-season tents. The three season tents are specially designed to accommodate you during spring, summer and fall. However, if you need something for the winter, then the all-season tent can be exactly what you need. Also, the three season tents are more lightweight than the all-season models. However, both models are equipped with features that will surely meet your requirements. While some tents have ventilation panels which provide you with fresh air and keep out insects at the same time, others have a rain fly option. This addition ensures that no rain come close to you when you are inside it. In what regards the all-season models, it’s important to know that they are a bit much heavier than the three season tents. Also, they have fewer ventilation panels in comparison to the other model. Moreover, they are durable and sturdy. They can withstand some snow, but it’s advisable not to use them during the cold season. Furthermore, it should be noted that the 4 season tents can be priced higher than the 3 season tents.
If you are looking to purchase a truck bed tent, make sure you choose one that incorporates any type of floor lining. Of these 5 trucks outlined above, only the Napier Backroadz is equipped with a bed liner. It is well known that a truck tent is a bit uncomfortable, but with a quality camp mattress or a sleeping bag, things will be different. However, although you will sleep on a quality mattress, investing in a bed liner is still a good idea. Bedrugs usually are made to fit most trucks. They are extremely comfortable and very resistant to bleach, paint and even oil. This nonabsorbent surface will surely help you improve your bed camping.
How We Rated the Truck Tents
Like earlier pointed out, with so many models available on the market, it’s quite difficult to choose the right truck tent for you and your family. Although you know the type and size you want for your tent, there are also some other features that should be considered to ensure that you are getting the best truck tent.
-
Height and length
-
Tent poles
-
Rain fly
-
Mesh panels
The height and the length of a tent are some important factors that should be considered before you make the purchase. For example, taller people will always prefer tents which provide higher ceilings. Whether you are a bit taller or you just want to stretch when you are sleeping, you might want to opt for a tent with a floor that measures 5.5 ft. to 8 ft. Domed tents provide enough height, but they feature curved walls which can limit the floor space. On the other hand, if you need a 4 people tent, the cabin style tents are the best choice out there. They are ideal for families. Although the ceilings might not be as high, these models are equipped with vestibules and awnings. Plus, their interior is extremely spacious.
The poles of a tent are specially designed to provide stability and support. While most of them are made of durable aluminum, there are also some poles constructed from fiberglass. If you plan on camping your truck in a windy area, then aluminum is the best option. On the other hand, if you want an easy setup, the color-coded poles and sleeves are exactly what you need. Also, keep in mind that the number of poles varies greatly depending on the size of the truck tent.
Most tents are equipped with one or two rain flies. While some are designed to keep you dry, others are made for the roof, providing protection from the rain. Also, they allow plenty of sunlight to come through. Due to the fact that rain flies provide full coverage and keep you dry, they can be used for camping in heavy rainstorms. As mentioned above, there are so many types of tents on the market, that it could be extremely difficult to make the right decision. That’s why it’s so important to compare them and check their features and additions. For example, you can choose a truck tent with awning, and if it doesn’t have one, you can add it at a later date. However, some models won’t allow you to do this addition.
If you are thinking about camping in hot weather, you should also think about ventilating the space where you are sleeping. Even the best models have at least two mesh windows, but if you intend on camping in hot areas, you will probably need more than two mesh panels. Similar to windows, these panels allow for cooling air to circulate inside the tent. This will keep you comfortably cool, even when you are sleeping in the heat. Also, there are some other features to consider, such as additional loops and guy lines. While the loops will help you hang the lanterns and flashlights, the attached guy liners are for added security.
How Buyers Compare
While most truck tents are made from lighter fabric materials, the Kodiak Canvas tent is made with hydra-shield, 100% cotton duck canvas. It is extremely durable and its rugged, sturdy construction provide excellent stability. Because of the fact that it is well-constructed, well-made and very spacious, most people prefer to buy it.
In comparison to the Guide Gear tent, the model manufactured by Napier Enterprises, the Sportz Truck Tent has an extra large entrance door. Also, it has strap protectors to secure the truck and an expandable bag for storage. Keep in mind that it is more durable than other similar products.
For most buyers, the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is the best option on the market. It comes with a spacious interior and a storm flap in the door which provides privacy. As compared to the Sportz Truck Tent which has only 2 windows, the Backroadz tent features 4 mesh windows which provide plenty of ventilation. While the Napier is equipped with some kind of mesh at the top for a movie screening, the Kodiak Canvas comes with a lamp look on its interior. Also, the Napier Backroadz has shorter poles as compared to the poles of the Sportz Truck Tent which are a bit too long. Keep in mind that truck tents with short poles are much easier to set up than those with long poles.
The Right line Gear is another interesting model that people prefer to buy. It has the most sizing options and it comes with a sizing guide which helps you find the right size for your vehicle. Both, the Right line Gear and Kodiak Canvas feature floorless designs, in comparison to the other truck tents that have the sewn-in floor. A floorless design allows you to set up the tent without removing any gear from the bed.
Last but not least, the Guide Gear 6-by-6-Foot Compact Truck Tent is our 5 option. It is a compact truck tent that comes with a top-notch construction. It features 2 large windows for excellent ventilation and a sewn-in polyethylene flooring. It is more lightweight and much easier to assemble than other models included in our list. It might be a great choice for any camping enthusiast.
Our Favorite Model
If you are a camping enthusiast who loves the idea of sleeping outdoors, a truck tent might be exactly what you need. A quality truck tent will help you safe, secure and well-protected as you have fun. After reviewing more than 10 models, we finally decided that the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent scoops the top position. It combines all the features you could want in a truck tent including durability, stability and increased comfort. This model comes with a 5’5” interior which and a sewn-in floor which allows you sleep inches off the ground. Additionally, it features one door and 4 large, meshes windows which provide excellent ventilation and openness. Generally speaking, buyers have a great opinion of the model manufactured by the Napier Enterprises. They claim that it is very comfortable and provide full privacy. More than that, it is very easy to assemble and fits the truck great. Also, most buyers state that it is excellent for rainy weather. Overall, the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent is definitely a product that worth your attention.
There are so many methods of camping that choosing the right one for you and your family could be a back-breaking task. From slide-in campers to rooftop tents and truck bed tents, there are different types of tents to choose from. Indeed, the most popular items are the bed tents.
Most people prefer these ones because they are very easy to install. They can be pitched right over the truck bed as compared to the roof tents which are installed on top of the vehicle’s roof. Also, they are easy to remove, because they are not a permanent fixture. Thus, they can be installed and used on the weekends and removed for the rest of the week when you need the truck for your work. When it comes to sleeping out of your truck, this is one of the most affordable methods. A truck tent costs the same as a normal tent, but it is safer and more secure than a traditional tent.
