Picture this: a starry night, the sounds of nature surrounding you, and the comfort of your SUV just a step away. This is the beauty of camping with an SUV Camping tent, a game-changer that has transformed my outdoor adventures.
In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience with SUV camping tent and drive into the key aspects of choosing the right SUV tent, along with some essential tips and additional gear recommendations.
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My Camping Experience with SUV Camping Tent
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, my SUV has become more than just a mode of transportation; it’s my home away from home. Investing in an SUV tent has taken my camping experience to a whole new level. Setting up my tent right next to my vehicle allows for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living, providing a convenient and comfortable base for all my adventures.
First, let’s see the difference between an SUV tent and a roof rack/rooftop tent
While roof rack and rooftop tents have their merits, SUV camping tents offer a unique camping experience. The primary distinction lies in accessibility. With an SUV camping tent, you can directly access your vehicle from the tent, making it easier to retrieve gear or take a break from the elements.
Roof tents, on the other hand, require climbing up and down a ladder, which may not be as convenient, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Main Evaluation Criteria When Choosing a SUV Tent
When selecting an SUV tent, there are several factors to consider to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience:
Vehicle Compatibility: All the tents featured in the list fall under the category of versatile trunk tents designed to fit various SUVs, crossovers, and mini-vans. While owning an SUV isn’t a prerequisite, it’s crucial to pay attention to the tent’s compatibility with your specific vehicle. Some tents offer different sizing options, such as small for mid-size SUVs and CUVs, and large for minivans and full-size SUVs. Complaints often arise in reviews when buyers overlook this compatibility aspect before making a purchase.
Seasonal Specifications: Every tent, SUV or not, is rated for a specific number of seasons, with the most common being three (spring, summer, and fall). These tents are suitable for warm and temperate weather camping but may not withstand below-freezing temperatures. It’s a mistake to test the winter capabilities of three-season tents without the appropriate cold-weather gear, such as a suitable sleeping bag and insulation.
Weatherproofing: The weatherproofing of a tent is often indicated by its “mm” rating, signifying the amount of water (e.g., 3000mm) the tent can withstand before its waterproof coatings begin to allow moisture in. Pay attention to whether a tent includes a rainfly, and consider reviews regarding the quality of the provided rainfly. Sometimes, investing in a third-party rainfly may be more effective. Weatherproofing also involves the design of the tent’s floors, including whether it has a sewn-in, polyethylene floor with upturned edges (bathtub style) to keep water out, and whether the seams are tape-sealed.
Materials: Quality tents are typically made from robust polyester or nylon, often with polyethylene floors for waterproofing. The tent poles are commonly constructed from fiberglass, occasionally steel. Keep in mind that without a rainfly or awning, most car camping tents may not effectively keep heavy rain out.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for comfortable tent camping. For SUV tents, multiple full-size bug net windows with fine mesh netting are ideal for keeping out insects. Windows on either side and preferably a roof window, facilitate a refreshing cross-breeze. Insufficient ventilation can turn a tent into a sauna, especially in hot climates.
Additional Considerations: Beyond the essentials, there are additional factors to consider when choosing an SUV camping tent. These include whether the tent can convert to a freestanding unit, the waterproofing of tent walls and floors, the available awning room for your vehicle, the type of doors (rear barn doors vs. single large doors), and the number of gear pockets. Other considerations involve whether the tent comes with essential accessories like loop fasteners, storm covers for windows, a lantern holder or overhead lantern hook, and a ground tarp. These elements can significantly impact the overall convenience and functionality of your camping experience.
Top 5 SUV Camping Tents of my choice for my camping
When it comes to accommodating big families or friend groups, the North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent stands out as one of the best choices. This tent is designed to comfortably sleep up to 8 people, making it ideal for those seeking a roomy and versatile camping experience.
Key Features:
- Ample Sleeping Capacity: The tent provides space for 2 adults in the vehicle cargo area, with additional floor space for 4-6 adults. While it’s advisable to subtract a couple of people from the manufacturer’s suggestion for a more comfortable experience, the North East Harbor tent still offers generous room for both occupants and gear.
- Multi-Purpose Design: Versatility is a strong suit of this tent, fitting seamlessly onto crossovers, minivans, SUVs, wagons, jeeps, or pickups. Its adaptability makes it a favorite among campers with various vehicle types.
- Intuitive Features: Enjoy user-friendly features such as sewn-in, raised “bathtub” floors for enhanced leak protection, full-size ventilated doors, and a large car access sleeve. The car access sleeve allows you to transform your entire vehicle, along with the tent, into a secure, comfortable, and private camping area.
Specifications:
- Material: High-Quality Polyester Taffeta
- Sleeping Capacity (official suggestion): 6 (8 if you include SUV trunk space)
- Dimensions: 8ft W x 8ft L x 7.2ft H
- Seasons: 3
- Included: Rainfly, hardware bag, poles/straps/stakes, carry bag
- Weight: 19lbs
Cons:
- Setup Difficulty: Some reviews note that setting up the North East Harbor tent can be challenging. While many agree that it’s one of the best tents for the money, the setup process may require extra effort.
- Sleeping Capacity Claims: There are claims suggesting that the tent’s official sleeping capacity might be overestimated. While it advertises an 8-person capacity, some users find it more comfortable for fewer occupants. Adjusting expectations for personal space preferences might be necessary.
Despite these considerations, the North East Harbor Universal SUV Camping Tent remains a top choice for families and friend groups, offering an abundance of space, thoughtful features, and a versatile design. It provides an excellent balance of comfort and functionality, making it a reliable companion for your group camping adventures.
In my exploration of various tents, the Rightline Gear SUV Tent has emerged as my top choice for convenience, boasting features that enhance the overall camping experience, whether it’s SUV camping or any other outdoor adventure.
Key Features:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Zippers: The tent’s glow-in-the-dark zippers add a practical and thoughtful touch, eliminating fumbling in the dark and making nighttime activities more seamless.
- Lantern Hanging Hook: For a homier feel, the inclusion of a lantern hanging hook is a standout feature, providing convenient illumination within the tent.
- Storm Cover Doors: Offering both peace of mind and privacy, the storm cover doors add an extra layer of protection, ensuring a secure and sheltered camping environment.
- Mesh Windows: Specifically designed to keep out no-see-ums and other pesky insects, mesh windows are invaluable for those, like me, who seem to attract insects wherever they go.
- Easy Detachment: One of the standout conveniences of this tent is its ease of detachment from the vehicle. This feature allows you to leave the tent at the campground while you embark on exploratory drives, making it perfect for road trips where you want to base yourself in one location and venture out to explore the surrounding areas.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyester fabric, polyethylene floor, mesh windows
- Sleeping Capacity (official suggestion): 6
- Dimensions: 8’ W x 8’ L x 7.2’ H
- Seasons: 3
- Included: Rainfly
- Weight: 21lbs
Cons:
- Poles and Stakes Quality: Some reviewers have expressed disappointment in the quality of the poles and stakes included with the tent. While the tent itself is praised, there’s a suggestion to consider investing in third-party stakes for an even better camping setup.
Despite the occasional feedback on pole and stake quality, the Rightline Gear SUV Tent remains a top choice for convenience, particularly for road trips where versatility and ease of use are paramount. Its innovative features and detachability make it a standout option for campers seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable camping experience.
When it comes to roominess, the Napier Backroads SUV Tent takes the lead on our list, offering a generous 10×10-foot base, surpassing the 8×8 dimensions of both the Rightline and North East Harbor tents. With an official suggestion for sleeping 5 people, the larger dimensions make for a more comfortable sleeping space, providing ample room for occupants.
Key Features:
- Generous Base Size: The tent boasts a roomy 10×10-foot base, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize spaciousness in their camping experience. The larger dimensions contribute to enhanced comfort, especially when accommodating a suggested 5-person occupancy.
- Versatile Vehicle Sleeve: Like many trunk tents, the Napier Backroads is designed to fit a range of vehicles, including CUVs, SUVs, and minivans. This versatility ensures compatibility with various vehicle types, catering to the needs of different campers.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyester taffeta and polyethylene waterproof floor
- Sleeping Capacity (official suggestion): 5
- Dimensions: 10W x 10L x 7.4H
- Seasons: 3
- Included: Tent Skin, Poles, Straps, Gear Loft, Rain Fly, Guide Lines
- Weight: 28lbs
Cons:
- Wind Resistance: Some users have expressed concerns about the tent’s ability to withstand heavy winds. It’s noted that the tent may not be the best choice for challenging weather conditions.
- Tent Poles: Complaints about the tent poles not being the strongest have been raised. A few users reported breaking a pole during the initial setup. While some customers suggest purchasing stronger poles and stakes, it’s worth considering that this may add to the overall cost.
Despite these considerations, the Napier Backroads SUV Tent remains a popular choice, with a majority of owners awarding it five stars. The recommendation to invest in sturdier poles and stakes resonates with the idea of enhancing the tent’s overall durability, a sensible approach for campers seeking a spacious and comfortable retreat in the great outdoors.
When it comes to roominess, the Napier Backroads SUV Tent takes the lead on our list, offering a generous 10×10-foot base, surpassing the 8×8 dimensions of both the Rightline and North East Harbor tents. With an official suggestion for sleeping 5 people, the larger dimensions make for a more comfortable sleeping space, providing ample room for occupants.
Key Features:
- Generous Base Size: The tent boasts a roomy 10×10-foot base, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize spaciousness in their camping experience. The larger dimensions contribute to enhanced comfort, especially when accommodating a suggested 5-person occupancy.
- Versatile Vehicle Sleeve: Like many trunk tents, the Napier Backroads is designed to fit a range of vehicles, including CUVs, SUVs, and minivans. This versatility ensures compatibility with various vehicle types, catering to the needs of different campers.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyester taffeta and polyethylene waterproof floor
- Sleeping Capacity (official suggestion): 5
- Dimensions: 10W x 10L x 7.4H
- Seasons: 3
- Included: Tent Skin, Poles, Straps, Gear Loft, Rain Fly, Guide Lines
- Weight: 28lbs
Cons:
- Wind Resistance: Some users have expressed concerns about the tent’s ability to withstand heavy winds. It’s noted that the tent may not be the best choice for challenging weather conditions.
- Tent Poles: Complaints about the tent poles not being the strongest have been raised. A few users reported breaking a pole during the initial setup. While some customers suggest purchasing stronger poles and stakes, it’s worth considering that this may add to the overall cost.
Despite these considerations, the Napier Backroads SUV Tent remains a popular choice, with a majority of owners awarding it five stars. The recommendation to invest in sturdier poles and stakes resonates with the idea of enhancing the tent’s overall durability, a sensible approach for campers seeking a spacious and comfortable retreat in the great outdoors.
While not a conventional SUV tent, the Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp stands out as the go-to overlander shelter, serving as a versatile and robust addition to your camping gear. Perfectly complementing SUV tents or serving as a standalone option for bug-free summer camping, this tarp ensures you stay dry and protected without the need for an extra tent.
Key Features:
The Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp is a rugged and versatile overlander shelter that can be configured in multiple ways based on your needs. Whether you require it as a roof for open-trunk camping, an A-frame without the vehicle, a shelter for dining or wildlife-watching, or a sun cover for your vehicle while you explore, this tarp delivers on flexibility.
Specifications:
- Material: 68D polyester
- Sleeps: n/a
- Dimensions: 160″ x 192″
- Seasons: n/a
- Included: Two heavy-duty, 96″ tall steel poles, a carry bag, and 8 super-duty 10″ steel stakes
- Weight: 13.5lbs
Cons:
- Guy Lines Quality: Some users have noted that the included guy lines are not the strongest. To address this, it’s recommended to purchase additional paracord for added strength and reliability. Nylon paracord is a cost-effective solution to enhance the setup.
- Origin Miscommunication: There is a discrepancy in the product information regarding its origin. While it is stated as “Made in the USA,” a few reviewers have mentioned that the box indicates it is made in Vietnam. This might be a point of confusion for some buyers.
Despite these considerations, the Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp enjoys widespread acclaim, with over three-quarters of reviewers awarding it 5 stars. As long as you conduct a trial run setup before your adventure, this overlander shelter proves itself to be a reliable and versatile solution, meeting and exceeding expectations with its durability and adaptability.
Tips for SUV Tent and Car Camping
- Choose Your Campsite Wisely: Look for level ground and consider the proximity to amenities such as restrooms and water sources.
- Pack Efficiently: Organize your gear to maximize space and make setup and teardown more efficient.
- Use a Ground Tarp: Placing a ground tarp under your tent helps protect the tent floor and provides an additional layer of insulation.
- Bring Lighting: Illuminate your campsite with battery-powered lanterns or LED lights for a cozy atmosphere.
Additional Gear for a Cozy SUV Camping Experience
When it comes to sleeping in an SUV tent, a few extra pieces of gear can significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment. Here are some must-have items:
- Mattress:
- While the cargo area of your SUV is more comfortable than the ground, a mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep.
- Consider an air mattress like the Wey&Fly SUV Air Mattress or, for added back support, the Matrix Air Cell Memory Foam Camping Mattress. There’s nothing quite like resting on a memory foam mattress in the serene surroundings of a secluded beach or deep in the forest.
- Pillows:
- The beauty of trunk camping is that you can bring your favorite pillows from home for a luxurious sleep experience.
- Opt for regular pillows or enhance your comfort with a body pillow like the DOWNCOOL Large Body Pillow, covering the entire width of the trunk space and preventing midnight head-on-mat scenarios.
- Sleeping Bag:
- Choose a sleeping bag suitable for your camping conditions. Two-person sleeping bags like the TETON Sports Celsius Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag offer warmth and can double as cozy quilts.
- Depending on the weather, you might only need a top sheet, but a sleeping bag is a must for temperate camping.
- Space Heater:
- Fall camping in North America and Europe can be magical with the vibrant autumn colors. For chilly nights, especially in late autumn, consider investing in a space heater.
- The SUV tent’s design accommodates space heaters well, with the trunk space providing an ideal spot. A reliable choice is the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Safe Propane Heater. It’s compact, designed for small spaces like tents, and features a low-oxygen auto-shutoff for safety. Place it on the floor of the outdoor space for a warm and cozy evening retreat.
Investing in these additional pieces of gear ensures that your SUV camping experience is not just about roughing it but enjoying a comfortable and restful night in the great outdoors. Whether you’re parked on a beach or nestled in a forest, these essentials make your camping adventure a truly cozy affair.
Why Investing in a Good Quality SUV Tent Makes Sense
The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true when it comes to SUV tents. Investing in a high-quality tent ensures durability, better protection against the elements, and enhanced overall comfort. A reliable SUV tent becomes a long-term companion on your outdoor journeys, offering a sense of security and a homey retreat wherever your adventures take you.
SUV camping with a quality tent has transformed my outdoor experiences, providing a perfect blend of comfort and connection with nature. By considering factors like vehicle compatibility, seasonal specifications, and ease of setup, you can find the perfect SUV tent to elevate your camping adventures. So, pack your gear, set up your SUV tent, and embark on a camping journey that seamlessly combines the freedom of the outdoors with the comfort of your vehicle.
Read about Best Hiking And Camping Tent – Hikingvoyager
Also Read The Best SUV Tents for Solo Travelers (I’m Living It)
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