How to Choose the Best SUV Tent in 2023

Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a convenient and comfortable way to camp off the beaten path? If so, investing in a reliable SUV tent is something you should consider.

An SUV tent offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to create instant shelter quickly and effectively. Not only do they protect you from sunlight, wind, rain, and other elements on your car camping trip but they also dramatically increase your comfort levels with plenty of interior space that can be used as extra sleeping space or for gear storage.

If this sounds like just what you need on your next adventure into the great outdoors – keep reading to discover our top picks for the best SUV tents currently available on the market.

Our Top Picks:

An SUV tent allows you to use your vehicle as a base camp while still giving you the freedom to explore the area around you. But with so many different SUV tent options on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?

Read on for our guide to finding the perfect SUV tent for your next camping adventure. 

• Best Tent ( Overall): Napier Outdoors – Family Sportz SUV Tent
• Best Value Tent: Napier Outdoors – Sportz SUV Dome-To-Go Tent
• Best Rooftop Tent: Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent 
• Napier Backroadz SUV Tent
• Rightline Gear SUV Tent

What are the factors to consider while choosing the suv tent?

Consider the following while choosing The Best SUV Tent:

• Size

The first thing to consider when choosing an SUV tent is its size.

The size of your SUV tent will depend on two things: how big your vehicle is and how many people need to sleep in it.

If you have a large family or plan on bringing along friends, make sure that the tent is big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.

It’s also important to consider whether or not you want your vehicle inside the tent or out. Some larger tents can fit an entire vehicle, while others are designed only to fit over the bed of a truck or off-road vehicle.  

• Capacity:

Depending on how many people will be joining you on your trip, you’ll need to make sure that the tent is large enough for everyone to sleep comfortably.

Most tents are designed for two or four people, but some models can accommodate up to eight people—so make sure that you look at all of your options before making a decision. 

• Material and Weatherproofing 

The materials used in the construction of the tent are very important.

Look for a durable material that can withstand wear and tear from both weather and use.

You’ll also want to make sure that the tent is waterproof so that it won’t get damaged if any rain or other moisture gets inside.

Many tents come with additional features such as large mesh windows and zippered doorways which can help keep bugs out and provide maximum ventilation.  

• Set-Up Ease 

Finally, consider how easy it will be to set up your SUV tent models.

Some SUV tents can be set up in minutes, while others require more time and patience.

• Features 

When shopping for an SUV tent, look for features that will make your family camping trips more enjoyable and convenient.

Does it have multiple entry points? Is there enough ventilation? Are there gear pockets or pouches built in for easy storage? Will it keep out insects and other pests? These are all important questions to ask before buying an SUV tent.

Additionally, make sure that any roof rack attachments are compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack system.  

• Durability and Quality       

The last thing you want is for your expensive new SUV tent to start leaking after just a few uses!

Make sure that any tent you buy has been tested in various weather conditions and can stand up against wind, rain, and sun exposure without losing its shape or structure.

It should also be made from durable materials like ripstop nylon so that it can withstand wear and tear from everyday use without tearing or fraying easily. 

Benefits of A SUV Tent:

Let’s take a look at what makes an SUV tent such an attractive option for campers. 

• Spacious Sleeping Area 

SUV tents offer campers more sleeping space than traditional tents do because they are designed to fit on top of the cargo area of your vehicle, rather than taking up space on the ground.

This means that you have room to sleep more people or just spread out and stretch out after a long day on the trails.

Additionally, many SUV tents come with built-in privacy tent walls, so you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing into your tent in the middle of the night! 

• Flexibility  

The beauty of putting up an SUV tent is that you can use it no matter where you decide to camp.

Whether it’s in a campground or deep in the backcountry, an SUV tent gives you all the comforts of home without having to carry too much extra gear.

With an SUV tent, all of your gear is within easy reach since it’s stored safely inside your vehicle.

Plus, if you want some extra protection from inclement weather, there are also models available with rainfly and mesh windows for ventilation. 

• Easy Setup                             

One of the best things about using an SUV tent is that it’s incredibly easy to set up and take down.

All you have to do is attach it to your vehicle’s roof rack or cargo area and secure it with straps or clamps provided by most manufacturers.

Once it’s secured properly, just add stakes around the perimeter of your tent—and voila! You now have a comfortable shelter ready for any type of adventure! 

How to set up suv tent?

Setting up an SUV tent can vary slightly depending on the specific model and brand you’re using. However, most SUV tents follow a similar setup process. Here are the general steps you can follow:

1. Choose a suitable location: Look for a level, spacious area where you want to set up your tent next to your SUV.

2. Clean the ground: Remove any rocks, debris, or sharp objects from the chosen area to ensure a smooth and comfortable camping experience.

3. Open the tent and lay it out: Unfold the tent and spread it out on the ground, making sure the entrance points toward the SUV’s rear hatch.

4. Attach the tent to your SUV: Utilize the tent’s attachment system to secure it to your SUV’s open tailgate or hatch. This is usually done by draping the tent over the open hatch and connecting straps, hooks, or buckles provided by the manufacturer.

5. Secure the tent: Adjust the tension straps or fasteners on the tent to ensure a secure and snug fit against your SUV. This will help keep the tent stable during windy conditions.

6. Stake down the tent: Most SUV tents come with stakes and guy lines. Insert the stakes into the designated anchor points on the tent and drive them into the ground. Attach the guy lines to the tent’s corners and stake them down as well for added stability.

7. Set up the tent interior: Once the tent is securely attached and staked down, you can enter the tent and organize your sleeping bags, camping gear, and personal belongings.

8. Adjust ventilation and rainfly: If your tent has windows and vents, you can adjust them for proper airflow. Additionally, if your tent has a rainfly, install it to protect against rain and adverse weather conditions.

9. Test the setup: Give the tent a few gentle shakes or tugs to ensure it is securely attached to your SUV and properly staked down before fully settling in.

Remember to consult the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your SUV tent for any additional steps or guidelines unique to your model.

How do suv tents work?

SUV tents, also known as vehicle tents or car camping tents, are designed to attach directly to the back of your SUV, minivan, or crossover vehicle. They provide an extension of your vehicle’s interior space and create a cozy shelter for camping.

Here’s how SUV tents typically work:

1. Attachment: Most SUV tents come with adjustable straps or sleeves that allow you to securely attach the tent to the rear end or hatchback of your vehicle. This creates a sealed connection to prevent elements like rain or insects from getting inside.

2. Waterproofing: SUV tents are usually made of durable and waterproof materials to protect campers from rain and other weather conditions. The tent fabric is often treated with waterproof coatings to ensure water resistance.

3. Access: Many tents feature a large door or entryway, designed to align with your vehicle’s back opening. This door can be zipped, rolled up, or secured in various ways to provide easy access to and from your car’s interior.

4. Interior Space: SUV tents are designed to maximize interior space by utilizing the cargo area of your vehicle. This space can be used for sleeping, storage, or as an additional seating area. Some tents may also have built-in dividers or separate compartments for added privacy.

5. Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial in tents to prevent condensation and promote airflow. SUV tents usually include mesh windows, vents, or roof openings to allow fresh air to circulate inside and maintain a comfortable environment.

6. Extras: Some SUV tents come with additional features like detachable awnings or extended canopies, which can provide extra shade or rain protection. Some also have attachment points for hanging lanterns or organizing gear inside the tent.

It’s important to note that each SUV tent model might have slight variations in design and setup instructions. Therefore, always refer to the specific manufacturer’s instructions for your tent to ensure proper installation and usage.

What are the best Best SUV Tents in 2023?

2. Napier Outdoors – Family Sportz SUV Tent

The Napier Outdoors Family Sportz SUV Tent is a roomy tent measuring 10 by 10 feet and has a headroom space of more than 7 feet. It boasts of a 7 by 6 feet screen room (with no floor) and comfortably accommodates 5 to 6 people.

The adjustable vehicle sleeve of this family tent easily connects to the cargo area of your vehicle and you can use the cargo area as additional sleeping space. You can seamlessly detach this vehicle sleeve to convert the vehicle tent into a stand-alone tent. These camping tents are easy to set up thanks to the hub and fiberglass tent pole combo and their high quality materials ( polyester taffeta and polyethylene) ensure durability.

3. Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Rooftop Tent 

The Raptor Rooftop Tent sets up and closes in seconds and doesn’t require additional setup thanks to its unique design. This rooftop tent sleeps 2 with a high-density 78 x 48-inch foam double or full mattress. The inside of this rooftop SUV tent has a spacious living room, built-in pockets, and many options for hanging your belongings.

This outdoor tent has a mosquito net door that rolls from the top down, which lets in air and keeps you safe from the elements It also has a built-in awning and a telescoping 8ft aluminum ladder.

4. Napier Backroadz SUV TENT

The Napier Backroadz SUV Tent is a spacious tent with 10′ x 10′ floor space and 7′ of headspace. It comfortably fits 5 people. This SUV camping tent has a universal vehicle sleeve that fits all CUVs, SUVs, and Minivans and its adjustable sleeve straps guarantee a bug-free and watertight fit.

These SUV tents connect seamlessly to your vehicle’s cargo area, providing additional storage or sleeping space and power outlets to keep your devices charged. 1 large door, 3 mesh windows, and taped-seams full rainfly (providing privacy and weather protection) are some of the features of this SUV tent. It also features a gear pocket and a lantern holder.

5. Rightline Gear SUV Tent

The Rightline Gear SUV Tent is a fully waterproof tent with a sleeping capacity of 6 people ( 4 people in the tent and 2 people in the car’s cargo area). This tailgate tent is compatible with the rear hatch and barn doors and It has a vehicle sleeve that can be adjusted to fit any size SUV, minivan, wagon, or pickup truck with a cap, whether it has a roof rack or not.

This hatchback tent ensures you a dry camping experience thanks to its polyurethane fabric with 2,000 mm water resistance, tape-sealed seams, and polyethylene bathtub floor

CONCLUSION:

For those who want more luxury when camping in their vehicles, investing in an SUV Tent is worth considering!

Not only does it provide an incredible amount of space but also offers plenty of flexibility when choosing where to camp at night as well as ease when setting up or breaking down camp each morning.

Whatever type of outdoor adventure you choose, having one of these SUV tents will make sure you get plenty of restful sleep so that each day spent outdoors will be even more enjoyable!