It is possible to use a truck tent with tonneau covers that are retractable. However, your tenting experience will depend mostly on the sleeping pad you use.
Steps for Setting up a Truck Tent on a Tonneau Cover
- Step 1
Open the tailgate and place the tent in the truck bed in a way that the side of the mesh windows remains upwards. Now, glide the tent over the tailgate and put the tailgate strap below it.
- Step 2
Now put the tent forward in a manner so that the entire truck bed is covered. You will see that the tent’s front corners have split seams which will go over the bed’s front corners.
- Step 3
Now, loosely attach the C straps to the bottom of the truck bed’s outer lip.
- Step 4
Now, open the tent door and tilt the tailgate up. You have to now thread the orange straps through the tailgate gap. This gap is the space between the truck bed and the tailgate.
- Step 5
In this step, you have to firstly release the tailgate down and pull up the orange strips in a manner so that the individual clip’s swivel base stops against the tailgate’s underside.
If the clips pull up through the tailgate gap, re-thread the orange strips and fasten the clips to any place below the truck’s bumper.
- Step 6
Now tighten the orange straps in a way so that the inside flap seams run along the outer edges of the truck bed rails.
- Step 7
Attach the A and B straps to the lower outside lip of the truck bed. Tighten A, B, and C straps. The inside flap seams will be attached along the top outside edges of the bed rails.
- Step 8
Tighten the tailgate strap and put the tailgate side flaps behind the bumper. Now run the D straps over the A straps. Attach the straps to the bottom outer lip of the truck bed.
- Step 9
The three poles will be running through their colour coordinated colour pole sleeves. The front poles will be marked with grey tape. All such grey taped poles will run under orange marked poles.
- Step 10
Raise each of the marked poles and insert their ends into the matching colour pole pockets. Follow the same process for grey-marked poles.
- Step 11
Now attach the four pole clips to the pole marked in grey.
- Step 12
Put the inner flaps on the upper part of the bed rails below the orange straps.
- Step 13
Lastly, adjust all the straps and see that the inside side flap seams are running along the bed rails’ top outer edges.
If you want to use a rainfly with a truck tent, that is entirely your choice. We will guide you through the rainfly installation steps as well.
Rainfly Installation
- Step 1
Put the rainfly over the tent so that the logo is above the tent’s door.
- Step 2
There are 3 buckles on either side of the tent – connect them and adjust the straps. You will see that the rainfly covers windows on all sides of the tent.
- Step 3
Lastly, tie the 3 strings to the tent poles below at the back of the rainfly.
How to uninstall or take down a truck tent?
- Step 1
Release the pole clips and take the poles out of the pockets. Now lower the tent and take the poles out from the sleeves. Fold the poles properly and pack them back in the pole bag.
- Step 2
Before you loosen the tailgate strap, unclip the A, B, and C straps.
- Step 3
Now tilt the tailgate upward and release the orange straps.
- Step 4
Lastly, roll the tent, the pole bag, and the rainfly together. Put the rolled-up tent in the stuff sack.
How Long would It Take To install A Truck Tent Alone?
You will not need more than 10-15 minutes to set up a truck tent. However, first timers may need a little more time.
Are There advantages And drawbacks Of Using A Truck Tent On A Tonneau Cover?
The major benefit of using a truck tent atop a Tonneau cover is you can sleep peacefully while the truck is standstill. You can save the money that would be spent otherwise in hotels. You get spared from searching for places to set up a tent. The drawback is you cannot move the truck when the tent is put on it.
Which Truck Tents should I Use along With A Tonneau Cover?
You should look for truck tents with polyester taffeta and fibreglass pole frames. They have embedded storm flap windows, rain flies. They can be used all over the year. Zip the tents to the truck well when you are not using them.
How to take Care of Truck Tents?
Before storing the tonneau covers, ensure the truck covers are dry. Clean the tents using water and wipe with a dry cloth. Using soap or detergent is not prudent as these can affect the water repellent layer of the tent. Do not ever spray insecticides or bug repellents on the tent surface. Store the tents in a cool dry place.
What Are The Qualities Of commonly used Truck Tents?
Truck tents are made with care so that durability is not compromised. They have polyethene floor and 68D 185T polyester taffeta. They also have frames made up of fibreglass poles. The tents can be used to accommodate 2 adults. Their windows and doors are laden with rain fly and storm flaps so that they can cope with heavy storm and downpour.
The truck tents are also equipped with large door and two mesh windows so that ventilation remains optimal. They also have a lantern holder and gear pocket. The tents are made in such a way that users can use them all over the year. You will find most brands offering a 1 year warranty.
Can All Tonneau Covers be used to mount A Truck Tent on?
The answer is no. You cannot just buy any tonneau cover and mount tents on the units. You should ideally opt for retractable types. The tonneau cover should be less than 6″ high. If the mounting is not done well, rain will seep in.
Which Tonneau Cover should I use to Mount A Truck Tent On?
The ideal tonneau cover must be below 6″ and it has to be retractable.
What If I Don’t own A Folding Tonneau Cover But still want To Use A Truck Tent?
If you lack a folding tonneau cover and want to use a truck tent, the only option is removing the cover entirely. Putting the tent atop the cover is a possibility too.
FAQs
Can I drive the truck with the tent set up on the bed?
It is strictly recommended not to drive with the tent mounted on the truck and the bed cover. It can cause harm to the driver, the tent, and other travellers on road. For instance, if conditions are windy or if there are obstacles and bumps on the road, the tent might break and come down heavily on the truck cab. The contents of the tent also might fly here and there due to high wind. So, don’t ever drive the truck with the tent set up.
Is it possible to fit a tent over a truck bed toolbox?
Yes, you can do that. But it would be better if you place the tent over the toolbox. This will minimize the chances of water entering the tent and the toolbox. You must also cover the corners of the toolbox for protecting the tent from getting torn.
Will the tent fit with a Tonneau cover?
Yes, it will. However, you must know that these tents don’t work with all kinds of Tonneau covers.
Will the tent be suitable with a bed liner?
Yes, the tent will work fine with a prefabricated bed liner or even a sprayed mat.
Will the tent fit with roll bars, sports bars, or bedside rails?
Yes, the railings will work well if they are less than 3 inches tall. When it comes to sports and roll bars, they will have to be removed completely.
Will the trunk tent work if the truck has a camper shell or a cap mounted?
No, they won’t. Truck tents will not work till the cap or the camper shell is completely assembled. Napier SUV tents are a good option if you want to check them out.
Conclusion
Not all tonneau covers should be used with truck tents. Ensure you buy the right models matching your usage needs and budget. It is important that you clean the tents in the right way.
