Camping tents have been an important part of life especially for those people who are fond of travelling and camping. Camping tents come in various sizes and shapes. They are not only limited to the ground; in fact these days you can find tents that are specially made for rooftops, truck beds, and even hatchbacks. Each type of tent has a specific purpose. Here we are talking about the best SUV tents for camping. If you own an SUV, hatchback, jeep, or minivan and want to enjoy camping then you can purchase an SUV tent. A good quality SUV tent can make your life on the road an enjoyable experience. You will not need a big truck or RV.
The hatchback tents are attached to the rear face of your vehicle. The design maximizes your living space. Such tents can lead to a more comfortable camping experience and provide extra weatherproofing. There are various models of SUV tents that directly attach to the back of your minivan or SUV. Car tents are an ultimate combination of indoor and outdoor space.
There are a lot of SUV tents which either can be attached to the vehicle or they can be converted into a standalone tent by detaching it. A number of various brands are manufacturing camping tents for vehicles; thus you will find a vast variety of tents available in different sizes and shapes in the market today. Below you will see top 10 best SUV tents that are presented by the best brands and manufacturers. Each of these have been described as well so that it becomes easy for you to choose a suitable tent for your vehicle.
10 Best SUV Tents For Camping
1. Rightline Gear-110907
This is a best 6 person tent for SUV camping. It has the capacity to accommodate 6 people in it; 4 adults can comfortably sleep in the tent and 2 adults can sleep in the vehicle cargo area. The vehicle sleeve of the tent is attached to any size SUV, crossover, minivan, wagon, wagon, jeep wrangler hard top, or pick-up truck with cap. You can disconnect the tent from the vehicle during your adventures; the tent remains free standing as a standalone tent until it is reconnected to the vehicle.
It has a water-resistant design that features a bathtub floor, zipper covers, a rainfly, and hydrophobic fabric with tape sealed seams. This tent is perfect for all seasons. It has a maximum height of 86.4 inches. It is constructed by polyethylene and the pole material is fiberglass. It is manufactured in the USA and comes with a one-year manufacturing warranty. The tent features a lantern hanging hook, two gear pockets, and glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.
Features
- Water resistant design
- Universal fit tent
- Weather proof construction
- Easy to install
- Glow zippers
Specification
- Brand: Rightline Gear
- Color: Orange
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Material: Polyethylene
- Dimension:26 x 10 x 10 inches
- Model: 110907
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Maximum height: 86.4 inches
Pros
- It is quite easy to install and can be set up by one person only.
- The bathtub style floor and waterproof exterior make this tent able to withstand strong winds.
- It can be detached from your car and can be converted as a standalone tent.
- It comes with a large door and windows for ventilation.
- It has an extra room and reliable storage capacity.
Cons
- The zipper is delicate and may be annoying.
- Its installation takes time.
- When storm flaps are used ventilation becomes poor.
2. Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
This tent is presented by Napier and is available in two colors; i.e. grey and green. It is a spacious 10’ x 10’ and best SUV tent with a headroom of over 7 feet. A number of 5 adults can easily accommodate in this tent. The universal vehicle sleeve of this tent is compatible with all SUV’s, CUV’s, and minivans. The sleeve straps are easily adjustable and make the tent bugs free and watertight. The built-in integrated storm flaps and full rainfly with taped seams in the windows and door provide privacy and ultimate weather protection.
It connects to the cargo area of your vehicle and provides additional sleeping space and storage space. It also provides connection to power outlets so that you can keep your devices charged. It is composed of one large door and three mesh windows that deliver optimal ventilation. This tent keeps gear organized. It has a gear pocket and a lantern holder. It has 2 tent poles that are made of shock corded fiberglass. It has a full tent floor which keeps you dry from the elements and clean from your vehicle.
Features
- Universal sleeve
- Adjustable straps
- Weather resistant seal
- Spacious interior
- Shock corded poles
- Meshed windows
Specification
- Brand: Napier
- Color: Grey, green
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Fiberglass
- Model: 19100
- Occupancy: 5 persons
- Maximum height: 7 feet
Pros
- This tent provides tons of extra space in addition to the space of your car.
- The door is large enough allowing you to easily get in and out of the tent.
- The windows offer good ventilation.
- The tent is weather and bug resistant.
- It is comfortable and convenient and is equipped with a storm flap.
Cons
- The rainfly may cause interruption in ventilation by blocking the windows.
- Leakage of water is reported during rain.
3. Genuine Ford VAT4Z-99000C38-A
The best SUV tent for the money is presented by Ford. It has a dimension of 30.3 x 13.5 x 12.5 inches. It has a weight of 36.1 pounds. It is designed to make a cargo area which serves as an additional sleeping space. It has a good advantage that you can keep all your accessories and gear in your vehicle and sleep in the tent at night. This tent offers a capacity to accommodate 4 to 6 people that means a number of 6 adults can easily fit in it.
Because it is larger in size therefore you will have plenty of headroom more in the center which is more than 7 feet. It includes four transparent screens on the wall through which you can look at the outside easily. Thus you can enjoy a clear cut view of your surroundings from all the four sides.
Features
- Originated from United States
- Headroom of 7 feet
- Mesh windows
- Large doors
Specification
- Brand: Ford
- Dimension: 30.3 x 13.5 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 36.1 pounds
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Maximum height: 7 feet
Pros
- It provides a room for 4 to 6 people.
- The four walls have four transparent screens.
Cons
- Nothing seen.
4. Honda Genuine Factory
This tent is prepared from high-quality material i.e. polyester with 1,200mm of waterproof protection. The best benefit of this tent includes 6 feet by 6 feet rainfly which can be extended according to your requirements. It increases the usable area and serves the role of an umbrella thus provides protection to the entire roof of the tent. When the tent is attached to your vehicle you can easily have full access to your vehicles from your tent.
The floor of the tent is prepared with high quality double-coated rip-stop polyethylene material which ensures strength and durability of the tent. It can be perfect for tailgating and it can provide enough shaded environment for outdoor gatherings. The tent can be easily separated from the vehicle in order to use it as a standalone ground tent for day trips and adventures. It can be a perfect tent for ideal camping.
Features
- 1200mm of waterproof protection
- Works as a standalone
- 6 x 6 feet rainfly
- High quality polyester construction
Specification
- Brand: Honda
- Shape: Round
- Closure type: Zipper
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Weight: 27.8 pounds
- Dimension: 29 x 10 x 10 inches
Pros
- This tent offers enough space for outdoor gatherings.
- It comes with a 6 x 6 feet rainfly which provides extra protection.
- It can either be attached with the vehicle or it can be converted to a standalone tent.
- This tent is perfect for ideal camping.
Cons
- Nothing bad is observed about it.
5. KingCamp Melfi Plus
This great tent is offered by King Camp. It is available in two different colors i.e. blue and beige. It has a very tall headroom of 7.5 foot, combined with the 9.5 x 9.5 feet rooms. It is too spacious and feels like an instant cabin inside. The dimension of this package is 203 x 118 x 79 inches. You can use the trunk of the vehicle for this model of tent for storage purposes as the tent is so big that it helps the family enjoy camping to keep the clutter down. One of its favorite features is its ability to become a canopy on the front or side by using the door awnings.
It is converted into a huge canopy of 15 x 9 feet that delivers significant shade and shelter during hot days, in addition to this it can be a perfect spot for the picnic table. This tent is fire retardant, so if you are enjoying a grill nearby you don’t need to worry. It is ventilated with breathable polyester, meshed windows and with the 3 doors that allow the fresh air to keep circulating inside.
Features
- Waterproof rating of 3000mm
- Bugs free
- Spacious
- Premium quality buckles
- Durable and strong fiberglass pole
Specification
- Brand: KingCamp
- Color: Blue, beige
- Weight: 38.8 pounds
- Occupancy: 5 persons
- Closure type: Zipper
Dimension: 203 x 118 x 79 inches
Pros
- This tent is bigger than the average tents.
- It can stand alone without a vehicle.
- It is composed of a hook that is used for hanging lights.
- It has a warranty of one year.
Cons
- The zippers are of poor quality.
- The fiberglass poles of the tents are fragile.
6. Rightline Gear Truck Bed Tent
This Rightline Gear truck tent is composed of a floorless design which allows you to set up and take down the tent without removing the gear and accessories from the bed of the vehicle. This floorless design prevents the tent from picking up the dust, dirt and grime that may be present on the truck bed. It has plastic buckles and soft polypropylene straps that will not damage the truck’s finish. All the dome poles are marked with a colored tape so that it can be easily matched with its matching pole pocket.
There is no need to guess which pole goes where, so the tent is set up easily and quickly. The rainfly is an optional thing; if you want to add it then you can do so. You may need a rainfly depending on the weather conditions. It is very simple to install; just position the rainfly over the tent and connect the three buckles on each side of the tent and then adjust the straps. There are three strings that are tied around the rear edge of the rainfly to the tent poles.
Features
- Protective straps and buckles
- Rainfly included
- Floorless design
Specification
- Brand: Rightline Gear
- Occupancy: 2 person
- Closure type: Zipper
- Weight: 7.32 pounds
- Dimension: 23.3 x 14.2 x 14.2 inches
- Model:110766
Pros
- It fits shorter truck beds easier than a standard truck tent.
- It is very light in weight so easy to carry.
- It features glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls.
- It features soft protective polypropylene straps and strong plastic buckles.
Cons
- The headroom is of less than 5 feet thus this tent may be irritable for tall people.
7. Explorer 2 SUV and Minivan Tent
This is an amazing SUV tent which comes with many latest and unique features. This tent is designed specially to fit well with a rear window of the vehicle. It can rise up and down. It is prepared for a tailgate which is greater than or equal to 58 inches wide. Therefore it gets set well with an SUV or full-size vehicles with a tailgate. It is composed of a transparent screen so that you can look outside through it. It has the capacity to accommodate a full family of 4 members, including children.
If you are going somewhere by leaving your campsite then you just need to close the hatch and lock it up. Each and everything will stay safe in the place. Its set up does not take too much time and can be easily installed by a single person only. This tent allows you to sleep in the vehicle even without closing the hatch. It also repels bugs. This tent is lightweight and comes with less number of components; it can be easily folded and can be kept in the carrying bag provided with it.
Features
- Bungee cord and shock cords included
- Zippers can be opened both ways
- The door panels can be folded
- Waterproof
- Insect proof mesh
- Fireproof
Specification
- Manufacturer: DAC INC
- Brand: DAC
- Dimension: 12.56 x 9.61 x 5.63 inches
- Weight: 4.49 pounds
- Model: DA-E2T
Pros
- It is easy to assemble and disassemble.
- It offers ventilation and protection from bugs and insects.
- It has the capacity to accommodate up to 4 persons.
- It provides extra storage space.
Cons
- It is not applicable to all vehicles.
- The guidelines are not provided.
8. Napier Family-Tents
This tent has an adjustable vehicle sleeve that is waterproof and is designed to accommodate all CUV’s and hatchback cars. It has the capacity to accommodate 6 people. It is good for three seasons. It is seamlessly connected to the cargo area of your vehicle and thus it easily creates an additional sleeping or storage space for you. Also it provides a connection to power outlets so that you can keep your devices charged.
It is a spacious ground tent that can stretch out to 9’ x 9’ and has a headroom of 7 feet. You can remove the vehicle sleeve and transform it into a traditional ground tent thus it can be converted into a standalone tent. It has 2 large doors and 3 mesh windows that offer optimal ventilation. It comes with an expandable carrying bag which makes its storage quick and easy. There is an optional awning with a large area of 6 x 6 feet provides shade and added living space.
Features
- Ultimate rain protection system
- Steel & fiberglass pole structure
- Easily adjustable
- Cyclone venting system
- Bathtub style floor offers waterproofing
Specification
- Brand: Napier
- Color: Blue/grey
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Occupancy: 6 persons
- Pole material: Steel
- Max. height: 87 inches
- Closure type: Zipper
- Dimension: 9 by 9 feet; 81 square feet
Pros
- It is easily convertible to a standard ground tent.
- Its large windows offer ample air flow and ventilation.
- The bathtub floor provides protection against weather.
- It is made up of durable and waterproof material thus it will hold up during rain and wind.
Cons
- It is too big therefore it requires two people to install it.
- It may be expensive for some people.
9. Hasika Tailgate Shade Awning Tent
This awning tent is a universal-fit canopy shade which fits small to midsize SUVs, minivans, and CUVs. It provides shelter from the sun with more than 2 feet of awning. It offers protection from the elements whilst you tailgate, do fishing, or enjoy a picnic.
It has a mesh screen which keeps pesky bugs away from your vehicle. This canopy consists of an integrated storm flap that gives you protection from weather and more privacy. It comes with a convenient carrying bag that makes it easy to carry.
Features
- Universal fit
- Mesh screen
- Bugs resistant
- Integrated storm flap
Specification
- Brand: Hasika
- Weight: 1.95 pounds
- Dimension: 16.57 x 7.99 x 4.92 inches
Pros
- It comes with a convenient carrying storage bag.
- The mesh screen keeps the bugs away from it.
- The integrated storm flap provides shade and protection from weather.
Cons
- Nothing seen.
10. Family Camping Tunnel Tent
This family camping tunnel tent is made of premium quality polyester that is molded by its density, durability and water-repellent properties. It prevents the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from reaching inside it. This tent provides a comfortable place for your outdoor activities. This family camping tent offers enough shade for a car or picnic table or 6-8 chairs. It is a perfect tent for music festivals, camping or tailgating, hiking and many more. You can set up the tent tarp with the help of the two tarp poles or more that provide extra shade, depending on the environment and occasion. It has a dimension of 25 x 9 x 7.5 inches. The length of the tent is 15 feet and its width is 10 feet.
The poles are made of fiberglass. 8 to 10 people can easily accommodate in this tent; so it is a perfect tent for a family. It is really easy to install and setup. It is an ideal option for backpacking, all outdoor sporting events, camping, weddings, hiking, family day and for festivals too in order to provide you and your guests with shelter from the environmental elements. This sunshade is incredibly ultra lightweight. The package includes a camping inner tunnel tent, 4 fiberglass poles, 10 windproof ropes, 19 stakes, and a carrying bag.
Features
- Water repellent
- Multi-purpose
- Ultra lightweight and portable
- Anti-ultra violet
- Different ways of installation
Specification
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Fabric: Polyester
- Color: Khaki
- Closure type: Velcro
- Pole material: Fiberglass
- Dimension: 25 x 9 x 7.5 inches
- Length: 15 feet
- Width: 10 feet
- Occupancy: 10 persons
- Water resistance technology: 2000mm
Pros
- It is a multipurpose tent that can be used in any kind of event.
- It offers an ample amount of space for a number of people and storage.
- It is capable of withstand the tough weathers.
Cons
- It can be an expensive choice for some people.
Conclusion:
One must gain complete and sufficient knowledge about the SUV tents. It is necessary to do research about the features, benefits, and disadvantages of the products which you are looking for. One should identify their own needs for camping and outdoor activities.
Before confirming to buy any SUV tent, you should make sure whether it is fulfilling your demands and requirements. Going after the reviews in the buying guides will also provide you help in choosing and picking up the best SUV tent which is suitable for your vehicle.
Best Tents For SUV Camping Buying Guide
Benefits of SUV camping:
- Great versatility:
Many SUV tents are greatly versatile; they can actually be used as standalone shelters. They can be easily converted into traditional tents. The SUV shelters are really very functional in a variety of different conditions. It means that you can use them anywhere you want.
- Convenience:
You vehicle is connected to the SUV tent. It means that you don’t need to carry your gear from the vehicle to your campsite. In order to retrieve a forgotten piece of gear you will not have to go back to your vehicle, as your vehicle and the tent are linked together.
- Weather resistance:
The stability of your vehicle is particularly important especially in windy conditions; the SUV tent benefits by adding stability to it. The tent is made of such material that it can withstand harsh weathers. So it will protect unfavorable weather.
- Enhances living space and storage area:
An SUV tent maximizes the interior living space and gear storage area of your vehicle in such a way that a regular tent cannot do. If you have connected your tent and vehicle, you can make the best use of the tent space by keeping spare clothing and all the daytime items and accessories inside the vehicle for more comfort while sleeping.
- Multi-vehicle compatibility:
The SUV tents can be easily attached to crossovers, trucks with covered beds, SUVs, and even sedans. So, these tents are particularly good for families that own multiple types of vehicles but require one tent that can work perfectly with all of them.
It is sometimes very difficult for someone to choose a suitable and perfect product among a vast variety. Therefore one should know the main features and characteristics of the related product that will help in comparing that one with other products of the same kind.
So it is the same in the case of SUV tents. Here, for the convenience of our viewers and customers we have provided a buying guide. It consists of some important characteristics that one must consider before buying an SUV tent.
- Material:
The material of an SUV tent should be sturdy so that it can be a key for reliable performance outdoors. Usually the manufacturers use nylon and polyester blends because they deliver impressive endurance with repeated use and high resistance against rips and tears. Such fabrics are also easier to clean and lightweight. The framework of the tent should be made of aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. All these materials are solid choices for choosing the framework.
- Size:
The size of the tent is a crucial characteristic which is to be determined while buying an SUV tent. Not only it is necessary to pick a suitable size of the tent that can accommodate the number of people you will be sharing this tent with, but also you should think about whether it will fit over your vehicle or not. SUV tents come in various sizes so you should pick the most suitable one.
- Waterproof:
The best SUV tent delivers the highest possible degree of waterproofing. The level of water resistance varies from model to another model therefore you will need to search for the tent which has the best waterproof rating. The higher is the waterproof rating, the more efficient and durable will be the tent in blocking out water.
- Ventilation:
An adequate amount of ventilation is necessary so that you can keep yourself cool on hot days and provide a stream of fresh air. So, look for a tent which is already equipped with multiple mesh windows that will allow clean air to move inside while keeping the insects and bugs outside the tent.
SUV Tents For Camping FAQ
Q: What is an SUV tent?
A: An SUV tent is basically a regular tent but it can be attached onto the back of your minivan, truck, SUV, jeep, or any other kind of large vehicles. An SUV camping tent is designed to provide extra space where you can seek shelter, sit and sleep just like a regular tent. These tents are usually equipped with a funnel-like attachment which is fastened to the backside of your vehicle.
Q: How does an SUV tent work?
A: The SUV tents are also compatible without roof racks. They are generally attached by velcro straps or bungee cords. You can either attach or connect it to your vehicle or you can disconnect it from the vehicle. There are a number of tent models that are easily separated from the vehicle and used as an independent tent. These models are called standalone tents or free-standing; they are capable of standing and supporting themselves just like a regular tent.
Q: What are the benefits of using an SUV tent?
A: An SUV tent offers the following benefits:
- Protection against weather
- Added comfort
- Easy access to the vehicle
- Extra space for storage, and more.