When I think about outdoor adventures, the first thing that comes to mind is the versatility of using an SUV tent. A few years ago, I switched from regular camping gear to a SUV tent, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best add-ons I’ve ever used. The idea of transforming my vehicle, like my old 1996 GMC Jimmy, into a comfortable, weather-resistant base for camping changed the whole experience. Instead of sleeping in a floor tent, you can just attach the SUV tent to the rear of your SUV or hatchback, providing plenty of space and an extra ground area for sleeping. This is much more comfortable and convenient compared to roof tents, which sit on top of the vehicle.
The growing popularity of SUV tents is no surprise. As overlanding and outdoor adventures become more common, SUV tents offer the luxurious experience of camping without compromising the safety and comfort of your vehicle. People are gravitating towards these tents because they are not only practical but also an alternative to traditional roof tents and campers. Whether you’re heading off-grid or going for some local car camping at a campsite, these tents are a great way to enjoy nature with all the functionality you need. Brands like Napier, Rightline, and Kelty offer some of the best SUV tents out there, and after putting them to the test, it’s clear they provide reliable shelter for any excursion.
Rightline Gear SUV Tent: The Ultimate Camping Companion
The Rightline Gear SUV Tent is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy camping with the convenience of their vehicle. It’s specifically designed for SUV and truck models, making it easy to set up and adaptable to different vehicles. The tent attaches to the rear of your vehicle and offers a comfortable and spacious area to sleep, thanks to the SUV trunk space. The dimensions of 8ft x 8ft x 7.2ft make it ideal for 6 people, or 8 if you use the extra space in your vehicle. I’ve used this tent on road trips across British Columbia, and I can say it’s both versatile and a great way to explore the surrounding area without worrying about where to sleep.
Features:
- Glow-in-the-dark zippers for easy night access
- Lantern hanging hook for added convenience
- Storm cover doors for privacy and peace of mind
- Mesh windows to keep out no-see-ums and insects
- Water-resistant fabric with tape-sealed seams to keep you dry
- Multiple storage pockets for gear organization
- Color-coded setup and shock-corded poles for easy assembly
Pros:
- Convenient and easy-to-use
- Adaptable to many SUV models and trucks
- Comfortable with plenty of space for smaller groups
- Protection from rainiest and stormiest conditions
- Lightweight at 19lbs, making it easy to carry
- Great for camping at campgrounds or on road trips
Cons:
- Limited capacity compared to larger tents
- Poles and stakes may need to be upgraded to third-party options for better quality
- Not ideal for larger groups without using vehicle cargo space as sleeping area
North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent: A Perfect Fit for Your Family Adventures
The North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent is designed to give you a comfortable and spacious camping experience with your SUV. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with your family or a fun adventure with friends, this tent is an excellent choice. With its dimensions of 8ft W x 8ft L x 7.2ft H, it offers ample floor space and can sleep up to 6 people. However, if you make use of your SUV trunk space, it can comfortably fit 8 people. The tent is perfect for those who enjoy the convenience of a vehicle-based campsite while still enjoying the outdoors.
This multi-purpose trunk tent works well with a variety of vehicles, including crossovers, minivans, SUVs, Wagons, Jeeps, and Pickups. It’s easy to set up, although some users have mentioned it can be tricky at first. The sewn-in raised “bathtub” floors provide leak protection, while ventilated doors and a car access sleeve ensure that you stay comfortable inside your private camping area. The rainfly, hardware bag, poles, straps, stakes, and carry bag are included, making this a great value for your money.
Features:
- Polyester Taffeta material for durability
- Sleeps 6, up to 8 with SUV trunk space
- Dimensions: 8ft W x 8ft L x 7.2ft H
- Suitable for 3 seasons
- Includes rainfly, hardware bag, poles, straps, stakes, carry bag
- Weight: 19lbs
- Sewn-in raised “bathtub” floors for added leak protection
- Ventilated doors and car access sleeve
- Extra room for gear
- Fits SUVs, crossovers, minivans, Wagons, Jeeps, and Pickups
Pros:
- Spacious for families or friend groups
- Leak protection ensures dry, comfortable camping
- Versatile and works with a variety of vehicles
- Easy to set up once you’re familiar with the design
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Some users find it difficult to set up initially
- Sleeping capacity might feel cramped for 8 people
- Overestimation of the sleeping capacity specifications by the manufacturer
Napier Sportz SUV Tent: A Comfortable Camping Experience
The Napier Sportz SUV Tent is a versatile and durable option for anyone looking to enhance their camping experience. Designed with high-quality polyester taffeta and polyethylene, this tent can comfortably sleep 4-5 people and offers generous dimensions of 10′ x 10′ x 7.25′. Its weight is 38 lbs, making it easy to transport. With features like a rainfly with taped seams and an extendable awning, this tent is perfect for adding extra shelter, especially for outdoor activities like cooking. The adjustable vehicle sleeve allows for a seamless connection to your SUV, such as my experience with the Ford Excursion and its 6-inch lift, ensuring the tent fits snugly and securely. Whether you’re camping as a couple or with a smaller group, the tent’s user-friendly design and roominess provide a comfortable stay.
One of the standout features of this tent is its detachable screen room, which offers a bug-free space for meals or relaxation. The mesh windows and skylights allow for excellent ventilation and airflow, keeping the space fresh while keeping insects out. The tent’s durability is enhanced by its weather-resistant construction, making it ideal for various climates. While the setup took longer the first time, the detailed directions attached to the tent storage bag make the process smoother with practice. The spacious awning not only adds coverage but also provides a great space for the outdoor cooking area, making the Napier Sportz SUV Tent an excellent choice for families and future camping trips.
Features:
- High-quality polyester taffeta and polyethylene construction
- Capacity of 4-5 people
- Dimensions: 10′ x 10′ x 7.25′
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Rainfly with taped seams
- Extendable awning for extra coverage
- Ground tent conversion option
- Adjustable vehicle sleeve
- Three windows and two skylights for light and ventilation
Pros:
- User-friendly design with easy setup
- Spacious and roomy interior
- Bug-free space provided by the detachable screen room
- Excellent ventilation and airflow
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
- Spacious awning perfect for an outdoor cooking area
Cons:
- Setup may take longer initially
- Capacity may feel cramped for 5 people
- Not suitable for large groups beyond 5 people
Hasika Tailgate Shade Awning Tent: A Quick and Easy Setup for Outdoor Adventures
The Hasika Tailgate Shade Awning Tent is a perfect choice for those looking for a quick setup and reliable shelter for their SUV. Made from high-quality polyester taffeta, this shade awning also doubles as a one-person trunk tent for vehicle camping. It comes in small and large sizes, with the small option ideal for cars, small SUVs, and CUVs, while the large fits mid-size SUVs, mini-to-mid-size vans, and larger vehicles. It can sleep 6 people comfortably, or 8 if you include the SUV trunk space. In just 5 minutes, you can set it up, making it a great option when you need quick shelter, especially if you’re caught by sudden storm clouds. The tent packs up small (16.3 x 6.6 x 4.7 inches) and weighs just a couple of pounds, so you can easily store it in your vehicle.
One of the best features of this tent is its easy setup, which allows you to enjoy the outdoors without hassle. It’s perfect for tailgating at a house party or BBQ, providing a safe and comfortable space to relax, especially after a few drinks. While the tent poles aren’t included, many prefer after-market poles, which are easy to find. The bungee cords and hubcaps ensure the tent stays securely attached to your vehicle. With over 200+ reviews and a high 5-star rating, this SUV tent is highly praised for its quality, durability, and ability to keep you dry, shaded, and protected from the bugs and elements.
Features:
- High-quality polyester taffeta material
- Dimensions: 8ft W x 8ft L x 7.2ft H
- Capacity: 6 people (or 8 with SUV trunk space)
- Weight: 19lbs
- Includes rainfly, hardware bag, poles, straps, stakes, carry bag
- Shade awning and one-person trunk tent for vehicle camping
- Ideal for small, mid-size SUVs, CUVs, mini-to-mid-size vans
Pros:
- Quick setup in 5 minutes
- Packs small and easy to store in your SUV
- Ideal for tailgating, BBQs, and camping trips
- Provides safe and comfortable space for outdoor relaxation
- Over 200+ reviews with a 5-star rating for quality and durability
- Keeps you dry, shaded, and protected from bugs and elements
Cons:
- Tent poles are not included
- Needs bungee cords for secure attachment to hubcaps
- Some users may prefer after-market poles over the included options
KampKeeper: The Ultimate Shade Awning for Camping
The KampKeeper is a versatile SUV tent awning that brings a lot of benefits to your camping trips. Made from 185T polyester, this awning is designed to last with its weather-resistant and durable materials. It offers a shade area of over 110+ square ft, which is perfect for relaxing in the sun or protecting yourself during an unexpected rain shower. With a waterproof rate of 3000mm, you can stay dry even in wet conditions. The KampKeeper is also compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making it a great addition to your camping gear. Setting it up is quick and user-friendly, so you can enjoy your outdoor space without any hassle.
While it’s a bit bulky compared to other SUV tents, the KampKeeper is still a fantastic choice for those who need a pop-up shelter on the go. It works perfectly for tailgating, and the spacious shade area provides a great entertaining space. Whether you’re escaping the heat or waiting for a rainstorm to pass, this KampKeeper will keep you comfortable. With its ability to withstand various weather conditions, it’s a reliable investment for years of future camping trips.
Features:
- Made of 185T polyester for durability
- Capacity: 2-3 people with space for car cargo
- Dimensions: 28″ x 11″ x 8.2″
- Weight: 20 lbs
- 110+ square ft shade area
- Waterproof rate: 3000mm
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
Pros:
- Quick and user-friendly setup
- Great for tailgating and entertaining space
- Durable and weather-resistant materials
- Keeps you dry in rain showers
- Ideal for camping trips and SUV tents
Cons:
- A bit bulky compared to smaller SUV tents
- May not be as easy to store due to its size
Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp: A Versatile Overlander Shelter
The Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp is a versatile overlander shelter that can be used in a variety of ways during your SUV camping trips. Made from high-quality polyester taffeta, it provides a durable and reliable option for summer camping. Whether you’re using it as a roof for open-trunk camping, setting it up as an A-frame without the vehicle, or using it as a sun cover for your vehicle while hiking and exploring, this tarp is easy to set up and offers great protection. It is perfect for wildlife-watching or creating a dining area in the great outdoors. It can comfortably accommodate 6 people, and with SUV trunk space, the capacity increases to 8.
While this tarp is a great addition to any SUV tent kit, there are a few drawbacks. The guy lines that come with the tarp may not be the strongest, so it’s recommended to buy paracord for extra strength. Some reviewers have mentioned confusion about the product’s origin, with the packaging stating it was made in Vietnam despite being advertised as made in USA. Still, the SJK Roadhouse Tarp has received 5-star ratings from the majority of users, who found that it performs well after a trial run setup.
Features:
- High-quality polyester taffeta construction
- Capacity: 6 people (or 8 with SUV trunk space)
- Dimensions: 8ft W x 8ft L x 7.2ft H
- Seasons: 3
- Includes rainfly, hardware bag, poles, straps, stakes, carry bag
- Weighs only 19lbs
- Versatile use as roof for open-trunk camping, A-frame, sun cover, wildlife-watching, and dining area
Pros:
- Versatile and easy to set up
- Protects you from sun, bugs, and rain
- Works well with SUV tents
- Perfect for hiking and exploring
- 5-star ratings from users
- Durable and weather-resistant
Cons:
- Guy lines are not very strong
- Some misleading information about its origin (USA vs Vietnam)
- Bulky compared to other smaller tarps
What’s The Difference Between an SUV Tent and a Roof Rack/Roof Top Tent?
An SUV tent is designed to turn your SUV, CUV, or minivan into a comfortable camping space by connecting the tent area to your vehicle using a vehicle sleeve attached to the rear hatch. This setup creates an elevated, protected space where you can sleep, offering plenty of additional surface area and vertical space. The bathtub floor around the sleeping area ensures that the tent is comfortable and dry, and the screen room gives you extra space to relax. The cargo area of your vehicle becomes part of your camping space, allowing you to camp comfortably out of the back of an SUV.
On the other hand, a rooftop tent is mounted on the roof of your vehicle, offering a sleeping platform above the ground. It sometimes includes a tent area on the ground for additional space, but the main sleeping area is on the roof. To set up an SUV tent, you typically pop the trunk, attach the tent to the rear bumper, hubcaps, and wheel wells, and then cover it with a rainfly. The key difference is that while an SUV tent uses the interior space of your vehicle, a rooftop tent relies on the vehicle’s roof for the sleeping area.
What To Consider When Choosing an SUV Tent
When picking an SUV tent, it’s important to consider your vehicle’s cargo space and whether the tent has the right vehicle sleeve to fit your SUV, CUV, or minivan. Check the dimensions of the tent to ensure it provides enough room for you to sleep comfortably and includes features like a bathtub floor for the sleeping area. You might also want to look for extra vertical space and a screen room to add more comfort to your camp. Features like mesh windows, doors, and vents are essential for ventilation, keeping the air fresh and helping with airflow while keeping out insects.
Weatherproofing is also a must—look for tents made from polyester or nylon with waterproof coatings and rainfly for extra protection. If you’re going camping in temperate weather with no risk of below-freezing temperatures, a 3-season tent will be sufficient. Fibreglass or steel poles are common for sturdy structures. Don’t forget about seasonal specifications, including whether the tent comes with extras like gear pockets, loop fasteners, and storm covers to secure the tent to your vehicle. Always check for compatibility before purchasing to avoid issues with setting up the tent, as some tents have specific vehicle compatibility.
Tips for SUV Tent: Making Your Camping Experience Safe and Comfortable
When setting up your SUV tent, it’s important to park on flat ground, especially if you’re sleeping outside the vehicle’s cargo area. This ensures you have a comfortable and stable place to rest. Also, always remember to put your emergency brake on, even if your car is not parked on an incline. It’s the safest option to keep your vehicle secure before you start bedding down for the night. When camping near water, make sure to park far away from the high water mark on beaches. A great way to SUV camp is by pulling your car up with the trunk facing the ocean, but always ensure you’re parked far enough from the high tide mark to avoid being flooded by seawater.
Additionally, turn off your interior lights to avoid draining your battery and to prevent attracting insects during the night. Following these simple tips will help make your SUV tent camping experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SUV Tents for Camping
1. What type of vehicle is best for using an SUV tent?
An SUV tent works well with SUVs, CUVs, and minivans, as long as your vehicle has enough cargo space and is compatible with the vehicle sleeve used to attach the tent.
2. How do I set up an SUV tent?
To set up an SUV tent, simply pop your vehicle’s trunk, attach the tent to the rear bumper, hubcaps, or wheel wells, and secure the rainfly on top for extra weather protection.
3. Is an SUV tent suitable for all weather conditions?
Most SUV tents are designed for 3-season use (spring, summer, fall) and are made with weatherproofing materials like polyester or nylon. For winter camping, consider additional insulation or a tent specifically rated for colder conditions.
4. How much space does an SUV tent provide?
SUV tents offer ample space for sleeping, storage, and relaxation. Depending on the model, they can accommodate 2-6 people, and some even extend into the vehicle’s cargo area, providing additional room.
5. Can I leave my SUV tent set up while driving?
No, SUV tents should be removed or packed up before driving as they are designed for stationary use. Always ensure that the tent is securely set up on flat ground before using it for sleeping.
Conclusion
An SUV tent is an excellent addition to any camping adventure, providing comfort and convenience by turning your vehicle into a mobile campsite. With features like vehicle sleeves that connect the tent to your SUV’s cargo space, easy setup, and weather-resistant materials, an SUV tent allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re camping by the beach or exploring the wilderness, these tents offer a spacious, protected space for sleeping, storage, and relaxation. By considering important factors like vehicle compatibility, ventilation, and weatherproofing, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for you and your family.
