Roof Top Tents for Trucks
Looking for the best roof top tent for your truck? Then you have come to the right place!
***Want to skip the review and just see the products? Here they are!***
Given how comfortable and easy to set up they are, roof top tents are now more popular than ever. And they are particularly popular for pickup truck owners.
If you already know you want a hard shell roof top tent, check out our more specific guide of the best hard shell roof top tents, including recommendations based on size, weight, price, and more. Or, if you're set on a soft shell tent, check out our guide on the best soft shell roof top tents, with similar options.
And if you aren't yet sure, and you just want to see an overview of the best tents for trucks, then read on. We'll give you details on 8 of the top roof top tents on the market.
Plus, we'll answer some of the most common questions. So, let's jump to it.
Table of Contents
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Strong materials, great mattress, unbeatable price.
The number one question we get from existing Nomadic 3 owners is: Why didn't I buy this tent sooner?!?
The number one question we get from potential Nomadic 3 owners is: Why is this tent so inexpensive - seems too good to be true?!
Well, good news: It's not! The features and value that the Nomadic 3 extended soft shell roof top tent provide make it an unbeatable tent for pickup truck owners.
The Nomadic 3 roof top tent is big enough to sleep 3 people comfortably, and the 3" memory foam mattress is so nice you're going to wish you had it on your bed at home.
The 600D body construction and 420D rainfly of the Nomadic 3 RTT will help you stay warm and comfortable in even the harshest of weather conditions.
And a skylight window is built into the roof which makes the tent even more amazing at night.
Plus, you can add a massive annex to it for even more indoor space around your truck - perfect for having a comfortable place to change, or even to sleep additional people or pets.
Easy to install, easy to set up and break down, and very easy to sleep in, the Nomadic 3 extended has been our best soft shell tent recommendation two years in a row.
Pros
- Large sleeping area with the option of adding extra space with an annex.
- 3" mattress makes you feel like you're at home.
- Setup and takedown are straightforward.
- Skylight is great for views and star gazing.
Cons
- At 165 lbs, it's on the heavier end for a 3-person soft shell, but nothing your truck can't handle.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Premium design, upgraded materials, tons of options.
The Condor 2 by Roofnest is one of the most versatile and functional roof top tents on the market and it has earned our rating of best hard shell roof top tent for trucks.
First and foremost, the Roofnest Condor 2 has lots of sleeping space - whichever size you go with.
As for materials, it is made of 320 GSM poly-cotton canvas, has a poly-oxford rainfly (waterproof 3000mm), and has an ASA/ABS plastic shell.
Additional upgrades include 2 HVAC ports for climate or cord control, 3 dimmable LEDs (interior and exterior), a six pocket gear-grid, updated 3-way windows, and heavy duty lockable latches.
The Condor 2 is compatible with Roofnest's 6 Channel Crossbars, which attach directly to the shell for easily mounting more gear.
And if you need extra space or a private room, the Roofnest Condor 2 offers the option to add Roofnest's modular Awnex: Awning + Annex system. The Awnex can be configured in multiple ways - with its awning, wall, and floor kits - to offer optimal protection from the elements.
An ideal companion to any pickup truck, the Roofnest Condor 2 has options for queen-sized and nearly-king-sized sleeping areas, and includes everything you need for adventures in any environment.
Pros
- Large sleeping area with the option of adding extra space if needed via the modular Awnex system.
- Setup and takedown are really simple.
- Body construction is extremely tough.
- The optional crossbars ensure you can take all the gear you need.
Cons
- The XL version is on the heavier end - probably not a concern for pickup trucks, though.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Unbeatable views on a high-quality tent.
This isn't a tent that gives you 360 degree views by having a door or window on each side (although it does). This tent gives you 360 degree views by having an option for NO WALLS. Truly 360 degree views.
Drop all walls for a completely open air, panoramic view experience. And choose to keep or drop the mesh layer, too, depending on the bugs.
Or, if you want things more zipped up, choose between opening just the doors and windows, or closing everything for a warm and dark sleeping experience.
This flexibility is unmatched and gives you so many different camping setups - it's like 4 tents in one.
In addition to the stunning views, you'll also have a comfy 2.75" foam mattress, an LED light, lots of storage pockets, an overhead storage net, and the best waterproofing on the market.
Plus, the tent is plenty big for two, relatively lightweight for a hard shell tent, and a breeze to set up and take down.
Pros
- Views and flexibility you won't find in any other tent.
- Easy and fast setup and takedown.
- 2.75" mattress for comfortable sleeping.
- High quality tent fabrics and industry-leading waterproofing for a warm and dry experience.
Cons
- No add-ons like an annex.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Best Premium Roof Top Tent for Trucks
Freespirit High Country V2 - King
$3,495
Innovative hybrid of soft shell and hard shell.
The Freespirit High Country V2 is a category breaker. It's a fusion between softshell and hardshell. It essentially has a hardshell top, with softshell sides.
(Note: This review is about the High Country V2 - King. Freespirit also launched the High Country V2 - Mini, which is the same tent, but a much smaller 2-person design for $600 less.)
The Freespirit High Country V2 - King is an innovative hybrid design that mixes some of the best features of hard shell (low profile, low MPG impact, crossbars) with some of the best features of soft shell (lighter).
The King-size High Country V2 is massive. At 77" wide, it's one of the largest tents on the market. It can comfortably sleep 4 adults, or even a family of 5.
And despite the large size, even by soft shell standards (and especially by hard shell standards) it's impressively lightweight at just 154 pounds.
The High Country V2 incorporates Freespirit's time-tested tri-layer insulation design. And it has a solid 2.25" mattress for comfortable sleeping.
Finally, because of the hard top, the High Country V2 is able to take crossbars. This is groundbreaking for a (partially) soft shell tent, and ensures you can bring all the gear you need on your next adventure.
Pros
- Innovative, hybrid design merges benefits of hard shell and soft shell tents.
- At 77", the High Country V2 - King can fit a family of 5.
- Despite the size, the tent weighs in at an impressively lightweight 154 pounds.
- Because of the hard top, it can take crossbars, so you can bring additional gear.
Cons
- This tent is our best premium tent for trucks for a reason - it isn't cheap!
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Great features, light on your wallet.
The TMBK by Overland Vehicle Systems is a high-quality, soft shell tent that is amazingly - shockingly - less than $1,000.
It's made with tough and durable fabric - 600D for the body, 420D for the rainfly, and 1000g for the cover. No matter what mother nature throws your way, you'll be comfortable in any season.
It also has a 2.5" foam mattress that will keep you comfortable throughout the night.
And despite the thick fabrics and mattress, the tent comes in at just 110 lbs., one of the lightest tents on the market.
While the tent is officially a 2-person, at a generous 55" wide you can comfortably get a family of three inside.
Plus, you have the option to add an annex for additional space for sleeping, storage, or pets.
Did we mention it's a head-scratcher that this tent is only $999 given all these features?
Pros
- Durable body construction with all-weather protection.
- Lightweight at only 110 lbs.
- Solid 2.5" mattress.
- As affordable as it gets for a high quality tent.
Cons
- Not the fastest set up and take down.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Perfect for families and groups of friends.
If you want the biggest tent on the market for your large truck, the Tuff Stuff Elite stands out as MASSIVE.
While several large tents are 77" wide (that's where roof top tents max out), the Tuff Stuff Elite is a few inches longer than the others, giving it more total square inches.
Beyond the size difference, the Tuff Stuff Elite is also one of the only tents on the market that is essentially TWO tents in one.
With a removable privacy split wall and two ladder entrances, you can divide up this massive space into two.
Mom and Dad on one side, kids on the other? You now have a two-bedroom house atop your truck.
But it gets even better: Unlike any other tent, the Tuff Stuff Elite soft shell roof top tent comes standard with an annex, and that annex can sleep a shocking FOUR additional people.
That's right, this is actually a three bedroom house with room for 9 easily and 11 if you change the orientation. Wowza.
With 280g poly-cotton windproof tent fabric and a 420D poly-oxford rain fly, this large soft shell tent will also keep that mammoth family warm and comfortable no matter where you're camping.
The 2.75-inch mattress on the Tuff Stuff Elite is also a huge plus for easy sleeping. And the tent comes with good storage, inside and out.
Pros
- Huge sleeping area with included annex, making this one of the largest tents around.
- Two ladders and an optional privacy wall to divide the tent in half, if desired.
- Tough materials that can hold up in any weather.
- 2.75" mattress provides excellent comfort.
Cons
-
Weight: You don't get this big without driving up the weight. At 194 pounds, it's heavier than a lot of hard shell tents.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
All the comfort without the weight.
If you're looking for the opposite of the size and weight of the Tuff Stuff Elite, the Roofnest Meadowlark weighs in at just 90 lbs. It's one of the only less-than-100-pound tents on the market.
This soft shell tent is the perfect solution for adventurers who want a high quality tent but don't want to haul the extra weight.
The Roofnest Meadowlark soft shell roof top tent has a high-quality, 190gsm tent fabric design and includes a 210D rainfly.
The Meadowlark also boasts a 2.5" mattress, ensuring you're comfortable throughout the night.
On top of all that, the simplicity of the Roofnest Meadowlark also makes it one of the fastest tents to set up and take down.
And because it's so lightweight, it is easy to install on almost any truck roof rack or bed rack - as long as you have crossbars you'll be good to go.
Whether you're on an extended adventure, or just stopping for a quick rest along the way, the Meadowlark soft shell roof top tent is sure to provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience.
Pros
- It's hard to overstate how light 90 lbs. is in the roof top tent world.
- Set up and take down are lightning quick.
- Despite the light weight, the tent delivers with a 2.5" mattress.
Cons
- To get to 90 lbs. you have to slim down in some places: the tent is a little smaller and uses lighter-weight materials than many other 2-person tents on the market.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Best Mattress Roof Top Tent for Trucks
Freespirit Recreation Aspen Lite
$2,495
All the comfort without the weight.
The Freespirit Aspen Lite weighs in at just 100 lbs. And yet somehow (well actually, because of Freespirit's diligent updates), it has the best mattress around.
The Aspen Lite tents come with the all new 3" AirCore mattress. Freespirit has had this mattress for a few years, but it's new that they include it as the default mattress, rather than as an add-on.
And boy are we glad they did! Not only is the mattress the most comfortable on the market, it also easily deflates and inflates, letting you have extra space to store gear when not using your tent.
The Freespirit Aspen Lite also has an extruded aluminum frame, is made with a heavy duty 150D Poly-Oxford fabric, and is designed to keep you comfortable in all weather conditions.
Plus, all the windows include mesh screens to prevent insects from disturbing your sleep at night.
And finally, the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Lite boasts lightning quick setup, integrated LEDs, and a telescoping ladder.
Whether you’re on an overlanding adventure, or just stopping for a quick rest along the way, the Freespirit Aspen Lite roof top tents are sure to provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience.
Pros
- Unbeatable mattress.
- Setup and take down is lightning quick.
- Tri-layer technology keeps you comfortable no matter the weather.
- Low profile and lightweight design.
Cons
- Light of course means smaller - 45"W is on the thinner end for a 2-person.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Truck Roof Top Tents FAQ:
What do I need to mount a roof top tent on my truck?
You will need a roof rack on the cab of your truck, or a bed rack on the bed. The rack must have crossbars (the ones that run from one side of the truck to the other), and it must be able to handle the weight of the tent.
Do roof top tents decrease my truck's MPG?
If you put the tent on top of the cab, you are likely to see a small decrease in MPG. If you put the tent over the bed, and keep it mostly or entirely below the height of the cab, you will barely notice any reduction in fuel efficiency at all.
How long do these tents take to setup and takedown?
Soft shell roof top tents take about 5 minutes to set up, whereas the hard shell roof top tents can be set up in about a minute. Take down is very similar.
Are rooftop tents safe to use when it is raining?
Yes, all of the tents we carry and feature here are safe to use in any weather - even extreme weather. They use materials far sturdier and more durable than ground tents, making them the ideal shelter for extreme weather.
Can you put a roof top tent on a truck?
You can absolutely put a roof top tent on a truck. In fact, you have even more choices than car owners, and usually the ability to handle larger and heavier tents. Pickup truck drivers can mount the tent over the cab or over the bed. In order to do so, you will need a roof rack on the cab of your truck, or a bed rack on the bed. The rack must have crossbars (the ones that run from one side of the truck to the other), and it must be able to handle the weight of the tent.
Can my truck handle a roof top tent?
Your truck can almost certainly handle a roof top tent. Most trucks don't come standard with roof racks or bed racks the way cars do. So you will likely need to purchase an aftermarket roof rack or bed rack. But once you do that, you'll be good to go - your truck is equipped to handle the dynamic weight capacity (the weight of the tent when you're driving down the highway) and the static weight capacity (the weight when you're in the tent and are camping).
Is a truck roof top tent worth it?
We may be bias, but we think a truck roof top tent is definitely worth it. Roof top tents are a comfortable, safe, and reliable way to camp. Wherever your truck can go, your shelter follows. They're quick to set up and take down, and take up very little space. They're the ideal shelter for pickup truck drivers who like to camp.
How waterproof are roof top tents?
Roof top tents are extremely waterproof - far more so than ground tents. Because the truck is handling the weight of the tent, roof top tents use heavy duty (and heavy) materials. They have rainflys designed to handled the toughest rain, and keep you dry no matter the conditions. The body fabric itself is also often waterproof.
How do I get in and out of the tent?
All of the tents we carry and feature here include an aluminum ladder, which is easy to set up, and can be used to climb into and out of the tent.
Have Additional Questions About Roof Top Tents for Trucks?
Overland Junction can assist you in choosing the right roof top tent for your truck. Please browse our website, call or text us at 833-205-7703, or email support@overlandjunction.com if you have any further questions or concerns before completing your purchase.
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