Truck Bed Tents That Turn Your Pickup Into Camp
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series is the best all round choice thanks to its full floor and wide vehicle fit list. The Rightline Gear Full-Size Standard Bed tent is the better value, and the Kodiak Canvas 7206 is the premium pick for cold or wet conditions.
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series is the truck bed tent most pickup owners should buy, with the Rightline Gear full size model covering the same job for less and the Kodiak Canvas 7206 taking over when the weather turns serious.
Truck bed tents are simple in concept and easy to get wrong, because fit is measured by bed length rather than by truck model and a tent designed for a six foot bed will not sit properly in a five foot one. Rainfly coverage and how the tent seals around the tailgate decide whether rain runs off or runs in. We compared published fit charts, materials and pole designs, plus what owners report after wet nights, to rank these seven.
The shortlist, ranked
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series
Napier covers the widest range of bed lengths with the Backroadz line, and the 13 Series is the version most full size owners land on. A sewn in floor keeps out drafts and dust, and the large mesh windows make it comfortable in summer. Setup uses colour coded poles and straps that do not require drilling or permanent fittings.
Pros
- Wide vehicle fit list across full size trucks
- Sewn in floor blocks dust and drafts
- Straightforward setup without vehicle modification
Cons
- Partial rainfly leaves windows exposed in heavy rain
- Bulky packed size for the bed or cab
Rightline Gear Full-Size Standard Bed Truck Tent 110765
Rightline keeps the design simple and the position low while still including a full rainfly and a glow in the dark zipper pull that you appreciate at two in the morning. It straps to the bed rails rather than clamping, so it works with most beds without modification. Owners report it packs down smaller than most competitors.
Pros
- Good rainfly coverage for the position
- Packs smaller than most rivals
- Simple strap mounting fits most beds
Cons
- Lighter fabric than premium models
- Interior height is modest
Napier Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series
The Sportz line sits above the Backroadz with better fabric, a larger awning over the entry and a rainfly that extends further down the sides. The awning is the standout feature, giving somewhere dry to take boots off before climbing in. Setup takes slightly longer because there is more structure to tension properly.
Pros
- Awning gives a dry entry area
- Better fabric and coverage than entry models
- Cab access sleeve on compatible trucks
Cons
- Takes longer to pitch and tension
- Costs more than basic bed tents
Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent 7206
Cotton duck canvas breathes far better than nylon, which means dramatically less condensation on cold nights, and it holds heat noticeably longer. That makes this the pick for shoulder season and winter use where synthetic tents feel clammy. Canvas is heavy and takes longer to dry, so it demands more care in storage.
Pros
- Canvas greatly reduces condensation
- Warmer and quieter than nylon in wind
- Heavy duty construction built to last
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to transport
- Must be fully dry before storage
Rightline Gear Mid Size Short Bed Truck Tent 110761
Mid size pickups with five foot beds are badly served by tents designed for full size trucks, and this one is cut specifically for that length. Getting the fit right matters more than any feature, since a loose tent flaps all night and leaks at the tailgate. It includes a rainfly and the same strap mounting as the full size version.
Pros
- Correctly sized for five foot beds
- Rainfly included at a modest position
- Light enough to handle solo
Cons
- Tight for two adults plus gear
- Limited interior height
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 19 Series
Owners of eight foot beds often struggle to find a tent that uses the full length, and the 19 Series is Napier’s answer. The extra floor space means two adults plus gear without anyone sleeping on a duffel. It shares the same colour coded pole system and sewn in floor as the rest of the Backroadz line.
Pros
- Uses the full length of an eight foot bed
- Comfortable for two adults with gear
- Same proven pole and strap system
Cons
- Only suits long bed trucks
- Large packed size
Offroading Gear Truck Bed Tent
This is the entry point for anyone who wants to try truck bed camping without committing much, covering the basics of a floor, mesh windows and a rainfly. Fabric weight and zipper quality are where the savings show, so treat it as a fair weather tent. Owners report it works fine for occasional trips rather than a full season of use.
Pros
- Lowest position to try truck bed camping
- Available for several bed lengths
- Light and quick to pitch
Cons
- Lighter fabric and zippers than established brands
- Best kept to fair weather trips
How to choose
Measure your bed, not your truck model Truck tents are sold by bed length, and the same model of pickup can come with three different bed lengths. Measure from the inside of the bulkhead to the inside of the closed tailgate and buy to that number. A tent cut for a longer bed will not tension properly, and the loose fabric is where wind noise and leaks come from.
Tonneau covers, bed liners and rails Most truck tents strap to the bed rails, so a rail mounted tonneau cover or a track system may need removing first. Spray in liners are fine and drop in liners usually are too, though a slick plastic liner makes a sleeping pad slide around. Check whether your bed rail caps have holes for the straps, since some newer trucks do not.
Rainfly coverage and the tailgate seal The tailgate area is where truck tents leak, because water runs down the tent and collects at the seam. Look for a rainfly that extends past the tailgate and a design that either seals against a closed tailgate or drapes over an open one. Pitching with a slight tilt so water runs away from the entry helps considerably.
Condensation, ventilation and sleeping comfort A truck bed is a metal box, so condensation collects fast on cold nights. Open roof vents and window mesh even when it feels too cold, and keep a gap between your bag and the tent walls. A thick sleeping pad matters more than in ground camping, because the bed floor is hard, cold and often ridged.
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Fit | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series | Full size regular bed, check fit chart | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Rightline Gear Full-Size Standard Bed Truck Tent 110765 | Full size standard bed, around 6.5 feet | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Napier Sportz Truck Tent 57 Series | Full size, multiple bed lengths | Best for weather protection | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent 7206 | 6 to 6.5 foot beds | Best premium canvas | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Rightline Gear Mid Size Short Bed Truck Tent 110761 | Mid size short bed, around 5 feet | Best for mid size trucks | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 19 Series | Full size long bed, around 8 feet | Best for long beds | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Offroading Gear Truck Bed Tent | Several bed lengths available | Best budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Good to know
Do truck bed tents fit with a bed liner?
Spray in liners cause no issues at all. Drop in liners usually work, though the plastic surface is slippery under a sleeping pad. Check that rail caps still allow the straps to attach.
Can I use a truck tent with a tonneau cover installed?
Rail mounted covers and rack systems generally need to come off first. Some owners use a roll up cover left in place at the bulkhead, but the tent still needs clear rails for the straps.
How do I stop water pooling at the tailgate?
Choose a tent whose rainfly extends past the tailgate, park with a slight tilt so water runs away from the entry, and make sure the fly is tensioned rather than resting on the tent body.
Is a truck bed tent warmer than a ground tent?
Being off the ground removes conductive heat loss to cold soil, which helps. The metal bed still gets cold, so a thick insulated pad matters more than in a ground tent.
Do these tents damage the truck bed or paint?
Strap mounted tents do not, provided the straps and buckles are positioned away from painted surfaces. Wipe grit from the bed rails before pitching, since trapped dirt under a strap is what causes scratches.
Can two adults sleep in a truck bed tent?
In a six foot or longer bed, comfortably. A five foot mid size bed fits two adults only if gear is stored in the cab, and taller people will find it tight.
How long does setup take?
Most strap mounted models take ten to fifteen minutes the first few times and under ten once you know the pole order. Canvas models take a little longer because there is more weight to handle.
Can you drive with the tent installed?
No. Truck tents must be taken down before driving, since the poles and fabric are not designed for road speeds and the load is not secured for travel.
Our take
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series is the safest recommendation for most full size pickup owners, since the fit list is broad and the sewn in floor makes it comfortable straight away. Rightline Gear covers the same job for less if you camp occasionally, and the Kodiak Canvas 7206 is worth the extra weight for cold, damp conditions.
