Truck bed tents are a great way to camp in the wilderness, even when you’re not in a bush. When setting up a truck bed tent, look at the quality, durability, and weight load, among other factors. But when it comes to the sleeping capacity of truck bed tents, you may wonder how many people can sleep in a truck bed tent.
Two adults can usually sleep in a truck bed tent. A larger one can usually sleep up to 3 adults in a standard-size truck. If you want a bigger truck bed tent that can accommodate more than 3 people, you’ll need a bigger truck or special truck bed design.
In this article, I’ll explain why most truck beds only fit 2 adults, how to make the most of your truck bed tent and how to check its load capacity. I’ll also review some of the best truck bed tents in terms of their capacity and other features.
Most Truck Bed Tents Can Sleep 2 Adults
Most truck beds are around 65–70 square inches (419–452 square cm), with just enough space to comfortably fit two adults. You can technically fit 3 adults in a 70-inch (178 cm) truck bed tent, but this will compromise the tent’s comfort.
Smaller children are easier to adjust to with two adults, but most truck bed tents won’t accommodate more than 3 adults (unless you sleep while sitting upright). While some truck bed tents use ground extensions to increase their internal space, you’ll still only be able to use the part that’s on the truck bed for sleeping.
So, if you’re camping with more than 2 people in a single truck, the best option is to get a second tent. Some larger tents can be set up using support from the truck, but these are essentially ground tents and don’t have the same benefits as a truck bed tent.
Another option for traveling with more than two people in a truck is a roof top tent. They’re comfortable to sleep in and easier to set up than ground tents. Click on the link to read my guide on choosing a good roof top tent. I’ve also provided a list of the best rooftop tents for trucks and overlanding.
How To Increase the Space of a Truck Bed Tent
You can’t increase the sleeping space of a truck bed tent unless you get a bigger truck. Even if you get a bigger tent, you’ll only be able to sleep on the part supported by the truck bed. Suppose you’re camping with more people. Then, you’ll have to get a larger ground tent.
While you can’t increase a truck bed tent’s space, you can make it easier to set up and more comfortable. Some truck bed tents can be set up in less than 5 minutes and may have built-in sleeping bags and other comfort features.
Another area where truck bed tents can be expanded is their height. If you’re a taller individual and smaller tents feel uncomfortable, try getting one with an interior height of at least 70 inches.
Pros and Cons of Truck Bed Tents (With Examples)
Truck bed tents are great for Overlanding and long-distance travel. They also provide more protection from wild animals when you camp in the wilderness and are much more comfortable than ground tents. However, truck bed tents also have their downsides.
Let’s look at the top 3 truck bed tents for truck bed camping to give you a clearer picture of the pros and cons of truck bed tents:
1. Napier Backroadz Truck Tent (Amazon.com)
This spacious truck tent is made with high-quality polyester and mesh and is ideal for camping in rough weather. It’s easy to set up and can comfortably sleep 2 adults. It also has a gear compartment, lantern holder, and large mesh windows. Best of all, you can get it in 5 different versions to fit on your truck.
Pros
- It’s more affordable than many specialized truck bed tents.
- This tent is one of the easiest truck bed tents to assemble and can be set up in 10 minutes.
- The high-quality polyester makes it ideal for rough weather.
- It comes with a built-in floor and storage pockets for convenience.
Cons
- It can take two people to set up.
- Some people have complained about the product’s carbon fiber poles, which are more prone to breaking than metal ones.
- There’s no standard size that fits most trucks. So, you’ll have to check the tent’s dimensions before getting one for your truck.
2. Quictent Pickup Truck Tent (Amazon.com)
Suppose you want to camp in rainy or extreme weather. Then, you may want to check out the Quictent truck tent. It’s fully waterproof and has an adjustable awning to keep the water away from the entrance. With a 75-inch (191 cm) width, this tent is more spacious than many truck bed tents. It even has a built-in waterproof floor. This is a great option if you’re tired of replacing cheap truck bed tents.
Pros
- It’s a very comfortable tent bed with an extra large interior space.
- The tent comes with a removable awning and a fully waterproof floor.
- Its color-coded poles make it very easy to set up.
- It comes in 5 sizes for different truck beds.
Cons
- Instructions aren’t as clear as they should be.
- Since it takes two people to set the tent up, it can be a challenge for beginner campers to get it right.
3. Napier 57 Series Sportz Truck Tent (Cabelas.com)
This truck bed tent is ideal for regular campers and Overlanding trips. It’s easy to set up and has a 3-season use rating, making it ideal for most weather conditions. It also has several vents, allowing you to enjoy the scenic natural environment from the comfort of your tent.
Pros
- The tent has a waterproof design with a rainfly.
- It’s one of the best truck bed tents in terms of quality and features.
- The tent features great ventilation systems, and the rear access door allows you to access power outlets without leaving the tent.
- It provides good rain and wind protection.
Cons
- Setup is easy but takes 15–20 minutes.
- It doesn’t fit all truck beds.
Final Thoughts
Unlike ground tents, truck bed tents have limited space since they need the truck bed for support. Most truck beds can fit 2 adults comfortably, but some can accommodate 3.
While space is an issue, most truck bed tents provide a worry-free camping experience since you’re safe from critters and can camp in more extreme weather. Always ensure you get a truck bed tent that will fit your truck bed’s dimensions. Also, check its weather rating before camping in extreme weather.