Anyone using a truck-bed tent?

[ecoope]

One of the reasons I bought my Ranger was to get out in the field with my camera gear. I have been thinking about the possibility of camping with the truck and sleeping in the bed. I have installed a Bedrug and with an air mattress or foam pad it should be plenty comfortable. I am 6 ft tall. The bed with the tailgate down is 6.6 ft, so I would just fit comfortably, right? There are a number of tents designed to fit in the bed, so it all sounds doable. Is anyone using a bed-tent with their Ranger? How well is it working out?

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[KDub]

Personally I opt to use a good freestanding tent and place it in the bed of the truck. I’m not doing camera work but found it more flexible in the field instead of committing to a tent that just works in the truck bed. The setup is quick too (and the same as on the ground).

Note: The challenge with my method is getting a good rain fly situation. I have a tarp and a tie method that works to keep rain out of the truck bed. Otherwise it would be like sleeping in a kiddie pool. I think that’s a pro for the truck bed tents. I don’t care.

I may be taking some of the gear fun out of it though. Motorcycle travel has a tendency to force you to realize what you need until it becomes what you want.

 

[ecoope]

Hmmm...interesting suggestion. I have no intention of camping in the rain. This would entirely be a summertime scenario.

 

[KDub]

Rain happens

 

[HorsewNoName]

I will be test fitting a Kamp Rite Oversize later today to prep for fall season desert photography. It's going to hang over the tailgate but the main support legs should be fine. The last resort would be to put it on the ground, but reluctant to do so with all the critters. Keep you posted

 

[Jimmyk]

The very best tent is Kodiak Canvas I had it on my 2021 ranger and sold it and got a topper. very sturdy weather proof stand up inside , only bummer is you have to take it down when you want to cruise around, they also sell easy flex bow 4 season tents
https://kodiakcanvas.com/ I am getting a new one for my RR

 

[jorosz0309]

One of the reasons I bought my Ranger was to get out in the field with my camera gear. I have been thinking about the possibility of camping with the truck and sleeping in the bed. I have installed a Bedrug and with an air mattress or foam pad it should be plenty comfortable. I am 6 ft tall. The bed with the tailgate down is 6.6 ft, so I would just fit comfortably, right? There are a number of tents designed to fit in the bed, so it all sounds doable. Is anyone using a bed-tent with their Ranger? How well is it working out?

I have the Napier truck bed tent. I used it twice before getting a Diamondback cover. I was actually going to post it for sale because I can no longer use it. It worked great though. I camped in Northern Minnesota when temps were down into the 20’s at night. I’ll be getting a topper or RTT instead. Whereabouts are you? Let me know if you’re interested.

https://napieroutdoors.com/products/backroadz-truck-tent-19-series?variant=43603583762630

 

[superj]

/\ that is the one i always look at getting

 

[jorosz0309]

/\ that is the one i always look at getting

I’m willing to sell it. Just send me a message if you’re interested.

 

[LDHunter]

I have the Napier truck bed tent. I used it twice before getting a Diamondback cover. I was actually going to post it for sale because I can no longer use it. It worked great though. I camped in Northern Minnesota when temps were down into the 20’s at night. I’ll be getting a topper or RTT instead. Whereabouts are you? Let me know if you’re interested.

https://napieroutdoors.com/products/backroadz-truck-tent-19-series?variant=43603583762630

I just checked and Napier is having a 25% off sale so that tent now is selling for $149. That's a pretty darn good price for such a nice and practical tent. It replaces a lot of super expensive options if you're just planning on a few trips each year.

 

[HorsewNoName]

I did the same. Not bad

 

[Jimmyk]

search the internet for napier cracked tent poles than decide, a broken pole out backing is no fun.

 

[jorosz0309]

I’ve had many tents in my 40 years of camping and have never snapped a pole. People who snap poles are usually setting something up wrong. If you wait to tighten straps/guys until after the poles are in place, I can’t imagine it being a problem. I set this Napier up in the dark and it was easy enough and the poles didn't seem excessively stressed. I would continue using it if I didn’t find myself needing a secure cover. With a 6” folding mattress I slept like a baby. I may eventually get one of those topper tents (to use the extended tailgate area) once I have a topper. If anyone wants my tent, I’ll sell it for $100…save you another $50.

 

[Sammy]

I bought the Napier bed tent but have never used it. It is for sale if anyone is interested. PM for further info.

 

[elreytigre]

The very best tent is Kodiak Canvas I had it on my 2021 ranger and sold it and got a topper. very sturdy weather proof stand up inside , only bummer is you have to take it down when you want to cruise around, they also sell easy flex bow 4 season tents
https://kodiakcanvas.com/ I am getting a new one for my RR

This is what I have too. Personally I prefer my ground tent most of the time; because my bed is so full of shit all the time and I like to cruise around with the truck when I camp.
But it’s nice because I can open the back window and heat the tent from the cab.

I needed to get new c clamps though. The Kodiak ones were barely too small.

if you’re committed to a truck bed tent- this works pretty good. Ps I’m 6-4 and I had plenty of length.

I camp in rattlesnake country and in their season so it’s compelling to be off the ground.

with that said- I prefer my ground tent. I can set it up in 15 minutes and it’s palatial.

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