As a Manhattan native, the concept of camping always appeared somewhat perplexing to me: sleeping on the ground, exposed to the elements, vulnerable, and far from comfortable. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon roof and truck bed tents that I realized camping could be a far cry from the arduous experiences of our ancient hunter-gatherer ancestors.
Whether you hold a deep affection for camping or harbor a strong aversion to it, roof- and truck bed-mounted tents offer a secure and comfortable refuge (shielded from the likes of scorpions) to rest your weary head. These ingenious shelters effectively transform your truck into a mobile sanctuary, enabling you to camp wherever your wheels may lead.
Truck bed tents typically share many similarities, but each boasts its distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. To gain valuable insights into the top truck bed tents available, we consulted with Chris King from RealTruck. RealTruck stands as a prominent retailer of pickup truck camping equipment, with a specialized focus on truck tents. Who better to seek guidance from than a team dedicated exclusively to the world of trucks?
Considerations to Keep in Mind
Truck bed tents come in a spectrum of designs, ranging from simple and rudimentary, akin to traditional ground tents, to more intricate shelters capable of accommodating multiple adults, resembling miniature dwellings. Bearing this diversity in mind, here are a number of factors to take into account when acquiring your initial or subsequent truck bed tent.
Mounting System The majority of these tents necessitate a specific rack system for secure installation. According to King, “Mounting systems for these tents are generally compatible with a wide array of roof racks equipped with cross bars. However, prospective buyers must also factor in the static and dynamic load ratings of the rack to which they intend to affix the tent.” This entails an understanding of the weight of the tent, its occupants, and the weight-carrying capacity of the rack, both when stationary and in motion.
For instance, suppose your tent has a weight of 200 pounds, and the rack’s static capacity is rated at 500 pounds. By introducing an additional adult, possibly a child, along with all your collective equipment, you could easily surpass the stipulated weight limit. King warns, “Exceeding the recommended dynamic load range of the rack may result in potential damage to the rack or the vehicle itself.
Varieties of Tents
Different tent styles each possess distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some adhere to a minimalist approach, while others incorporate amenities such as lighting and provisions for heating or air conditioning. Certain models are configured for in-bed installation within the pickup truck, while others necessitate a roof rack mount and a platform.
King, in his assessment, favors wedge pop-ups and other slim, hard-case tents. He explains, “These alternatives typically exhibit a more compact profile and streamlined design, which helps alleviate some of the previously mentioned issues. Moreover, they are generally quicker and simpler to set up and dismantle when compared to folding tent designs.”
Financial Considerations
The pricing spectrum for truck tents spans from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. Additionally, it’s imperative to account for supplementary expenses, such as roof rack modifications or related accessories.
Driving Dynamics
Given that certain truck tents can be substantial in weight and are frequently positioned at an elevated height on the vehicle, it is crucial to consider their potential influence on the truck’s on-road handling characteristics. As King emphasizes, “[Truck tents] significantly alter the center of gravity, and the impact is most minimal when mounted on cross bars just above the truck bed. However, mounting tents at higher elevations or on the roof will notably affect both on-road and off-road performance, particularly on uneven terrain.”
Ready to explore the selection of truck bed tents? Below, we present some of the top options available in the market, as recommended by the experts at RealTruck.
The classic rooftop tent design, and one that I have personally spent numerous nights in,” Chris King remarks. The Rugged Ridge Roof Tent is engineered to accommodate any pickup, Jeep, or SUV equipped with a tent-compatible rack system. It embodies the epitome of simplicity in roof tent design. Crafted from robust poly-coated polyester, this tent boasts an exceptionally wide-extending ladder, door and window flaps equipped with mosquito netting, an aluminum base, and a high-density foam mattress. For those desiring additional space, an optional annex room is available for separate purchase. Setting up and dismantling this tent is a straightforward process, and though it may bear a higher price tag, King highlights, “In the realm of full-featured truck tents, the Rugged Ridge model presents an excellent value.
Due to its user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, the Backroadz by Napier has secured its position as one of the more sought-after truck tents on the market. What distinguishes the Backroadz from Napier from the competition is its ability to fit directly into the truck bed, eliminating the need for an additional rack or bar system. Furthermore, it remains competitively priced and is readily available through a variety of retailers. Weighing in at a mere 16 pounds, it offers the advantage of lightweight portability and, despite its affordable price point, includes notable features such as a full rainfly, storm flaps, a sewn-in floor, and mesh windows. This tent accommodates up to two adults and provides a center height ranging from 58 to 62 inches.
When it comes to discussions about rack systems and various outdoor equipment, the Swedish manufacturer Thule invariably occupies a prominent position. According to Chris King, the Basin Wedge tent is unparalleled in terms of ease and swiftness of setup. “All that’s needed is to release the latches and gently open it up,” he remarks. “Extend the ladder and secure it in place, and you’re ready to go.” King further underscores that the wedge-style tents offer an additional advantage with their closed-profile design. He notes, “Their reduced frontal surface area, when in the closed position, results in minimal aerodynamic drag, subsequently minimizing its impact on fuel efficiency.”
The shell of the Basin Wedge tent is constructed from UV-protected ABS plastic, complemented by a polyester-coated cotton canopy. It features a foam mattress with a removable cover, a telescoping ladder, and mosquito screens. While it bears a higher price tag, Thule’s reputation for top-tier quality remains unquestioned.
On the roster of truck tent recommendations from RealTruck, the Bushveld II by Overland Vehicle Solutions stands out as one of the most compelling options. It boasts one of the most spacious sleeping areas available on the market and is engineered to be suitable for year-round use.
A comprehensive examination of the tent’s inclusions illustrates that Overland Vehicle Solutions has taken into consideration nearly every detail. Included with this tent are an insulated base equipped with an integrated anti-condensation layer, adjustable aluminum universal mounting channels, a quilted memory foam mattress along with pillows, a skylight, a blanket, and LED lighting.
If you’re seeking to enjoy the advantages of a hard shell tent without the need for a significant financial investment, Naturnest presents a reliable choice. It boasts a sturdy outer shell constructed from ABS plastic, while the tent itself is crafted from waterproof-coated polyester. Every seam and sealing ring has been treated to ensure waterproof integrity. Moreover, it comes equipped with a range of appealing features, including a three-layer mattress, two LED light strips, and waterproof shoe storage bags.
The Naturenest tent sets up with ease and can comfortably accommodate up to two adults and one child.
Smittybilt’s second-generation Overlander builds upon the successes of its predecessor and elevates the overall quality. As Chris King notes, “Smittybilt has introduced a vestibule to the entry area, a welcome addition for those who frequently encounter inclement weather.”
This tent is available in two sizes: the standard 2–3 person model and the larger 3–4 person XL version. Both variants are constructed from heavy-duty 600-denier ripstop polyester and come complete with a covered high-density full foam mattress, a telescopic anodized aluminum ladder, and LED interior lighting.
The Condor Overland 2 XL stands out as a hard-shell tent capable of accommodating three to four adults. What sets it apart from its counterparts is its construction, utilizing aluminum in lieu of the standard ABS plastic shell. This tent features waterproof polycotton fabric enhanced by an additional blackout coating, a high-density foam mattress, three integrated dimmable LED lights, a ceiling-mounted gear organizer, and two HVAC ports to facilitate the use of portable tent heaters or air conditioners.
Remarkably, the crossbars can be employed with the tent closed, enabling the transport of up to 150 pounds of equipment such as bicycles, surfboards, or watercraft. Undoubtedly, this is a tent of significant caliber, coupled with a correspondingly substantial price tag.
Do truck bed tents come in different sizes, or are they universally compatible? In response to this query, King underscores, “The mounting system found in most truck tents is designed to be agnostic regarding rack brand or style, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of aftermarket rack systems. Nonetheless, for tents positioned within the truck bed, it’s essential to provide vehicle specifications to ascertain that they match the bed’s dimensions in terms of both width and length.
A prudent guideline to follow is to assume that compatibility is typically model-specific—unless expressly stated otherwise. Manufacturers typically furnish compatibility charts or guidelines that delineate which pickup truck tents are suitable for specific models. It is imperative to adhere to these guidelines or establish direct contact with the manufacturer to ascertain the tent’s compatibility with your specific truck.
Is any additional equipment necessary for the installation of a truck bed tent, or will all required components be provided? The necessity for supplementary equipment largely depends on the type of roof rack you acquire, but generally, the answer is yes—everything you need is included. As Chris King affirms, “In-bed tents necessitate nothing more than the truck itself, possibly a mattress. For rooftop tents, a rack system is essential, yet typically, all the components required for mounting and utilizing any variety of truck tent are supplied. This typically encompasses a ladder, a rain fly, mattress, as well as standoffs for the rain fly, and the like. Add your sleeping bag, and you’re ready to go!”
When considering truck bed tents, what are the most critical features to evaluate? If comfort stands as a paramount concern, it is crucial to ensure that the tent comes equipped with a mattress. Lighting provisions can also prove highly beneficial. Chris King imparts insightful advice on this matter, stating, “The most significant aspects to assess include interior space/volume and setup time, as there appears to be some correlation between these two factors (typically, the fastest tents to set up may sacrifice some interior space compared to other options). Additionally, it is prudent to verify the availability of floor liners for your chosen tent or whether they are included, as condensation concerns may arise beneath the mattress in the absence of an insulating layer.
