If the idea of sleeping on the ground doesn’t interest you, but you’d still like to utilize a tent, an SUV tent might be what you need! They combine car camping with tent camping, giving you an affordable, efficient way of camping wherever you go. Today, we’ll explore a few SUV tents to help you decide if this option is good for you.
What Is An SUV Tent?
An SUV tent is a camping tent that attaches to the back of your SUV, creating a combined dwelling space between the vehicle and the tent. Some can also serve as stand-alone tents if desired.
Typically, they have a large opening you would secure to the back of your vehicle and a second entrance that leads directly outside.
Are SUV Tents Easy to Set Up?
Most SUV tents set up in a matter of minutes. There are standard pole tents as well as instant popup styles in this category. In general, you can expect these tents to take the same effort as a standard tent. They’re quick and convenient so that you can get to the more exciting parts of camping.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Vehicle Tent?
When you use an SUV tent, you can either sleep on the ground in the tent portion or the back of your vehicle. Those sleeping in the tent portion can access anything they’ve stored in their car without ever leaving the tent.
If you prefer to sleep in your vehicle, you can safely leave your hatch open, providing clear airflow and a roomier space without being exposed to bugs and negative weather elements.
7 Best SUV Tents for Camping
When you walk into your local sport and recreation store, you might feel overwhelmed with many tent options. While options are good, they can quickly become overwhelming. We’ve gathered a few of our top picks for SUV tents–take a look!
1. Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
The Napier Backroadz model provides 10ft x 10ft of floor space and 7ft of headroom. Five adults can sleep comfortably in the Napier Backroadz SUV tent. Two shock-corded fiberglass tent poles come with the tent, making for an easy ten-minute setup.
The tent has a universal vehicle sleeve that fits all CUVs, SUVs, and Minivans. There’s one large door and three large mesh windows, which are great for increased airflow without letting bugs intrude on your evening.
- Spacious 10’ x 10’ tent providing over 7’ of headroom and...
- The universal vehicle sleeve fits all CUV’s, SUV’s, and...
- Full rainfly with taped seams and built-in storm flaps in the...
2. Offroading Gear SUV Instant Popup Camping Tent
The Offroading Gear SUV Instant Popup Camping Tent gives campers 9ftx9ft of floor space. This room comfortably sleeps up to five adults with an additional two in the vehicle. Due to its innovative popup technology, the tent sets up in just two minutes.
There are no poles that you’ll need to put together, preventing frustration. This tent works both with your vehicle and as a stand-alone unit.
- Transform your SUV/Crossover/Minivan into an RV – Instantly...
- Instant Popup Technology – Our exclusive popup technology means...
- Sleeps up to 7 (5+2) adults – The massive 9’x9’ SUV2RV...
3. Rightline Gear-110907 Universal Fit
This Rightline Gear tent is perfect for your camping adventure. You can attach it to your vehicle while at the campsite, but it easily detaches as a stand-alone tent when you head out for the day. The floor space on this tent comes in at 8ft x 8ft, and it’s just over 7ft tall.
The tent can comfortably accommodate four sleeping adults, with an additional two sleeping in the vehicle. It attaches to any size SUV, minivan, Jeep Wrangler hardtop, wagon, or pick-up truck with a cap.
- Universal-Fit Car Tent: Camp without leaving all the luxuries of...
- Intuitive Features: This outdoor tent comes equipped with 2 gear...
- Family Size: This large tent comfortably sleeps 4 adults, while...
4. Patio Joy SUV Tailgate Tent
The Patio Joy SUV Tailgate Tent is great for up to five people. The tent is a generous size at 14ft x 9ft and 7ft tall. When not attached to a vehicle, there are two separate entrances into the tent.
Extra features include a removable rainfly to assist with better ventilation and an attached mud mat that helps keep the inside of the tent clean and dry. The entryway also gives you a fantastic area to remove your shoes and sit to enjoy the outdoors from the front entry.
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5. Raptor Series 100000-126800 Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent
The Raptor Series 100000-126800 Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent is different from many other tents in its class. This setup attaches to a roof rack, getting you entirely off the ground. It requires a 140 pound roof rack and installs on parallel or crossbars.
It has a sleeping capacity of two with a high-density 78in x 48in foam mattress. The max weight is 750lbs, although you’ll want to check your vehicle’s specs to make sure the roof can hold that amount.
You can set up and take down the whole tent in seconds, and it mounts easily on stock roof rack systems. It’s a rugged option as well–heavy winds and rains are no match for this tent’s construction!
- Standard size tent (sleeps 2) with high-density 78 x 48in foam...
- Sets up and closes in seconds. Unique design eliminates need for...
- Aerodynamically engineered to withstand heavy winds and shed...
6. Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent
The Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent lets you reside in your vehicle while still getting maximum airflow. It attaches with a bungee cord and plastic coated hooks on the vehicle’s underframe.
It has a mesh no-see-um insect screen that keeps those pesky bugs from infiltrating your vehicle. There’s also an inverted T layout on the net with two-way zippers, so it’s simple for you to access the car. The sleeping capacity depends on your vehicle’s size.
- EASY SETUP - Bungy cord with plastic coated hooks attach to the...
- Outer door panels fold up and tie back for maximum ventilation,...
- No-seeum insect screen.
7. ARB 813208A Awning Room
The ARB 813208A Awning Room has a unique side placement rather than the traditional back placement, which means you don’t have to have a hatchback vehicle to enjoy this tent. The heavy-duty flooring is waterproof, ensuring a dry experience.
You’ll get airflow from the mesh sides and the mesh roof, which also offers a gorgeous view of the sky. The unit is just over 8ft x 8ft, giving you plenty of protected living space.
- THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE PRODUCT. AWNING IS NOT INCLUDED AND...
- Heavy duty, polyethylene waterproof floor, Exterior walls are...
- Cross flow ventilated mesh roof, Midge-proof mesh side panels
How Do You Set Up an SUV Tent?
Setting up an SUV tent is similar to any standard stand-alone tent. Some tents will come with preinstalled poles, making them a quick pop-up style. Other tents will require you to place each pole yourself.
In most cases, these tents attach to the vehicle via straps to the wheel wells. This ensures a snug fit to your car, which keeps rain and bugs out of your tent and SUV.
If you have a roof-mounted SUV tent, you will need to follow the proper unfolding procedures, which often include an attached ladder.
Are SUV Tents Any Good for Camping?
SUV tents are great for those who want to take their car camping up a notch. Adding a tent to your vehicle gives you additional protected outdoor space. The tents provide plenty of room to stretch, get dressed, and even sleep with an added layer of privacy.
Plus, if you choose a tent that can also stand alone, you could simply leave the tent up at your campsite while you’re off exploring.
Have you witnessed others using SUV tents while at the campground? They’re a unique sight! Could you see yourself using a tent in this way?
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