For those who love the freedom of the open road but crave a comfortable night’s sleep off the ground, a pickup truck tent is the ultimate gear upgrade. Transforming your vehicle’s bed into a cozy, elevated campsite, these tents offer protection from critters, damp ground, and unpredictable weather.
Whether you drive a rugged Ford F-150, a versatile Toyota Tacoma, or a spacious Ram 1500, finding the right shelter can redefine your overland adventures. This guide explores the top 5 pickup truck tents of 2025, breaking down their best features, waterproofing capabilities, and setup times to help you choose your perfect match.
Why Choose a Pickup Truck Tent?
Unlike traditional ground tents, a truck bed tent keeps you elevated and mobile. You don’t need to clear rocks from a campsite or worry about rain pooling under your sleeping bag. They are faster to set up, offer better security, and allow you to camp anywhere your 4×4 can take you.
Top 5 Pickup Truck Tents Reviewed
1. Best Truck Bed Tent for 6-Foot Beds: Rightline Gear Truck Tent
For campers who want a seamless transition from driving to sleeping, the Rightline Gear Truck Tent is a top-tier choice. Its unique floorless design allows you to set up the tent without removing your gear from the truck bed, a massive convenience for those hauling heavy equipment.
- Key Features:
- Floorless Design: Set up over existing cargo; no need to empty the bed.
- Weatherproofing: Features water-resistant fabric with tape-sealed seams and a durable PU 2000mm rating.
- Sky View Vent: A mesh roof panel allows for ventilation and stargazing on clear nights.
- Pros:
- Setup is fast (approx. 15 minutes).
- High waterproof rating keeps you dry in heavy rain.
- Color-coded poles simplify the assembly process.
- Cons:
- Lack of a sewn-in floor means you are sleeping directly on your truck bed liner (a mattress is recommended).
- Straps can rub against the truck’s finish if not carefully adjusted.
2. Ultimate Truck Tent Camper with Extension: Napier Sportz Truck Tent (57 Series)
If you need extra space for gear or shade, the Napier Sportz Truck Tent is the gold standard. It distinguishes itself with a 4×4-foot awning that extends off the tailgate, providing a shaded porch area perfect for relaxing or storing muddy boots.
- Key Features:
- Extendable Awning: Secures to the tailgate, creating a protected outdoor living space.
- Full Floor: A patented sewn-in floor keeps you clean and separated from the truck bed.
- Ventilation: Includes two large mesh windows, ceiling vents, and a rear access panel to reach the truck cab.
- Pros:
- The awning maximizes usable space, making it feel larger than a standard tent.
- Excellent headroom (approx. 5.7 feet) creates a spacious interior.
- Rear access panel allows you to grab items from the cab easily.
- Cons:
- Setup is more involved due to the awning poles.
- The 1200mm waterproof rating is decent but lower than the Rightline Gear.
3. Compact Pickup Camping Tent for Short Beds: Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Designed specifically with value and compactness in mind, the Napier Backroadz is ideal for shorter truck beds (5-5.8 ft). It packs a punch with durable construction and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size.
- Key Features:
- Full Rainfly: Provides ultimate weather protection with storm flaps on windows and doors.
- Waterproofing: Features a 1500mm PU coating, offering robust protection against rain.
- User-Friendly: Color-coded pole system allows for a quick 10-minute setup.
- Pros:
- Excellent value for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Sewn-in floor adds comfort and cleanliness.
- Eco-conscious choice: a tree is planted for every purchase.
- Cons:
- Mesh windows are not fully opaque, which might reduce privacy in crowded campsites.
- Fiberglass poles are less durable than aluminum options found in premium models.
4. Truck Tailgate Tent for Quick Set-Up: Fofana Truck Bed Tent
Speed is the name of the game with the Fofana Truck Bed Tent. While traditional tents can be fiddly, this model is designed for rapid deployment, getting you out of the driver’s seat and into bed in minutes.
- Key Features:
- Quick Setup: Automatic pole structure eliminates the hassle of loose poles.
- Massive Headroom: Offers a 6-foot standing height, making it one of the roomiest options available.
- Panoramic Views: Huge mesh windows provide a 360-degree view and a “mega” sky view.
- Pros:
- Incredibly fast setup time—ideal for solo travelers or arriving late at camp.
- Full sewn-in waterproof floor keeps the interior clean.
- Universal fit design works well with most mid-size and full-size trucks.
- Cons:
- Can be less stable in extremely high winds compared to lower-profile dome tents.
- Not insulated for extreme winter cold.
5. Affordable Pick Up Truck Bed Tent: Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent
You don’t need to break the bank to start truck camping. The Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent offers essential features and reliable weatherproofing at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
- Key Features:
- Durable Shell: Made from 190T polyester with a 1500mm water-resistant coating.
- Lightweight: Weighs only 11 lbs, making it easy to store and transport.
- Ventilation: Mesh windows ensure fresh airflow while keeping bugs out.
- Pros:
- Very affordable entry point for beginners.
- Simple 4-pole design makes it easy for beginners to set up.
- Includes a sewn-in polyethylene floor.
- Cons:
- Fewer features (no gear loft or awning).
- Slightly less headroom (5.25 ft) compared to the Fofana or Napier Sportz.
How to Choose the Right Truck Tent
Selecting the right tent requires more than just picking a brand. Consider these factors to ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle and adventure style.
- Size Considerations: Truck tents are not one-size-fits-all. You must measure your truck bed with the tailgate down. A short bed truck tent is specifically engineered for beds under 6 feet, ensuring a taut fit that prevents water pooling.
- Material and Durability: Look for polyester taffeta or oxford fabrics. These resist tearing and hold up well against UV rays. For poles, aluminum is lighter and stronger than fiberglass.
- Weather Resistance (PU Rating): This measures waterproof capability. A rating of 1200mm is good for light rain, while 2000mm offers superior protection for heavy storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Truck Tent in All Weather?
Most truck tents are rated as 3-season tents, meaning they handle spring, summer, and fall weather well. For winter camping, verify the tent has a high PU rating (at least 1500mm) and consider a 4-season model like canvas options for insulation.
How Easy is the Set Up?
Setup times vary by design. Standard Dome Tents typically take 10-15 minutes once you are familiar with the pole structure. Instant Tents (like the Fofana) can be pitched in under 5 minutes due to pre-attached pole mechanisms.
Are Pickup Truck Tents Universally Fit?
No. While some “universal” models exist, they often sacrifice a snug, weather-tight fit. Most reputable brands sell specific sizes (Compact, Full Size Short, Full Size Long) to match your truck’s bed length. Always measure your bed with the tailgate up and down before buying.
About Everlead Outdoor
Everlead Outdoor is a premier OEM/ODM Roof Top Tent Manufacturer based in Dongguan, China. Since 2016, we have been engineering high-performance outdoor gear for global brands.
While pickup truck bed tents are a great entry point, Everlead specializes in the next level of overlanding comfort: Lightweight Aluminum Hard Shell Roof Top Tents and Soft Shell RTTs. Our products are designed for rapid setup, superior aerodynamics, and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, from small sedans to heavy-duty trucks.
With our ISO 9001 certified facility and 100% full-unit inspection protocol, we ensure that every tent we ship is safe, durable, and ready for adventure.
Looking for a reliable manufacturing partner? [Contact our engineering team] today for a consultation on our latest RTT models and custom OEM solutions.
