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Save yourself the hassle and use a propane fire pit for camping.
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The truck is perfect for camping trips. These days, they’re big enough to comfortably seat at least four people in the cab, have room for all your gear, and can take you far beyond paved roads.
But eventually you’ll need to sleep, and while there’s plenty of space in the bed of your truck, you’ll be exposed to rain, cold, insects, and other elements of nature. Sure, pitching a regular tent is a viable option, but it takes time to set up and pack up, requires a flat surface, and doesn’t offer the best protection from heavy rain, mud, and pests.
The obvious solution is to install it directly in the truck bed. There are plenty of options.
Below are five of the best pop-up truck bed campers currently available and some things to keep in mind when choosing the best one.
Napier Outdoors Backroads Truck Bed Tent
This sturdy, waterproof truck bed tent comfortably seats two people and takes just 10 minutes to set up. It’s made from high-quality polyester and includes a waterproof floor that extends several inches on each sidewall, ensuring complete protection even when your truck bed gets wet. It comes in five sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits the dimensions of your truck bed.
Main specifications:
- material: High quality polyester taffeta and durable polyethylene
- Estimated setup time: 10 minutes
- What’s special: A sturdy frame and zippered storm flap keep you safe in heavy rain or strong winds.
lightline gear truck tent
If you have a lot of gear in the bed of your truck and don’t want to clean it up before your camping trip, this floorless camping tent may be for you. It also comes with a sky view vent that can be used for ventilation and stargazing, making it perfect for summer camping. Although it is water resistant, you should not rely on it to provide 100% protection from heavy rain or severe storms. However, it can be set up and taken down in minutes, making it perfect for quick camping trips.
Main specifications:
- Estimated setup time: 15 minutes
- What’s special: There is no floor, so you can leave other items in the truck bed.
JOYTUTUS pickup truck tent
If you’re planning a fishing trip, outdoor picnic, or other activity where you’ll be in the same place for hours on end, it’s helpful to have something to protect you from the sun and rain. This truck bed camper comes with a removable awning that shades the area behind the truck, so you can set up a chair or two and cover yourself. It’s also completely waterproof, and three of the windows have a blackout layer to prevent the morning sun from waking you up.
Main specifications:
- Estimated setup time: 10 minutes
- What’s special: A sunshade that protects you from the sun and rain
Pittman Outdoors EZ-UP Truck Bed Tent
All of the truck bed campers in this article are relatively easy to set up, but this one is probably the easiest. Once activated, extra wide vents protect you from the elements while maintaining proper airflow. However, they are not particularly built to withstand harsh weather conditions. It also has a large entrance door, which is convenient when packing a lot of luggage.
Main specifications:
- material: polyurethane coated fabric
- Estimated setup time: within 10 minutes
- What’s special: Very easy to set up
Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Bed Tent
If you want to maximize the interior space available in a truck bed camper, this may be the best choice for you. It’s about 6 feet tall, so most people can move around in it without squatting too much or squatting at all. It also extends above the tailgate and extends even further with a 4-by-4-foot awning. Inside, the high-quality polyester taffeta material is designed to keep you safe and protected even in heavy rain and wind.
Main specifications:
- Estimated setup time: 15 minutes
- What’s special: Taller and longer than most other truck bed campers
What you need to know when choosing a truck camper
All of the truck bed campers we’ve discussed thus far make great camping companions, but some may be better suited for you than others. There are several important factors to consider when choosing the right one for your truck.
floor design
The tent floor provides excellent insulation from the elements. It also protects you from bugs, insects, snakes, and other creatures that may want to check on you while you sleep. However, they can be difficult to clean and you’ll likely end up covered in a lot of dirt and mud when you get into your tent after a long day of hiking or fishing. You will also need an empty truck bed. If the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, you may be better off choosing a floorless model.
weather resistance level
Another important factor is what kind of weather you expect to be exposed to. Some tents are designed to protect from light and only work for short summer camping trips. The other products, like most of the products on our list, are three-season compatible. This means it’s sturdy and insulating enough to cover you in harsh autumn and spring weather conditions. If you’re an extreme camper and want to camp during the freezing cold winter months, consider purchasing a four-season truck bed camper.
door and window design
A well-ventilated tent is essential, especially on hot summer days. Look for tents with multiple mesh windows to allow air to circulate. However, be sure to also cover your windows if necessary to protect against strong winds and prevent unpleasant morning light from ruining your sleep. Some tents offer views of the sky, and some have cab windows that allow you to access the cabin without getting out of your car.
Photo provided by manufacturer
