Yes, there are tents that are designed to attach directly to vehicles, allowing you to easily set up a shelter next to your car, truck, SUV, or van for camping or other outdoor activities. These vehicle-attached tents are convenient, portable, and provide ample interior space while keeping your vehicle readily accessible.
Some key benefits of vehicle-attached tents include:
- Convenience – The tent connects directly to the side of your vehicle, allowing for fast setup and easy access to your vehicle interior.
- Portability – Vehicle tents fold up into compact carrying cases for easy transportation and storage.
- Shelter – They provide ample headroom and space for sleeping and storing gear while protecting occupants from the elements.
- Accessibility – You can easily get into your vehicle from inside the tent for charging devices, getting supplies, etc.
There are a few different types of tents that can attach to vehicles:
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Roof Top Tents
Roof top tents, also known as RTTs, are hard-shell tents built with fabric and aluminum or composite panels that open and fold out on the roof of a vehicle. They attach to custom roof racks using mounting brackets and hardware. Roof top tents provide ample headroom when opened and their elevated position on top of the vehicle provides nice views and keeps occupants off the ground. When closed, they create a low-profile cargo box that can be used for gear storage while traveling.
Benefits of Roof Top Tents
- Lots of headroom when opened – roof top tents extend upward quite a bit once opened
- Elevated position off the ground
- Integrated mattresses for sleeping comfort
- Ability to store gear in tent when closed
- Aerodynamic profile when closed
Considerations for Roof Top Tents
- Roof rack required for mounting
- Ladders usually needed for getting in and out
- Weight up high on vehicle can impact handling
- Higher cost than other vehicle tent options
Popular brands of roof top tents include Tepui, iKamper, James Baroud, and Front Runner. Costs typically range from $1000 to $3000+.
SUV and Van Attachable Tents
These tents are designed specifically to attach directly to the rear or side doors/openings of SUVs, vans, station wagons, and other vehicles with suitable doors/openings. The vehicle essentially replaces one wall of the traditional tent. Attachment is made using sleeves, hooks, straps, zippers and other methods that allow the tent to securely connect to the door/opening.
Benefits of SUV/Van Attachable Tents
- Less expensive than roof top tents
- Lower profile and center of gravity than rooftop tents
- Easier access in and out of tent to vehicle interior
- No roof rack needed
Considerations for SUV/Van Attachable Tents
- Headroom can be limited depending on tent style
- Vehicle must have suitable door(s)/opening(s) for attachment
- Adding vestibules can help add floor space
Popular examples include the Napier Backroadz SUV tent and Rightline Gear SUV tent. Cost is typically $100 to $300.
Truck Bed Tents
Truck bed tents are designed specifically to connect to the bed of pickup trucks. Most use poles that fit over the side of the truck bed and attach via straps to the truck bed sides/tailgate. This allows the tent canopy to sit over the truck bed, providing a raised sleeping area off the truck bed floor. Some models have multiple rooms including a floorless awning/vestibule area for gear.
Benefits of Truck Bed Tents
- Turns truck bed into a camping sleeping space
- Gets occupants up off the truck bed floor
- Usually less expensive than other vehicle tent options
- Vestibule area provides storage for gear
Considerations for Truck Bed Tents
- Limited headroom depending on truck bed height
- Not compatible with truck bed covers
- Usually requires good weather protection from rain/wind
Popular truck bed tent brands include Napier, Rightline Gear, and Kodiak Canvas. Costs range from around $150 to $500.
Key Features to Look for in Vehicle Tents
When shopping for a vehicle-attached tent, here are some key features to look for:
- Construction – Durable, waterproof materials like ripstop fabrics and sealed seams.
- Ease of setup – Ability to quickly attach the tent to your vehicle and get set up.
- Portability – Lightweight materials and compact packed size for storage and transport.
- Interior space – Floor area, headroom and suitable sleeping capacity for your needs.
- Weather protection – Waterproof rain fly and secure staking points.
- Ventilation – Mesh panels and windows for airflow.
- Accessibility – Convenient access between tent interior and vehicle cabin.
Consider the specific features that are most important for your intended uses when picking out the right vehicle-attached tent.
Types of Vehicles Compatible with Attachable Tents
Vehicle tents are designed to work with specific vehicle types, doors, openings, and dimensions. Here are some of the most common vehicles used with attachable tents:
- SUVs – Midsize and full-size SUVs with rear hatch doors work well, like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Vans – Minivans, full-size vans, Mercedes Sprinter vans, camper vans.
- Trucks – Pickup truck models such as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tacoma.
- Hatchbacks – Compact hatchback cars with rear hatches can also work.
The vehicle tent will specify which vehicle makes/models it is designed to be compatible with. Measure door openings carefully and compare to the tent specs for the best fit.
Tips for Using Vehicle Tents
Here are some useful tips for getting the most out of your vehicle tent:
- Find a level campsite – this helps with tent set up and sleeping comfort inside.
- Orient the vehicle properly – usually with the door/opening on the leeward side away from wind and rain.
- Use a tarp or footprint under the tent – protects the tent floor from abrasion and damp ground.
- Stake down the rain fly securely – this provides stability and weather protection.
- Leave some windows or vents open for ventilation.
- Keep essentials stored in the vehicle interior for easy access.
- Use LED lanterns/lights for illumination – avoids fire hazard.
Positioning the vehicle and tent thoughtfully based on conditions can make for a much more comfortable experience. Practice setting up the tent at home first before taking it on a camping trip.
Pros and Cons of Vehicle Tents
Vehicle tents provide some nice benefits but also have some downsides to consider:
Pros
- Portable and self-contained – the tent attaches to the vehicle you already have.
- Fast and easy setup once attached to vehicle.
- Roomy interior with ability to sleep multiple people.
- Stay close to your vehicle and gear.
- Gets you up off the ground compared to regular tents.
- Doesn’t require a roof rack or installation permanently on the vehicle.
Cons
- Tent setup is dependent on having your vehicle present.
- Vehicle mileage and gas costs to transport the tent.
- Weight on roof (RTTs) can impact vehicle handling and fuel economy.
- Limited vestibule/storage space in some models.
- Attachment points may allow water leakage into vehicle interior.
- Higher initial costs than ground tents.
Overall, vehicle tents provide excellent mobility and are a popular choice for those looking to travel and camp by vehicle. But they do come with some drawbacks to balance out as well.
Cost for Vehicle Tents
Pricing for vehicle tents can range quite a bit depending on the specific model and type:
- Roof top tents – $1000 to $3000+
- SUV/Van attachable tents – $100 to $300
- Truck bed tents – $150 to $500
More expensive rooftop tents and brands generally come with thicker materials, better weatherproofing, and more robust construction. Budget truck bed tents still provide ample interior space at a fraction of the cost.
You’ll also need to budget for any required accessories like window awnings, vestibules, mattresses, and extra poles which can all add to the costs. It’s best to factor in your entire budget upfront before purchasing.
Examples of Popular Vehicle Tent Models
Here are 5 top-rated and popular vehicle tent models to consider across the different types:
| Tent Model | Type | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tepui Hybox | Roof Top Tent | $2,195 | Hard shell roof-top tent, sleeps 2 people, telescoping ladder, annex room. |
| Napier Backroadz SUV Tent | SUV Tent | $259.99 | Fits most SUVs, sewn in rainfly, 4 large windows, full floor. |
| Rightline Gear 110730 Truck Bed Tent | Truck Bed Tent | $189.95 | Fits 6.5′ and 8′ truck beds, color coded poles, full rainfly, access cab window. |
| Maggiolina AirTop | Roof Top Tent | $3,649 | Premium carbon fiber RTT, gas struts for opening, stargazer window, fits most roof racks. |
| Napier Sportz SUV & Minivan Tent | SUV Tent | $189.99 | Fits most SUVs and minivans, large rear door opening, shock corded fiberglass poles. |
This table shows some of the best selling and top rated tents across the different vehicle types, features and price ranges. There are lots of brands and models to choose from to find the right vehicle tent to meet your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Vehicle tents provide a versatile, portable shelter that allows you to camp while keeping your vehicle close by. Models like roof top tents, SUV/van tents, and truck bed tents are available to work with all kinds of vehicles. Key things to evaluate are weather protection, interior space, ease of set up, and overall durability for your intended use. Carefully measuring vehicle doors and openings ensures a properly fitting tent. With the right vehicle tent, you can conveniently camp off the ground and have a comfortable basecamp for all kinds of adventures.