[Overall Best Truck Tent]
Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent

Weather-resistant

KODIAK CANVAS TRUCK BED TENT

Editor's Rating 

[Best for the Money]
Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

Most affordable truck tent on our list

Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

Editor's Rating

[Best Full Floor Truck Tent]
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent

Color-coded poles for easy assembly

Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Short

Editor's Rating

3 Top Picks

3 Reviewers

6 Hours of Research

15 Products Considered

If you are looking for the best truck tents, chances are that you love adventure! A truck tent is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone who wants to add a little bit of adventure in their life but knows that traditional camping isn’t always the best solution for them.

Truck tents allow you to be very flexible and camp almost anywhere that you’d like. However, for those who have never used a truck tent before, it can be a little tricky finding one that suits your needs. If you want truck tents but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.

We’ll go over some of the things that you need to know when thinking of getting truck tents and we’ll recommend some of the best truck tents out there to fit your needs. If you are looking for an SUV tent, click here to read about some of the best ones available.

Best Truck Tent Reviews

To help you find the best truck tent for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most reputable truck tents out there and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Enjoy!

KODIAK CANVAS TRUCK BED TENT

Editor's Rating:

This Kodiak canvas truck tent is one of the premier overall options on the market. It is made with a specially-designed Hydra-Shield to ward off moisture and keep you warm and dry during heavy rains. The outer material is made of duck canvas, which is durable, watertight, and breathable. This perfect mix of attributes makes duck canvas the ideal material for a tent. 

This truck tent comes in two different sizes and is compatible with almost all major truck manufacturers. For entrances, you’ll find a convenient large D-shaped door with high-quality zippers that won’t get jammed when trying to zip the door shut.

The tunnel-shaped design maximizes interior space to allow you to move around the cabin easily and conveniently. There’s a covered entry and two convenient gear pockets, as well.

As far as structural integrity goes, the frame is made of ¾” steel tubing that makes the tent sturdy and secure. Attached to the tubing are clamp-on-rails that easily mount to truck beds for a secure fit.

This premier truck tent can be used in all conditions, but isn’t recommended for use in the heavy snow and isn’t designed to withstand heavy snow accumulation. Around the exterior, you’ll find five windows that provide great ventilation and allow for maximum airflow. This makes it comfortable enough for use during hot summer months and will reduce the stuffiness within the tent drastically.

Things We Liked

  • Weather-resistant
  • Suitable for most weather conditions
  • Tunnel shaped design for a roomy interior
  • Made from sturdy piping

Things We Didn't Like

  • Users report an inconvenient setup

GUIDE GEAR COMPACT TRUCK TENT

Editor's Rating:

If you are looking for a very basic tent that you can get on a budget, this is the way to go. This truck tent is made by guide gear and it’s a very simple truck bed tent that has some great features. It’s also one of the most affordable truck tents on our list.

This truck tent deploys in a matter of minutes, which is one of the benefits of its simplicity. This truck tent isn’t considered to be luxury, but it will provide you with a comfortable bed and get you off the ground for the night.

The simplicity of this truck tent also means that there are not many pieces to break and the ones that do construct it are simple and durable. There are a total of 4 poles involved in this tent, making the whole thing lightweight and easy to set up. The mesh windows have storage pockets and will allow you to secure your belongings and keep you cool at night.

This tent is named as the best for the money because it’s the most affordable item on our roundup and it also delivers a good amount of value. You should consider this truck tent if you are working on a small budget and need something basic to stay in for a few nights at a time.

Things We Liked

  • Most affordable truck tent on our list
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sleeps 2 comfortably

Things We Didn't Like

  • Low-quality zippers

Napier Backroadz Truck Tent Short

Editor's Rating:

This Napier truck tent is unique because Napier is one of the only companies that offer a full floor with their truck tent, making it a top rated truck tent. Full floors in truck tents are desirable because they will keep you clean from the bed of your truck and dry from the elements, as well. Without a complete floor, rainwater and other moisture can often leak into the bottom portion of the tent.

This tent is designed to fit most pickup trucks, so you shouldn’t have a problem with versatility and compatibility. It even fits most trucks that have a toolbox or bed liner in the bed of the truck.

There’s also a full rainfly to repel rain away from your tent and keep you try in inclement weather.

When it’s time to assemble this tent, it couldn’t be much easier. The poles are color-coded and the instructions are clear with this sleeve assembly. Setup is fast and easy with this tent by Napier.

Once you’re set up, you’ll be impressed with the size of the interior area. It features over 5 feet of headroom and plenty of space to move around. This is a great truck tent for someone who wants something that has a full floor.

Things We Liked

  • Has a full floor
  • Features full rainfly
  • Color-coded poles for easy assembly
  • Good value

Things We Didn't Like

  • No way to close windows for privacy without using the rainfly

Rightline Gear 110730

Editor's Rating:

These truck tents from Rightline are just right for those who want a middle-of-the-road type of tent that gives them all the basics without going out of their price range. These tent trucks some in multiple sizes and can come to fit a mid-size truck, full-size truck, or compact truck. 

Once you have chosen your size, you’ll be impressed with the easy setup. It has a floorless design, but it’s not a big concern since the seals on this tent are good and shouldn’t allow much if any water to get in and spoil your evening in the tent.

The straps and buckles that come with this truck tent are designed with your truck in mind, as well. They won’t damage the finish of your vehicle or create unsightly scratches and blemishes. The last thing you want to do is damage your truck just to put up a truck tent.

These tents sleep 2 adults comfortably and are made of water-resistant fabric with taped sealed seams that refuse to let in water and will keep you dry and secure all night.

Some of the coolest features on this truck bed tent are that they have glow-in-the-dark zippers so that you can easily get in or out at night without rummaging around for the zipper in the dark. The tent also features a sky-view feature that allows you to glance up at the night sky and enjoy as you drift off to sleep.

Things We Liked

  • Reasonable pricing for what it offers
  • Available in many different sizes
  • Straps and buckles won’t harm your vehicle
  • Sleeps 2 adults
  • Water-resistant material

Things We Didn't Like

  • Though the zippers conveniently glow, they aren’t the highest quality

Editor's Rating:

This truck tent by Milliard stresses ease and simplicity with their standard model. The setup is a breeze with their very clear and easy to follow instruction manual, and the carrying case that comes with it makes it easy to set up and organize the pieces of the tent. 

Since this truck tent is so affordably priced, we were surprised to find out that it does offer a full floor. This type of floor is really handy for those who don’t want to deal with being exposed to the dirt in their truck bed or moisture that can gather in the truck bed. The full floor of this tent is sewn into the rest of it.

The door and windows of this tent are made of mesh material for maximum airflow in hot summer months. You won’t have to be stuffy and uncomfortable if you don’t want to in this tent. You can also close the shades on the windows to have privacy while you sleep or get changed.

This truck tent is designed to fit the standard 6.5ft truck bed. You should be sure that you measure your truck bed with the tailgate closed to ensure that this truck tent will fit in your bed.

Additional features of this unit include interior storage pockets, a lantern hook, and a handy carrying case. If you want something affordable with a lot of functionality, this is the tent truck for you!

Things We Liked

  • Made by a reputable brand
  • Features a full floor
  • Mesh windows and doors
  • Interior storage pockets and accessories
  • Easy to set up

Things We Didn't Like

  • Multiple size options not available

Dac Inc Vehicle Tents DAC Full

Editor's Rating:

If past truck tents have been too small and not spacious enough for your liking, you might want to consider this full size truck tent by DAC. This is a great truck tent for SUVs that have a rear window that raises up and out with a tailgate that is greater than 58 inches wide.

With this truck tent, you can convert your SUV into the best camping experience. All you have to do to set it up is to raise the rear window, lower the tailgate, and place the tent in position.

This tent uses elastic shock cords with plastic coated hooks to secure the tent to the vehicle. These straps won’t do damage to the vehicle’s finish and will hold the tent in place securely. Additionally, the tent has great ventilation with 2 mesh windows behind the door.

The mesh isn’t just regular mesh, though. It is a privacy mesh that allows you to have some privacy while also staying cool and ventilated. 

Entrances and exits are easy to access and operate with a 2-way zipper that doesn’t get jammed and large doors to move in and out of easily and quickly.

To top it all off, this tent is incredibly easy to transport. It comes with a carry bag included so that you can deploy it whenever you choose to and pack it away when you’re not using it. If you’re searching for a basic truck tent for your SUV, you can’t go wrong with this model by DAC.

Things We Liked

  • Easy to deploy
  • Full size tent
  • Lots of ventilation
  • Privacy-mesh
  • Won’t harm vehicle with elastic bands and hooks

Things We Didn't Like

  • Doesn’t have a lot of versatility, will only work with a specific dimension of the vehicle

Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland Rooftop

Editor's Rating:

If you are looking for a gold standard truck bed tent, you have arrived at it. This best tent truck is your complete solution if you want to live in the wilderness out of your truck. It represents a significant investment but is well worth it if you’re going to find yourself using truck tents a lot.

The sleeping area of this truck tent very comfortably sleeps two adults and the interior is roomy and versatile. There are two basic sections—the upper loft and the annex room. The annex room is optional and you can only deploy the upper loft if you so choose.

This tent conveniently folds up on the top of your truck when not in use and can be deployed quickly when it’s time to use it. You can use this tent in almost any conditions and you can live out of it semi-full time if you don’t really care about roughing it.

There’s also a ladder that can be deployed for access to the loft of your truck tent so that you can sleep safely off the ground overnight. This tent is truly the premier option in our list and it is priced as such. If you’re looking to invest in a very durable and long-lasting truck tent that you’re going to use frequently in all kinds of weather and environments, you will want to think about putting your cash into this model by Tuff Stuff.

Things We Liked

  • Two sections with optional annex room
  • Folds on top of your truck conveniently
  • Made from durable material to withstand harsh conditions

Things We Didn't Like

  • Much more expensive than any other option on the list

What Makes the Best Truck Tent?

Before you buy truck tents or start looking at the best options, there are some things that you’ll need to know and features that you’ll want to remember. Though most truck bed tents serve the same general purpose, there are different models that feature different functionalities at different price points. If you’re ready to go truck bed camping, take a second to review some of the features that are important to consider before buying a tent.

Size

The size is perhaps one of the most important features to consider for when buying a heavy duty and high quality vehicle bed tents. Questions you should ask yourself include how many people will typically go on a camping trip, and how much gear you will have with you. Then take into account the size of your pickup and measure the dimensions precisely for a good fit.

Space and Headroom

You definitely want to find a tent that is roomy inside. If you're really picky, having enough headroom will also make your nights more comfortable. However, the larger the space and taller the tent, the more expensive it can be. Believe it or not, moving space is actually considered a luxury when it comes to this camping equipment.

Seasons

Consider the seasonality of your new camping tent. There are two main categories: 3 and 4 season tents. 4 season tents can be used all year round with materials that keep you insulated in the wintertime and cool during the summer, but it could cost you a bit more.

3-season tents are more popular and more commonly seen and are not suited for cold winter camping. Most people find these types of tents sufficient because not many people like to go camping in the dead of winter. Consider when you will use the tent to determine if a 3 or 4 season one is the best choice for you.

Quality Waterproofing

If you are going to camp in a truck top tent, you’re going to want to be sure that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the weather. Truck bed tents are great, but you should always be sure that whichever tent you buy has a good quality waterproofing system.

If you don’t pay attention to these features and you get a tent that isn’t well-suited for the rain, you’re going to have a lot of miserable evenings in your pickup bed tent.

Type of Vehicle Tents

When you are shopping for a truck tent camper, you should keep your options open and consider all of the types that you can get. Since truck tents are getting so popular these days, there have been several types made to accommodate different situations and personal styles. Be sure that you are looking at all the options and also that you get the correct size truck tent for what you need it for. You also want to think about what features the tent offers that you might want. You should avoid becoming fixated on one idea, as it will limit your ability to find the perfect fit.

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Creating a Good Seal

One of the most important steps in setting up a truck bed tent is sealing it to the truck. Getting a good seal is a crucial factor in your comfortability and safety when you are sleeping and inside the truck tent. The most paramount concern when talking about good seals on truck tents is that inclement weather could affect you adversely if you don’t get a good seal.

If you aren’t getting a good seal with your truck tent, wind and rain could enter your tent and render the tent useless. To ensure your comfort and safety, be sure that whichever tent you buy has a good sealing system that will be adequate to keep the elements and weather out of your tent.

Truck Tent Straps & Protecting Your Paint Job

One of the ways that the truck bed tent is secured to your truck is through the use of straps that fasten it down to the bed and the outside of the vehicle. This is an effective system, but it comes with one major concern. The safety of your truck’s paint job.

When you are shopping for truck tents, be sure to pay attention to the strap system and ensure that the strap system that your truck bed tent uses isn’t going to damage the paint of your vehicle and devalue it.

Most truck tents will advertise it if they have strap systems that are going to be friendly to your truck’s paint. You should make this a priority.

Weatherproofing & Ventilation

Though truck tents are a very unique and cool idea, they are pointless unless they can protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable inside. A big determinant in that is going to be what weatherproofing features and ventilation that your truck tent offers.

You want a truck tent that is going to be waterproof and resistant to other weather to keep you safe when you are staying inside. You also want a good amount of ventilation to keep you comfortable on the summer days when it’s hot and stuffy out. Tents have a reputation of being very uncomfortable in the heat so this is an important feature to want, especially if you’re going to be spending any significant amount of time inside the tent.

Construction & Ease of Setup

Truck bed tents are much more complex than regular tents. Typically after the initial setup, it is easy to assemble and disassemble. You should ensure that whichever tent that you decide on is easy enough that you can set it up with the help of a couple of others. You should also check to make sure that the ensuing setup process is easy and fast. One thing that will help with this is color-coded poles. Color-coded poles will show you which part goes where and significantly reduce setup time.

Making your life as easy as possible is key when deciding on a tent camper. They are meant to be mobile and fun, so you don’t want to spend all your time fidgeting with the setup.

Design & Access Features

Ideally, you want to be able to get in and out of your truck bed tent with ease. That’s why it’s important to look at what entrances your prospective truck tent offers and how easy they are to get or out of.

These tents often are awkwardly shaped, so it can be difficult for companies to include convenient entrances. It’s a sign of good truck tents if they are able to solve this problem and give you a good way to get in and out of the tent.

Let's take a closer look at the different designs and shapes you can find on the market

  • Umbrella

Umbrella-shaped options usually have large windows and ample space. They are quite common and offer a large entrance and plenty of stand-up space. They usually offer at least 1 or 2 feet of headroom. It is also the shape that is preferred by many families or ones with large camping parties.

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  • Dome

Dome tents are large D-shaped tents that are made from sturdy quality materials. They are pretty heavy duty and make them a great choice for plenty of outdoor environments. The flexible fiberglass construction with sturdy poles contribute to its heavy duty build and durability.

  • A-Shaped Tents

We also have A-shaped tents, which are the most commonly shaped tents we see. They have a high point and a sewn in floor and is generally used for two people or single campers.

Cleaning

We all know that tents can get dirty, especially when you're camping in the wilderness in bad weather. Being able to clean the tent means there will be less bacteria buildup and germs that propagate over time. No tent will be advertised as "washable" so you need to look for waterproof materials and not just water resistant.

Waterproof materials will be able to repel the water, while water resistant ones will require drying time and add more hassle on top of the cleaning. Nylon or cotton duck materials may not absorb a lot of odor, which will definitely make your next camping trip more pleasant. If you can't wash the tent, at least be sure it can be easily cleaned.

Flooring

If you have spent any time in the bed of your vehicle, you will know that it's not the most comfortable place to setup camp, and maybe even dirt and grass will feel better on your spine. However, keeping yourself elevated off the ground can keep the pests at bay. To make sure you're comfortable, choose a tent with thicker flooring. If you are unable to find one, adding a mattress can also make your nights a lot more cozy and comfy.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best truck tents?

The best truck tents are Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent, Guide Gear Compact Truck Tents, and Napier Backroadz Trucks Tents. These options are made with quality materials, water resistant and suited for most environments.

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Are truck bed tents worth it?

Yes, truck bed tents are worth it for people who love the outdoors and are looking for an affordable yet relatively comfortable way to spend the night. Keep in mind that high quality truck bed tents will offer better protection, such as ones that are water resistant.

Can I use a truck bed tent on the ground?

Yes, a truck bed tent can be used on the ground. However, since they are built to be used on the back of a truck, it will be tough to keep the tent upright due to the system it uses to clip onto the truck.

What size mattress fits in a truck bed?

8 feet, 6.5 and 5.25 feet mattresses will fit inside your truck bed. To understand which size is best for you, measure your vehicle bed accurately to determine whether you have a short or long one.

Conclusion

We hope our roundup best truck tent review will help you find the best option with quality materials that suit your needs. Be sure to look for one with mesh windows because it's nice to have a cool breeze at night and not feel suffocated in the atrium. The best truck tents will turn a regular truck bed into a relatively comfortable abode for the night with little to no hassle. If you aren't used to the outdoors, a good way to ensure you get a good night's rest is to tire yourself out with fun activities during the day.

Did You Know?

Tents for truck beds don't all come with a soft floor covering, and some might not even come with one at all. In this instance, we always suggest considering where you will sleep and think about adding a full-size water resistant air mattress for a good night's sleep.

Expert Tip

Consider all the amenities you will need such as kitchen supplies, lighting and maybe even running water. These are all luxuries you can add to your truck tents for a borderline glamping experience.

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