Truck Bed Tents Sorted by Bed Length and Weather Fit
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series wins overall for its full floor and wide vehicle fit list. Better value comes from the Rightline Gear Full-Size Standard Bed tent, while the Kodiak Canvas 7206 is the premium pick for cold or wet conditions.
Most pickup owners land on the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series, with the Rightline Gear full size model covering the same job for less and the Kodiak Canvas 7206 taking over once weather turns serious.
Fit is measured by bed length, not truck model, so a tent built 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 against what owners report after wet nights.
The shortlist, ranked
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series
Napier’s Backroadz line covers the widest range of bed lengths, and most full size owners land on the 13 Series specifically. A sewn-in floor blocks drafts and dust, and large mesh windows keep it comfortable in summer. Color-coded poles and straps handle setup without 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
A full rainfly and a glow-in-the-dark zipper pull come standard here, appreciated at two in the morning. Straps to the bed rails instead of clamping, so it fits 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
Better fabric, a larger entry awning, and a rainfly that extends further down the sides set the Sportz line above Backroadz. The awning gives somewhere dry to remove boots before climbing in. Setup takes a little longer because there is more structure to tension.
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 here, cutting condensation dramatically on cold nights and holding heat longer. Shoulder season and winter trips suit this tent best, since synthetic fabric feels clammy by comparison. Weight and drying time run higher, so storage needs more care.
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
Five foot beds on mid size pickups get poorly served by tents built for full size trucks, and this one is cut specifically for that length. Getting the fit right matters more than any added feature, since a loose tent flaps all night and leaks at the tailgate. A rainfly and the same strap mounting as the full size version come included.
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
Eight foot beds often struggle to find a tent using their full length, and the 19 Series answers that gap directly. Extra floor space fits two adults plus gear without anyone sleeping on a duffel. The same colour-coded pole system and sewn-in floor carry over from 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 entry point covers the basics of a floor, mesh windows, and a rainfly for anyone testing truck bed camping without committing much. Fabric weight and zipper quality show where the savings land, so fair-weather trips suit it best. Owners report it works fine for occasional use rather than a full season.
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 The same pickup model can ship with three different bed lengths, so tents are sold by bed length rather than model name. 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 loose fabric is where wind noise and leaks start.
Tonneau covers, bed liners, and rail systems 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 cause no issues, and drop-in liners usually work too, though a slick plastic surface makes a sleeping pad slide around. Check whether the bed rail caps have holes for the straps, since some newer trucks skip them.
Rainfly coverage and the tailgate seal Water runs down the tent and collects at the seam near the tailgate, which is where most truck tents leak. Look for a rainfly that extends past the tailgate and a design that 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 outside, and keep a gap between the sleeping bag and the tent walls. A thick sleeping pad matters more here than in ground camping, since the bed floor runs 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 installed?
Spray-in liners cause no issues at all. Drop-in liners usually work, though the plastic surface runs 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 leave a roll-up cover 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 tension the fly rather than letting it rest 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 here than in a ground tent.
Do these tents damage the truck bed or paint?
Strap-mounted tents do not, provided the straps and buckles sit away from painted surfaces. Wipe grit from the bed rails before pitching, since trapped dirt under a strap causes most scratches.
Can two adults sleep in a truck bed tent?
Comfortably, in a six foot or longer bed. A five foot mid size bed fits two adults only if gear moves to the cab, and taller people will find it tight.
How long does truck tent setup take?
Most strap-mounted models take ten to fifteen minutes the first few times and under ten once the pole order is familiar. Canvas models take a little longer given the extra weight to handle.
Can you drive with the tent installed?
No. Truck tents must come down before driving, since the poles and fabric are not designed for road speeds and the load is not secured for travel.
Best truck bed tent for a short or mid size bed?
The Rightline Gear Mid Size Short Bed Truck Tent 110761 is cut specifically for five foot beds, where full size tents leave excess fabric flapping.
Truck bed tent vs rooftop tent, which is better?
A truck bed tent costs less and keeps the sleeping area off the ground without a permanent rack, while a rooftop tent works on any vehicle but adds more weight and cost.
Our take
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent 13 Series is the safest recommendation for most full size pickup owners, since its fit list runs broad and the sewn-in floor makes it comfortable straight away. Rightline Gear covers the same job for less for occasional campers, and the Kodiak Canvas 7206 earns its extra weight in cold, damp conditions.
Tony Russo
Tony trained as an automotive technician and spent years in service and parts retail before moving into writing. He focuses on garage tools, car care products and accessories from a hands-on maintenance perspective.
