Summer Truck Camping

RealTruck Recommended Camping Setups

No single camping setup works for every individual, which is why we’ve compiled three different blueprints. In this section, we outline our recommendation for the Weekend Warrior (traditional truck bed tent setup), the Overlander (bed rack and roof tent), and the Cautious Traveler (ground tent and tonneau cover.)

The Weekend Warrior: Truck Bed Tent Setup

Up first is the weekend warrior. This novice traveler isn’t ready to invest in a full-stop camping setup, like a pricey roof tent or bed rack. Instead, they’re sporting a traditional truck bed tent setup for simplicity, exceptional comfort, and cost-effectiveness.  

Truck bed tent setups have some upsides and drawbacks. With their precise shapes and contoured designs, they fit flawlessly into a truck bed. While this design allows for a flat, comfortable campsite far above the ground, it also requires you to fully unload your pickup’s bed before assembling a tent—you better have enough cargo room in the cab.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Napier Backroadz Truck Tents

Weekend warriors will love the convenience of the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent, which offers durable polyester and polyethylene construction, rigid fiberglass supports, quick and easy assembly, and various amenities for a comfortable outdoor getaway.  

Features: 

• 68D 185T polyester taffeta with sewn-in polyethylene floor

• Rigid fiberglass poles

• 58–62-in. center height

• Full rainfly and storm flaps in windows and doors

• Included carrying bag

• Two mesh windows and one large door

• Includes gear loft, gear pocket, and lantern holder

• Color-coded poles and sleeves for a 10-minute installation

• Zips up when not attached to the vehicle

• Napier plants a tree with its Trees for the Future Partnership

• 1-year warranty

The Overlander: Roof Tent Setup

Up next, we have the traditional overlander. An overlander’s rig is the definition of a purpose-built machine, sporting all the gear, tools, and accessories necessary to leave the grid at the drop of a hat. Regarding a sleeping setup, traditional overland trucks sport rugged bed racks and rooftop tents, allowing setup in mere minutes once a destination is reached. 

So, what about the pros and cons of traditional overland setups? Regarding upsides, there are many. Maximum comfort via premium tents, cozy foam mattresses, and a safe sleeping area several feet above the ground allows for quality rest in even the most remote locations. The bed rack configuration also leaves your truck’s bed free for coolers, gear, and tools, unlike a conventional truck bed tent.  

Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost. A quality overland rack and text setup will likely run you somewhere in the $2500–$3500 range—far beyond the sub-$200 price tag of a truck bed tent.

RealTruck Expert Pick: RealTruck® GoRack

Before we load up our rooftop tent, we’ll need a high-quality rack system to support it. That’s where the RealTruck® GoRack comes into play—our all-new, overland-style bed rack. Sporting a rugged all-steel construction, sleek mid-height design, and various gear and accessory mounts, the RealTruck GoRack is an overlander’s dream. 

Features: 

• Mid-height rack maintains adequate clearance for garage parking

• Provides versatile above-the-bed cargo-carrying capability

• Ideal to securely transport bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, etc.

• Extruded rack side rails feature built-in T-slots on all four sides to support variable mounting configurations

• Integrated MOLLE side panels accept Roto-style fuel packs, traction boards, off-road jacks, tools, etc.

• Adjustable heavy-duty steel crossbars 

• 1,000 lbs. static / 600 lbs. dynamic weight rating

• T-slot-compatible

• Limited lifetime warranty

RealTruck Expert Pick: RealTruck® GoTent

With a base structure in place, it’s time for a quality rooftop tent—queue the RealTruck® GoTent. This sleek, hardshell tent offers an ultra-low-profile appearance when folded. Once opened, the tent’s durable and waterproof Oxford fabric tent body provides exceptional water resistance while a synthetic fiber floorboard boosts rigidity. 

The GoTent’s stainless steel hinges and integrated gas-charged struts make setup a breeze. Installation is just as effortless with the GoTent’s universal crossbar mounts. 

Features: 

• Rugged stainless-steel frame with lightweight aluminum hardshell weighs

• 169 lbs. weight 

• 7-ft. long x 4.3-ft. wide x 5.25-ft. tall (in the open position)

• Durable and waterproof Oxford fabric tent body

• Synthetic fiber floorboard adds structural rigidity 

• Included 2-inch-thick high-density foam mattress for undeniable interior comfort

• Windows include zippered mesh screens

• Integrated storage pockets on the inside

• Stainless steel hinges and gas-charged struts allow easy set-up, while a sturdy telescoping ladder makes tent entry a breeze

• Integrated T-slot rails on the tent's exterior accommodate a variety of overlanding accessories

• Includes universal mounting brackets for installation onto any cross-bars

• Limited lifetime warranty

The Cautious Traveler: Tonneau Cover Setup

Lastly, we have the cautious traveler. This truck camper likes the safety and reassurance of lockable bed storage—so much so that they’ve resorted to maintaining the bed as pure cargo space while sleeping on the ground in a traditional tent. 

While this setup offers several benefits, including a secure cargo space that's safe from animals and other campers, it comes with its fair share of downsides. First, this setup somewhat sacrifices comfort when sleeping on the ground. Setting up a ground tent can also take considerably longer than comparable truck tents. Lastly, pricing can be a factor, as lockable tonneau covers may cost upwards of $2000.

RealTruck Expert Pick: BAK® Revolver X4ts Tonneau Cover

For the ultimate camp-ready tonneau cover, it’s tough to beat the secure yet easy-to-operate BAK® Revolver X4ts—BAK Industries’ newest truck bed cover offering. Sporting a similar construction to the company’s ever-popular X4s, the Revolver X4ts boast one major upgrade. The addition of T-slot-compatible rails allows you to securely fasten T-slot accessories, like the aforementioned RealTruck® GoTent. 

Features: 

• High-strength aluminum slat construction with marine-grade vinyl overlay

• Smooth-rolling hinge design offers effortless operation

• Integrated T-slot rails support various racks, carriers, and cargo accessories (sold separately)

• Ultra-secure closure with BAK's patented auto-latching mechanism

• Sleek, matte black finish creates a flawless appearance

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited 5-year warranty

Additional Accessories

Aside from tents, racks, and tonneau covers, every truck camper can benefit from a couple of additional accessories, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and well-lit trip. Check out our top accessories to bolster your truck camping setup this Summer.

Coolers

Every camping setup needs a high-quality cooler to keep perishables cold and safe to consume—especially during hot Summer months. Plus, who wants a warm beverage? We offer a wide selection of coolers, ranging from traditional insulated coolers—like the Engel 123 Quart Rotomold Cooler—to fully electric portable refrigerators, like the Dometic CFX3 75DZ Dual Zone Powered Cooler.

Bed Steps

Whether you’re using your truck’s bed for storage or sleeping, make climbing into the rear of your truck a breeze with a premium bed step. We offer several styles, including full-retractable steps from AMP Research®. We also offer fixed-position steps from DeeZee, offering a stable, sure step into the bed.

Off-Road Lighting

Lastly, you can’t beat off-road lighting. Though the days are long, a trailside repair or traffic delays can easily result in setting up camp in the dark. In those cases, having adequate lighting makes all the difference. Check out our LED light bars and pods for maximum output with minimal strain on your truck’s electrical system. 

If you have any additional questions about the products in this article or alternative camping setups, contact our experts.