Loading your stuff on the back of your truck and getting away with your friends is arguably one of the best ways to de-stress. Due to ease of setup and the short duration of trips, truck tent camping has gained popularity in recent years.Â
If you don’t want to tow heavy payloads and want a quick camping trip on the weekend, truck tent camping is the most ideal option. There are some really good truck tents available that can be carried and set up easily, and come with extra accessories to make your trip fun and enjoyable.
Once you plan to go camping, your truck tent camping gear should have all the necessary tools and equipment to make sure that your trip is practical, safe, and fun at the same time. A rooftop tent, an anti-condensation mat, and an awning make for a great trip! So too does a modular truck bed rack to keep things organized.
In this guide, we offer some insights into making the most out of your camping trip. We’ll talk about what accessories you should get to have the maximum freedom out there, without compromising any fun or breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
- Invest in a High-Quality Tent For Truck Tent Camping
- An Anti-Condensation Mat Does Wonders
- Get an Awning for Shade and Weather Protection
- Make Truck Tent Camping Even Better With a Modular Truck Bed Rack
Invest in High-Quality Tent for Truck Tent Camping
The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65-inch rooftop tent is an excellent choice for truck camping, offering spacious comfort and practical features for outdoor enthusiasts. With an expanded footprint that provides an additional 10 inches over the original Ranger model, this tent ensures ample room for you and your family. It comfortably sleeps up to three full-sized adults and includes a thick 2.75-inch foam mattress, which remains inside the tent when closed, freeing up valuable storage space in your truck. This feature alone makes setup and packing a breeze, allowing for a more convenient and enjoyable camping experience.
This tent is built for durability and all-weather reliability. It’s made from 280G Poly/Cotton Rip-Stop fabric with a 420D Polyester/Oxford PU-coated rainfly, ensuring protection from the elements. The aluminum and fiberglass flooring provides a solid foundation, while the YKK zippers with paracord pulls reduce noise from wind, an often-overlooked but valuable detail. The tent includes three screened windows with window rods, allowing for ventilation without compromising protection from insects. Plus, the included PVC driving cover ensures that the tent remains secure and dry when packed away.
Designed with functionality in mind, the Ranger 65 comes with all necessary mounting hardware and brackets, making installation straightforward. The sliding ladder, which supports up to 300 lbs, provides easy access, and the under-tent storage hammock and shoe bag keep your gear organized and off the ground. With a total weight capacity of 800 lbs, this tent is built to accommodate a variety of campers and gear setups. Its annex room compatibility adds an extra layer of versatility, making it ideal for extended trips where additional space is needed.
Whether you’re an overlander, weekend camper, or outdoor adventurer, the Tuff Stuff Ranger 65-inch rooftop tent is a fantastic option for those seeking comfort, durability, and convenience in their truck camping setup. With its thoughtful design, rugged materials, and spacious interior, this tent ensures a cozy and hassle-free experience, no matter where your adventures take you.
Read our Tuff Stuff Ranger Review
An Anti-Condensation Mat Does Wonders
The Tuff Stuff Rooftop Tent Anti-Condensation Mat is a must-have accessory for anyone looking to enhance comfort and protect their tent from moisture buildup. Designed to fit seamlessly under the mattress of the Ranger 65, Original Ranger, Delta, Trailhead, or Elite Rooftop Tent, this mat improves air circulation, helping to prevent condensation from accumulating on the tent’s walls and floor. By reducing excess moisture, it also minimizes the risk of mildew, keeping your sleeping area fresh and dry throughout your camping adventures.
Installing the anti-condensation mat is quick and effortless—simply place it beneath the mattress to enjoy instant benefits. Made from durable 1/4-inch thick material, it provides just the right amount of airflow without compromising comfort. Whether you’re camping in humid conditions or cold weather where warm air inside the tent meets a chilly surface, this mat acts as a barrier to help maintain a dry sleeping environment.
The mat is designed for a precise fit and is available in three sizes to fit different Tuff Stuff rooftop tents: 48 x 65 inches for the Ranger 65, 48 x 56 inches for the Original Ranger, Delta, and Trailhead, and 48 x 76 inches for the Elite Rooftop Tent. No matter which model you own, this simple yet effective addition significantly improves your tent’s interior climate, ensuring a more comfortable and longer-lasting camping experience.
Get an Awning for Shade and Weather Protection
The Tuff Stuff Overland 270-Degree Compact Awning is the perfect addition to any overland or camping setup, providing 80 square feet of shade in a matter of seconds. Designed for effortless deployment and pack-up, this awning can be set up in just 30 seconds, making it an ideal solution for adventurers who need quick, reliable shelter. Whether you’re seeking shade from the sun or a dry space during unexpected rain, the Tuff Stuff 270 Compact Awning mounts easily to virtually any roof rack or crossbar system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.
The awning is made from durable 280GSM poly-cotton ripstop fabric, offering excellent resistance to wear and tear. When not in use, it stows securely in a weather-resistant 1000G PVC driving cover with heavy-duty zippers to protect it from the elements. For added stability, the awning features C-channel aluminum support arms, keeping it lightweight yet strong. The four aluminum telescoping poles store neatly inside the awning arms and, combined with guy lines and steel tent stakes, provide maximum structural support even in breezy conditions.
For those looking for even more protection, Tuff Stuff offers optional 270-degree shade wall packs to create a fully enclosed space for added privacy and weather coverage. The awning kit comes with heavy-duty mounting brackets, U-bolts, pegs, and all necessary hardware for a straightforward installation. Whether you’re setting up camp in a remote desert, tailgating at an event, or taking a break on a long road trip, the Tuff Stuff Overland 270 Compact Awning delivers the perfect combination of durability, convenience, and all-weather protection.
Make Truck Tent Camping Even Better With a Modular Truck Bed Rack
As I discuss in my RecShaw RecRac Review, this Modular Truck Cargo System is a game-changer for truck owners who need a versatile, heavy-duty cargo solution for work and adventure. It features the only solid-floor cargo basket on the market, engineered to support an impressive 600-lb payload. The deck is made from honeycomb polyethylene with a durable bed liner topcoat, providing a weather-resistant, skid-resistant surface that’s strong enough to stand on while loading gear. Whether you drive a small, mid-size, or full-size pickup, the RecRac is designed to fit seamlessly into your setup.
The RecRac system includes one cargo basket, four towers, and two crossbars. If you opt for the power port and wiring harness, you’ll have even more functionality at your fingertips. One of the standout features of the system is its modularity—you can remove the cargo basket at any time and use the tower and crossbar assembly alone to mount your preferred rooftop tent, kayak racks, bike racks, ski racks, paddleboards, or other adventure gear. The 1 ½-inch square crossbars include a ½-inch slot on both the top and bottom, providing maximum mounting flexibility for a variety of accessories.
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the RecRac system is overengineered for durability. With 40+ years of design and manufacturing experience, the team behind RecRac has a pedigree that includes Walt Disney Imagineering and a multi-million-dollar vehicle aftermarket company. This rack system has been rigorously tested over three years of on- and off-road use, proving its rugged reliability in some of the toughest conditions across the Pacific Northwest, California, Texas, and Middle America.
Having seen these racks in person, it’s clear that RecRac delivers on quality. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with a robust, battle-ready design that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you’re hauling gear for work or prepping for a weekend off-grid adventure, the RecShaw RecRac Cargo System is built to handle whatever you throw at it.
In other words, the RecRac system is the perfect addition to your truck tent camping setup. Not only does it provide a stable platform for your tent, but it offers security for your gear inside the truck bed and can adapt to your changing needs. What’s not to like?!
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