Truck bed tents have been steadily gaining popularity as an alternative option to ground tents. Truck tents bring a set of benefits that ground tents simply can’t provide. However, all of these differences are not always a positive.
Truck bed tents have a different set of pros and cons compared to ground tents. Some of the pros include the fact that it is cleaner, you will be off the ground, and they provide a flat surface to sleep on. Pointing out some of the cons, truck bed tents force you to climb over the tailgate, they have a limited footprint, and they don’t allow you to leave camp without breaking down the tent.
These are just a few of the pros and cons you can expect when owning a truck bed tent. The rest of this article will dive deeper into these topics and also point out more reasons you should or shouldn’t buy a truck bed tent!
Truck Bed Tent Pros:
Staying clean
When you go camping the goal isn’t to stay clean. At best you want to minimize the amount of dirt you track into the tent as well as keep your tent clean.
With a truck bed tent, you don’t have to worry about setting your tent in a muddy spot and having to clean it off when you get home. As long as your truck bed is decently clean, the tent will stay much cleaner than it will on the ground.
Breaking down camp is one of my least favorite parts of camping. Knowing that the tent will not be covered in mud when I go to pack it up makes it that much easier when I’m ready to go home.
Being off the ground
A similar pro to not being in the mud is also not being on the ground where snakes, rodents, and or critters walkabout.
This may vary in importance to you depending on where you live geographically. Whether you, your significant other, or kids feel safer off the ground, it does in fact make a difference.
It gives you that added peace of mind knowing you’re an extra few feet off the ground. In areas with a high number of poisonous or dangerous animals, this can be a huge pro!
Flat surface area to sleep on
This topic highlights a few pros in my mind. First, you don’t have to worry about finding the right campground if you’re on the beach or doing dispersed camping.
All you need to do is level your vehicle, even if the campsite is not level. This makes finding that perfect campsite that much easier.
Another obvious pro is the added comfort you get from not sleeping on an uneven and rocky surface. Even if you use a blowup mattress to sleep in while camping, the perfectly flat surface of your truck bed is far superior to the ground.
Cheaper option than a camper shell
Truck bed tents are a far more cost-efficient option than buying a camper shell. Camper shells are superior since they are completely waterproof, can lock, and have many other features.
However, with a camper shell comes a hefty price tag as I’m sure you know. Truck bed tents cost hundreds of dollars less and allow you to camp in a very similar fashion if you had a camper shell.
It’s great knowing that price won’t determine whether or not you get the best camping experience out of your truck!
Looks
The last pro that I wanted to cover is the fact that these truck bed tents look sweet. You will definitely turn some heads at the campgrounds with these things.
This is obviously not a benefit or perk to you, but it is fun! At the end of the day, anything that motivates you to get out and camp more is absolutely a good thing!
Check out our recommended gear page if you’re looking for tried and tested camping gear I personally recommend to friends and family!
Truck Bed Tent Cons:
Climbing over tailgate
While being off the ground is a perk, this also requires you to hope or climb into the bed of your truck.
If you have a dog, kids, or a lifted truck, this may be easier said than done! Many people use their coolers as a “step”, but I would recommend buying some sort of platform or stool to dedicate for this purpose.
Limited footprint
A truck bed tent can only be as large as the footprint of your truck’s bed. At most you’re looking at sleeping 2 adults and another 2-3 kids.
Some truck bed tents do have the option to upgrade to an attachment which can extend the sleeping area, but that is essentially the same as a ground tent.
So if you have a really large family and want everyone to sleep in the same tent, this may not be a viable option for you. If you have a mid-size truck, I wouldn’t expect to squeeze the whole family in the tent.
Variety
The different amount of features and brands is far less when comparing it t ground tents.
Each individual has a different set of features they care most about. Having a limited range of choices can make it a bit more difficult to find that perfect tent.
Leaving camp
This is a big con! Many times when you’re camping, you will naturally want to explore the area you are in.
So if you’re staying at a campsite for multiple nights but want to explore, you have to break down the tent in order to drive your truck.
This can be extremely frustrating at times especially when you’re not at a reserved campsite and run the risk of losing the perfect camping spot.
If you are camping for just an overnight trip, this probably won’t be an issue. However, for those extended trips at one location, you will quickly begin to become annoyed by this.
Unloading the truck bed
Odds are your truck bed is packed full of gear such as sleeping bags, food, chairs, and much more. Instead of grabbing things out of the truck as you need them, you will have to clear out to the truck bed to set up your tent.
For those who typically pack light, good news, this isn’t a deal-breaker for you. However, for those campers that pack the truck to the brim with gear and toys, this may be frustrating for you.
Setup process
The setup process is somewhat similar to a ground tent. Sometimes you just can’t get the corners and fabric to perfectly line up with the truck bed.
This can be time-consuming if you’re not familiar with how to set up the tent. Personally, I always before the tent set up to be as quick and painless as possible.
Read the reviews of the tent to be sure many people haven’t experienced set up or fitting issues.
Best Truck Tents:
Right Line Gear Truck Tent
Right Line is a trusted brand in the tent industry and offers four different sizes with this model. It can be used in three-seasons and sleep 2 people.
The setup process is very simple with color-coded poles and the tent is completely waterproofed with taped seams. The heavy-duty straps and durable material ensure a long life-span for any casual camper, fisherman, and or hunter!
The floorless design also allows you to set up the tent without having the clear out the bed. Check the current price and more details at Cabela’s here!
Napier 57 Series Sportz Truck Tent
This truck tent has a very handy 4 x 4 awning which covers the tailgate. It also has generous headroom at 5 feet 7 inches in the center.
You can set this tent up in as little as 15 minutes and it can be used in all three seasons! Inside the tent is a gear loft to store items such as keys and wallets. There is also a rear door to access the cab of the truck too!
This truck tent differentiates itself with the awning which can provide a nice space for relaxation and eating a campfire meal. To see the current pricing click here!
Napier Backroadz
A great budget option is another truck tent from Napier. It has many reviews speaking glowingly about the quality and construction of the tent.
It also has the color-coded poles to assist with an easy setup process. It comes with a gear loft, lantern holder, and a gear pocket as well.
The big difference this tent doesn’t have is the awning feature seen in the Napier 57 Series. This model does come with a full tent floor which is nice for keeping things clean. However, you do need to empty the truck bed to set up the tent.
Click here to see the current price and more pictures of the Napier Backroadz truck tent. These options are all from trusted brands that have high-quality standards. You won’t regret buying from one of these companies!
Another great addition to any truck tent is an air mattress. The Napier “Sportz Air Mattress” is designed specifically for truck bed use.
It comes equipped with a hand pump that requires no electricity and has a heavy-duty vinyl construction for a very durable build. The soft flocked top also adds some comfort over the normal rubbery air mattress top.
Is a truck tent worth buying?
With all of the pros and cons you can expect when using a truck bed tent laid out for you, are they really worth it?
It depends on your particular situation whether you have a large or fairly small family. Also, where in the world you are camping will play a huge role.
If the added comfort, cleanliness, and peace of mind being off the ground justify the cost and limited size, then a truck bed tent is well worth it!
In my opinion, I always feel much safer camping off the ground. If you have a truck and want to camp in the bed this a great option. It is both cheaper than a camper shell as well as not permanent.
If I had to give a suggestion, I think truck bed tents are really cool and the added level of comfort sells itself!