Best Truck Tents Summary Points
- Whether it’s for a camping trip or overlanding, road-tripping, or a night outdoors under the stars, a truck tent can provide an unforgettable experience.
- Rightline Gear, RealTruck, Thule, and Napier make some of the best truck tents on the market. Cost can vary from as low as $200 to as high as $3,000. Depending on your needs, you may not need to spend a lot in order to get a nice tent.
- We’ve tested some of the most popular truck tents and consulted with an industry expert on the best possible recommendations. In this review, we cover each tent’s features based on our firsthand experience and provide a buying advice section near the end.
Best Truck Tents
Whether it’s for camping, road-tripping, or a night under the stars, a truck tent can provide a memorable experience.
Best Overall
Rightline Gear Truck Tent
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Weatherproof with sky vents for more ventilation.
Most Durable
Thule Basin Wedge
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Rooftop tent doubles as a cargo carrier.
Best Budget Pick
Napier Backroadz
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Includes a storage bag for easy transport.
Truck Tents & Our Testing Process
When evaluating truck accessories, be it tonneau covers or truck tents, we assess ease of installation and use, durability, and overall functionality. Our team members tested each tent featured on this list on a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT.
Hit the “show more” arrow if you would like to see our full testing methodology, including how we score truck tents.
What Is The Best Truck Tent?
Based on our firsthand experience, Rightline Gear, RealTruck, Thule, and Napier make some of the best truck tents on the market.
| Brand/Model | Cost | Overall Rating (Out of 5.0 Stars) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rightline Gear Truck Tent | From $200 | 4.5 | Best Overall |
| RealTruck GoTent | From $2,000 | 4.6 | Easiest to Use |
| Thule Basin Wedge | From $3,000 | 4.5 | Most Durable |
| Napier Backroadz Truck Tent | From $200 | 4.1 | Best Budget Pick |
Truck Tent Style
The Rightline Gear and Napier BackRoadz are more of a traditional tent style that covers the bed of your truck versus the “pop-up” function of the RealTruck GoTent and Thule Basin Wedge, which are rooftop-style tents.
Cost Considerations
In addition to style, it’s important to consider how much you want to spend. After testing the tents above, we found the options at the lower end of the pricing spectrum were just fine for our needs.
The Rightline Gear and Napier BackRoadz are budget-friendly yet still reliable and durable enough for overlanding or camping. With one of these tents, the only added cost you might incur is an air mattress for sleeping in your truck bed if you don’t already have one. If you only do the occasional camping or fishing trip, the Rightline Gear and Napier BackRoadz will give you a nice tent without breaking the bank.
By contrast, with the RealTruck GoTent and Thule Basin Wedge, you will need a compatible rack to elevate them above your truck bed. Of course, this is less of a concern if you already own a compatible rack, but if you don’t, you will add the extra expense of purchasing a rack.
Below is our review of each truck tent shown in the chart above, starting with the Rightline Gear. This will help you determine which one is best for your needs.
#1: Best Overall: Rightline Gear Truck Tent
Rightline Gear Truck Tent Fast Facts
- Cost: From $200.
- Accommodates: Two adults.
- Tent Material: Vinyl.
- Warranty: One year.
The Rightline Gear Truck Tent is our top pick because it is easy to install and well-constructed. Made from strong and durable vinyl fabric, it features well-stitched seams, along with high-quality zippers and buckles. This two-person truck tent is available in sizes to fit nearly any truck bed and has proven to be one of the most secure truck tents we tested.
The Rightline Gear Truck Tent stands out because it is designed to be set up directly in the truck bed, unlike other tents assembled on the ground and lifted afterward into the bed. Although building a tent on the ground may be easier, lifting a heavy tent above your head can be challenging.
You can see how the Rightline Gear tent performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Durability | 4.5 |
| Weatherproofing | 4.0 |
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Pros
- Quick setup and easy to secure.
- High-quality zippers and seams.
- Sky vents provide more ventilation.
Cons
- No awning over the entrance.
- Only available in an orange and gray color pattern.
Our Experience With The Rightline Gear Truck Tent
As with most truck tents we tested, the included instructions are mediocre (the pictures are not detailed enough to illustrate each step). Fortunately, the setup process is not that difficult once you get going (the instructions are sewn inside the storage bag).
Durability: A unique feature of this tent is that it has more straps for securing the tent to the truck than other truck bed tents, notably near the tailgate. However, you need to get underneath your truck to attach these.
Weatherproofing: As mentioned, Rightline Gear provides sturdy buckles and straps for securely attaching the tent to your truck, enhancing its wind resistance. All seams are designed to prevent water leakage, while the rainfly and glow-in-the-dark zippers are nice added extras.
Ease of Use: What stands out here are the color-marked tent poles for a straightforward setup. The metal sheaths connecting the fiberglass segments are longer than other tents. This makes the tent easier to disassemble, as you don’t need to worry about accidentally pulling out a joint. There are also only three poles to insert, which is fewer poles than other tents, making setup quicker.
Comfort: The inside is spacious, with ample headroom for you and one other person. There is no bottom liner, so you may need to clean your truck bed beforehand. However, with any truck tent, you will want to use a sleeping pad, cot, or blow-up mattress anyway. For the latter, if you need a portable inflator, here is a list of our top picks.
Best Overall: Rightline Gear
Color-marked tent poles make setting up easy.
Weatherproof with sky vents for more ventilation.
Features glow-in-the-dark zippers and a lantern hanging hook.
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What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (around 30 reviews).
Positive customer reviews on RealTruck’s website speak to the ease of assembly and disassembly, ample headroom, and the fact that it keeps rainwater out of the bed. Not-so-positive reviews include comments on fitment and confusing installation instructions, the latter of which was also our experience.
#2: Easiest to Use: RealTruck GoTent
RealTruck GoTent Fast Facts
- Cost: From $2,000.
- Accommodates: Two adults.
- Tent Material: Oxford Cloth.
- Weight: 169 Lbs.
- Measurements: 7-ft. x 4.3-ft. x 5.25-ft. (open position).
- T-Slot Rails: Integrated on the tent’s exterior.
The RealTruck GoTent is a bit different from our other recommendations. Rather than setting up in the bed, this truck tent is attached to a rack and crossbars (which are purchased separately). We used Rhino-Rack Vortex Cross Bars for our installation.
You can also install the GoTent on the rooftop of an SUV or other large vehicle with the crossbar setup. Universal mounting brackets are included for installation onto your cross bars.
Other key features include a telescoping ladder to access an LED-lit interior, a synthetic fiber floorboard, and a two-inch thick foam mattress that sleeps two.
While the GoTent is one of our favorite options, it is significantly more expensive than most other truck tents. We think the GoTent merits the increased cost and is a good choice, but depending on your needs and budget, another option on this best truck tents list might be better for you.
You can see how the RealTruck GoTent performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Durability | 5.0 |
| Weatherproofing | 4.0 |
| Ease of Use | 5.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6 |
Pros
- Easy setup and install.
- Unique design makes the tent easy to fold away.
- Durable materials backed by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Could get wet if not closed properly.
- May need to purchase a compatible rack.
Our Experience With The RealTruck GoTent
The GoTent rivals our top pick, the Rightline Gear Truck Tent, in terms of durability, weatherproofing, and comfort. We like how the GoTent requires virtually no setup time: you simply open the latches, and the tent unfolds.
Durability: When not open, the GoTent is protected by a hardshell case that folds down to a small size for aerodynamics on the road. When it’s opened, the tent materials and zippers are all of the highest quality and should last for many outings.
Weatherproofing: The wedge shape of the tent helps prevent rain accumulation on the top, and the Oxford fabric is sufficiently weather-resistant. An included rainfly can be used, and two mesh windows can be opened for more airflow if necessary.
When closing the tent, we noticed that one part of the seal tended to catch on both sides. If we hadn’t kept an eye on the seal during this step, it would have allowed water into the tent—but it was easy to correct once spotted.
Ease of Use: The only difficult aspect of the installation is that it is heavy and needs to be lifted up onto your truck bed crossbars initially. We don’t recommend doing this alone, so have a friend or family member help.
Comfort: Although relatively small, this tent is one of the most comfortable options we tested. The bottom is lined with a foam mattress that is both soft and supportive. However, since it is not as spacious as a full truck bed tent, it may not be the best choice for more than two people.
Installation Notes
The GoTent comes in a flat black box and is almost fully assembled upon delivery. There are optional rack bars you can attach to the top of the tent, but if these aren’t something you plan to use, the only setup required is to secure four brackets that connect the bottom of the GoTent to your truck bed crossbars.
Once bolted into place, the tent pops open like an accordion and is ready to go (it takes less than one minute to set up and put away the GoTent).
We have tested other tents of similar design, and sometimes, there is difficulty closing the tent and ensuring all the material is tucked inside. The GoTent includes handy bungee cables that gather the material and simplify the stowing process.
Easiest to Use: GoTent
Oxford fabric material withstands the elements.
Two-inch thick foam mattress accommodates two adults.
Integrated T-Slot rails for overlanding accessories.
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What Customers Are Saying
The GoTent is a relatively new product from RealTruck, and as of this writing, there aren’t many customer reviews available on its website. However, other RealTruck products are typically well-rated, and online reviewers often praise RealTruck’s customer support.
Having tested many of RealTruck’s products, we have contacted their customer support on several occasions. We can confirm that RealTruck provides some of the best product support in the industry. In each instance, we were connected with someone knowledgeable about the product or quickly transferred to a representative with more information.
#3: Most Durable: Thule Basin Wedge
Thule Basin Wedge Fast Facts
- Cost: From $3,000.
- Accommodates: Two adults.
- Material: 1500WP 260g Coated Cotton Polyester.
- Weight: 156 lbs.
- Static Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Measurements: 84″ x 55″ x 52″ (open position).
- Warranty: Two years.
The Thule Basin Wedge is a hardshell rooftop tent for campers and overlanders who want something they can use year-round. The hard shell roof cover protects the tent from the elements when not in use while also allowing it to serve as a cargo carrier (Thule refers to the Basin Wedge as a “hybrid” since it doubles as a tent and cargo carrier).
The shell of the Basin Wedge is constructed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a durable material commonly used in various consumer products such as golf clubs, luggage, cases, and toys. Given its outdoor applications, the Thule Basin Wedge also features color fade inhibitors and is made from a 260g cotton and polyester fabric that has a waterproof rating of 1500mm.
Our only initial hesitation here is cost, even though there is a lot to like about the Thule Basin Wedge. You can see how it performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Durability | 5.0 |
| Weatherproofing | 4.5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Pros
- Rooftop tent and cargo carrier.
- Mosquito screens and cargo netting.
- Aerodynamic design when folded away.
Cons
- Expensive.
- May need to purchase a compatible rack.
Fitment
- Fits Thule Xsporter Pro (no additional parts required).
- Fits Thule TracRac—Truck Adapter/s Required: Thule Adapter Kit (PN: XADAPT14).
- Fits Thule TracRac—Van Adapter/s Required: Thule Adapter Kit (PN: XADAPT14).
Our Experience With The Thule Basin Wedge
We took the Basin Wedge out with a 2016 Chevy Colorado, using the Thule Xsporter Pro truck rack. Let’s just say it was nice to get away from our computers and e-mail for a weekend!
Durability: We continue to be satisfied with the heavy-duty material quality, the comfort of the mattress, and how easily it pops open. As mentioned above, the Thule Basin Wedge is made from the same material as many other hard and protective cases, including luggage. To the touch, the shell of the Basin Wedge has a similar feel, which we appreciate.
Weatherproofing: While we didn’t see any rain on our weekend outing, we did use the zippers around the tent to open up the windows. This provided additional airflow while letting in plenty of light. We like the awnings that hook into place if you want to keep the window screens closed yet still have a nice view of your destination.
Comfort: Once opened, the tent mattress is plush and comfortable. However, the interior of the Basin Wedge is not as roomy due to its angular shape. People taller than six feet may not fit, except diagonally, making it effectively a one-person tent.
Ease of Use: While compact, the Basin Wedge is heavy and requires at least two people to hoist. Once resting on the crossbars, it’s easy to install, requiring only the tightening of a few screws.
Putting everything away is slightly more complicated but still manageable. You need to tuck in the tent material around the edges as you go, which may require repositioning the telescoping ladder. The lid closes easily enough, although it can pop open on one side while you close the other.
When folded, the Basin Wedge creates minimal wind resistance, even at highway speeds, although you should keep your speed modest with something like a tent attached to your truck or SUV.
Most Durable: Thule Basin Wedge
Rooftop tent doubles as a cargo carrier.
Comes with a foam mattress, mosquito screens, and an 8’6″ telescoping ladder.
Fits Thule Xsporter Pro w/ no extra parts.
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What Customers Are Saying
Although there are not many Google reviews of the Thule Basin Wedge, the majority are positive. Owners have commented on the build quality, mattress comfort, and fast installation. Others note that the shell is heavy and requires an extra set of hands to lift it onto your vehicle, which was also our experience.
#4: Best Budget Option: Napier Backroadz
Napier Backroadz Fast Facts
- Cost: From $200.
- Accommodates: Two adults.
- Tent Material: Polyester taffeta.
- Warranty: One year.
- Conservation: Napier plants a tree via its Trees for the Future partnership with every purchase.
The Napier Backroadz truck tent makes our list for its sewn-in polyethylene floor, a sizeable door opening, and two mesh windows with a ceiling vent for airflow. We appreciate the rainfly and the “storm flaps” on the windows, making it an excellent choice if you get caught in a downpour during your next adventure.
Color-marked poles and sleeves make setup easy, and the entire tent is light at just 16 lbs. You can see how the Napier Backroadz performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Durability | 4.0 |
| Weatherproofing | 4.0 |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.1 |
Pros
- Includes a storage bag for easy transport.
- Durable poles and clips with waterproof seams.
- Features a small inside gear loft, pocket, and lantern holder.
Cons
- Lower-quality zippers.
- Not for use during the winter.
Our Experience With The Napier Backroadz
We found the Backroadz enjoyable to test on a recent outing, as it was easy to transport and set up. It also included a few unique features that enhanced its comfort, versatility, and resistance to the elements.
Durability: The outer tent material is made from 68D polyester taffeta with a 185 thread count, while the poles are made from fiberglass. The clips that keep the tent attached to the truck are made from thick and sturdy plastic. However, the zippers are plastic rather than metal, which is one thing we would change if we could.
Weatherproofing: Napier recommends not using the Backroadz truck tent in the winter as it can potentially freeze to your vehicle. Otherwise, the waterproof seams appear thick and durable throughout the tent, and although we didn’t see too much rain during our outing, we felt it could withstand a heavier shower. The tent is secured to your truck with nine adjustable straps, which will keep it in place on a gusty day.
Ease of Use: The Backroadz Truck Tent is easy to set up and comes in a convenient bag with the instructions. With the color-coded poles, it took about 10 to 15 minutes to put up. When you are ready to head home, it’s just as easy to take down, roll up, and store back in the bag.
Comfort: The BackRoadz tent features a sewn-in polyethylene floor liner, unlike the floorless design of the Rightline Gear tent, which may be more appealing to some. The full floor liner also helps keep insects out of the tent. Additionally, we found that the windows and ceiling vent provide ample breathability during hot afternoons. A handy feature for late-night outings is the lantern holder, which can accommodate a small LED camping light.
Tonneau Cover Compatibility
Napier provides a few FAQ clarifications regarding tonneau covers and the Backroadz truck tent.
For example, while the tent is compatible with a retractable tonneau cover, it does not work for hard folding tonneau covers. On the Backroadz product page on RealTruck’s website, the tonneau covers compatibility list is outlined in more detail.
Best Budget Pick: Napier Backroadz
Features a small inside gear loft, pocket, and lantern holder.
Rainfly and storm flaps provide protection against the elements.
Storage bag for easy transport.
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What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (about 50 reviews).
Reviews on RealTruck’s website are mostly positive, with one commenting how the Napier BackRoadz is perfect for spontaneous trips. Others mention the strong resistance to heavy winds, ease of setting it up, and that it made for a nice Christmas gift.
#5: Rightline Gear Truck Tailgating Canopy
While we did not have the opportunity to test the Rightline Gear Truck Tailgating Canopy, we wanted to include it as a possible alternative to the tents listed above.
Unlike a truck tent, it’s a proper awning that attaches to the rear of your pickup truck. It has a water-resistant fabric top, fiberglass poles, and sandbags to keep the canopy in place. We would likely use it for tailgating during football season, a family reunion at a park, or any other outdoor event or occasion.
The photos on RealTruck’s website show that it has enough reach to cover a picnic table, so you should have plenty of room under the canopy.
Rightline Gear Tailgating Canopy
Water-resistant fabric canopy with fiberglass poles.
Sandbags help keep the canopy secure.
Great for football season, afternoons at the beach, and family picnics.
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Truck Tent Buying Guide
| Brand/Model | Material | Capacity | No. of Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rightline Gear Truck Tent | Vinyl | Two | Two |
| RealTruck GoTent | Oxford Cloth | Two | Two |
| Thule Basin Wedge | Polyester | Two | Two |
| Napier Backroadz | Polyester Taffeta | Two | Two |
Truck tents, as the name implies, are designed to fit in the bed of pickup trucks. Unlike standard camping tents, which are staked to the ground, truck tents are secured with straps that attach to the body of your truck. Most truck tents are available in multiple sizes, but not all, so it helps to know the factory length of your bed ahead of time.
Mounting Versus Bed Usage
Hunter Gill, owner of truck accessory retailer TEQ Customs in Raleigh, North Carolina, said consumers need to consider the tent’s mounting position versus utility.
For example, Gill explained that styles like the Rightline Gear truck tent and Napier Backroadz take up all your bed space once setup is complete, meaning your bed is not necessarily usable for cargo. However, you can still use your bed if you have something like the Thule Basin Wedge that mounts up in the air with a compatible rack.
Gill added that tents intended for truck beds often have longer setup and breakdown times.
Crossbars & Racks Might Be Needed
Crossbars are necessary for installing “pop-up” tents like the Thule Basin Wedge and the RealTruck GoTent.
Unlike the Rightline Gear and Napier Backroadz tents, which are designed to fit in the bed of a truck, the Basin Wedge and GoTent require a compatible rack. If you’re considering the Basin Wedge or GoTent and do not currently have a compatible truck rack, you will need to purchase one.
Chris King, Director of Marketing at RealTruck, explained that crossbars are necessary for styles like the Basin Wedge and GoTent, regardless of whether they are mounted over a truck bed or on the roof of an SUV.
“What crossbar system you use is up to you. If you have an OEM system, you’ll need to check its dynamic and static load ratings to ensure they’re adequate. The same goes for any aftermarket system, but in my experience with Thule, Yakima, and Rhino Rack, most of their load bars will be fine for most consumers. Remember that how the bars are attached to the vehicle matters—as Thule points out, the roof clamp-style attachment points are a no-go.” ~ RealTruck Director of Marketing Chris King.
Truck Tent Material
Most truck tents are made from polyester and use fiberglass support poles. However, not all polyester is created equal. The best truck tents are made with durable polyester that won’t easily tear and are protected by a water-resistant coating to withstand all weather conditions.
Another common truck tent material is canvas. Canvas is extremely durable and can be waterproof. The downside to canvas tents is that they can be heavier and harder to store. Canvas tents are also less breathable than polyester, meaning they can get much warmer on hot days.
When researching the quality of a truck tent, consider not just the tent material but also the seams, zippers, and buckles. Well-stitched, taped seams help prevent water from getting into the tent. Zippers are likely to be used a lot, and one broken zipper can render an entire tent unusable—if you can’t close the front flap, for example.
Truck Tent Features
Some truck tents, like the Napier Backroadz, have a sewn-in floor. The advantage is that sewn-in floors can better seal your tent against the elements and even insects. However, despite good weather protection during other times of the year, Napier does not recommend using the Backroadz for winter camping.
Another optional feature is an awning. An awning provides an extra space outside the tent, shielded from the sun and rain. This allows you to keep the front flap open for air circulation, even when it rains. An awning also provides a space to dry wet boots and socks. Meanwhile, a rainfly is an additional tent topper that helps repel the weather.
Other standard truck tent features include storage pockets, lantern hooks, or a similar lantern holder for an LED camping light. Some tents come with a carry case or storage bag, which makes transporting them easier.
Advantages & Drawbacks
A truck tent has advantages because it can elevate you away from the ground (especially when it’s wet) when camping or overlanding. While you need to park your truck on a mostly level surface to use a truck tent, your bed with an air mattress or sleeping bag might still be more comfortable than the ground.
However, a truck tent may not be the best option, depending on where you hope to camp, the number of people you need to accommodate, and how much storage space you require. While options like the RealTruck GoTent and Thule Basin Wedge offer premium features and ease of setup, there is not enough room for more than two. Remember that with a truck tent, you can only camp in places where you can access your truck.
Among the biggest downsides to a truck tent is that your truck cannot be used while the tent is installed. Depending on the tent style, you may need to empty your truck bed before setting the tent up, and you won’t be able to drive until you’ve taken it down. Also, depending on the tent style, you may need to remove any camping gear from your truck bed before it’s time to sleep.
Best Truck Tent: Bottom Line
- Best Overall: Rightline Gear Truck Tent.
- Easiest to Use: RealTruck GoTent.
- Most Durable: Thule Basin Wedge.
- Best Budget Pick: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent.
- Alternative Option: Rightline Gear Tailgating Canopy.
Best Truck Tents
Whether it’s for camping, road-tripping, or a night under the stars, a truck tent can provide a memorable experience.
Best Overall
Rightline Gear Truck Tent
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Weatherproof with sky vents for more ventilation.
Most Durable
Thule Basin Wedge
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Rooftop tent doubles as a cargo carrier.
Best Budget Pick
Napier Backroadz
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Includes a storage bag for easy transport.
Truck Tents FAQ
What is the best truck bed tent?
Based on our testing, we think the Rightline Gear truck tent is the best overall option. This tent is reasonably priced, easy to set up, and made from high-quality materials. If you have a bit more to spend and a truck bed rack to mount it, we think the RealTruck GoTent is the most premium, easy-to-use option.
What tent fits in a truck bed?
If you plan to install a tent in your truck bed, you will want to purchase a purpose-built truck tent. These tents are specifically designed to fit into a pickup truck bed and cannot be used on the ground. Since there are trucks with shorter beds than others, you will need to purchase a truck tent sized for your specific bed length. Some truck tent brands offer more sizes than others.
What size tent will fit in a truck bed?
Truck tents are sold by size, not by truck make and model, so you must know your factory bed measurements. Knowing this will help you select the right tent that fits your truck bed.
What is the advantage of a truck tent?
The primary advantage of a truck tent is that it is elevated from the ground. This can help keep rain from pooling in or under your tent and offer protection against animals and crawling insects. Truck beds also provide a more level surface than the ground, especially if your campsite or overland destination has a lot of rocks.
Can a truck bed tent be used on the ground?
Truck bed tents are designed to fit inside a truck bed and cannot be used on the ground like a backpacking tent. Unlike a standard ground tent, a truck bed tent is stabilized using clips rather than stakes. You won’t be able to prevent a truck tent from blowing over unless you install it in a truck bed.
Can you drive with a truck tent?
You should not drive with a truck tent that is set up in your truck bed.
