The right truck bed tent is the one that matches your pickup’s usable bed length—not simply the truck model name or a broad “short bed” label. Measure from the inside wall behind the cab to the inside of the closed tailgate, check the bed width and wheel-well layout, then account for toolboxes, folded tonneau covers, bed rails, and other accessories that reduce usable space.
For Arbasa’s current options, a bed measuring 5 to 5.2 feet points to the Waterproof Truck Bed Tent 5ft, while a bed measuring 6.4 to 6.7 feet points to the Truck Bed Tent 6.4'-6.7' Waterproof. Neither is a universal fit. The safest buying decision starts with an actual tape-measure reading and a check of every accessory that stays in the bed during setup.
How do you measure a truck bed for a tent?
Park on level ground, empty the bed, and close the tailgate. Use a rigid tape measure if possible so it does not sag across the bed. Record these measurements in inches as well as feet; an inch-level measurement is easier to compare with a product range.
- Measure inside length. Start at the bulkhead—the inside wall nearest the cab—and measure straight back to the inside face of the closed tailgate.
- Measure inside width. Measure across the bed at the floor and again near the top rails. Bed walls are not always perfectly vertical.
- Measure between the wheel wells. This matters for your sleeping surface even when the tent body attaches above them.
- Check rail and tailgate details. Note caps, tie-downs, tonneau hardware, a bed liner, or a tailgate step that could affect straps or fabric.
- Subtract permanent obstructions. If a toolbox or a folded cover remains in place, measure the usable space after it is positioned for camping.
Do not rely only on a vehicle listing that says “short,” “standard,” or “long” bed. Those labels can cover different actual lengths across makes, models, cab configurations, and model years. Your measured usable length is the better comparison point for a truck bed tent.
What is the difference between a 5-foot and a 6.4–6.7-foot truck bed tent?
| Decision point | 5-foot option | 6.4–6.7-foot option |
|---|---|---|
| Listed bed compatibility | 5 to 5.2 feet | 6.4 to 6.7 feet |
| Current price | $95.99 | $115.99 |
| Construction details | Gray-and-yellow shell with two mesh windows | Double-layer configuration with a separate rain cover |
| Listed sleeping capacity | No capacity is specified on the product page | Listed for 2 to 3 people |
| Best buyer fit | Owners whose measured bed falls inside the 5–5.2-foot range | Owners whose measured bed falls inside the 6.4–6.7-foot range |
These ranges do not overlap, so the decision is not about choosing a “roomier” tent for a smaller bed. Extra fabric and misplaced attachment points can create a poor fit, while a tent that is too short may not reach the intended anchor locations. Match the range instead of sizing up or down by preference.
Which truck bed tent fits your camping style?
The 5-foot tent is the more relevant choice for a pickup with a measured 5 to 5.2-foot bed. Its product listing specifies two mesh windows and a waterproof shell. That makes ventilation and weather coverage clear comparison points, but it does not remove the need to follow the setup instructions or check the forecast.
The 6.4–6.7-foot tent is designed for a longer full-size bed. Its listing identifies a double-layer configuration, an included rain cover, and space for 2 to 3 people. Think about where gear will go before treating the maximum listed capacity as your ideal sleeping arrangement. Two sleepers plus bags, shoes, and lighting can use more floor area than a people-only capacity number suggests.
If you mostly camp solo, fit still comes before capacity. A correctly sized longer-bed tent is the appropriate choice for a longer bed even if one person uses it. Likewise, a 5-foot bed needs the matching 5–5.2-foot option; the longer version is not a practical upgrade for that truck.
What accessories can change truck tent fit?
A tonneau cover, crossover toolbox, bed rack, sport bar, rail-mounted storage box, or thick bed mat can change the space available to the tent. Check whether the accessory can be removed, rolled, or folded without blocking the bed rails or strap paths. Then measure the bed in that exact camping configuration.
Also inspect sharp corners and exposed hardware before laying out the tent. Cover or remove anything that could rub the fabric, and keep straps away from hot exhaust components, moving tailgate hardware, and lights that must remain visible. Never run the vehicle in an enclosed tent setup, and do not use a flame, stove, or fuel-burning heater inside the tent.
A truck bed air mattress needs its own size check. Arbasa’s Truck Bed Air Mattress for 5.5-5.8 ft Pickup Beds is listed for a different bed-length range than either tent in this guide. It should not be assumed to fit the 5–5.2-foot tent or the 6.4–6.7-foot tent. Compare the mattress footprint, wheel-well contours, and usable tent floor separately before combining products.
How should you test a pickup bed tent before a trip?
- Do a driveway setup. Assemble the tent in daylight when you are not under campsite time pressure.
- Confirm every attachment point. Straps should follow the product instructions without being forced around trim, wiring, or sharp metal.
- Open and close the entry. Make sure the door path, tailgate position, and step-up route work together.
- Plan ventilation. Identify the mesh panels and learn how the rain layer changes airflow before warm or humid weather.
- Place your sleeping gear. Test the actual pad or mattress, bags, and personal gear rather than estimating from an empty tent.
- Pack in reverse order. Keep poles, stakes, straps, and weather layers together so nothing is left behind.
This rehearsal is also the best time to find a missing clearance measurement. If the tent cannot be secured as instructed without stretching, bunching, or routing a strap across a vulnerable part of the truck, stop and recheck fit.
What are the limitations of a truck bed tent?
A pickup bed tent lifts the sleeping area off the ground, but it does not make an unsuitable campsite safe. Park only where the vehicle can remain stable and permitted overnight. Avoid low spots, flood-prone ground, dead branches, and exposed locations during severe weather.
“Waterproof” in a product title is not a promise that every setup will remain dry in every storm. Correct assembly, fabric condition, rain-layer placement, ventilation, and weather exposure all affect the experience. Condensation can also form inside a closed shelter, so use the mesh panels when conditions allow.
Finally, a tent fitted to the bed limits access to cargo underneath it. Decide where coolers, footwear, tools, and muddy items will live before bedtime. A simple gear plan often matters more than adding another accessory.
What common truck bed tent mistakes should you avoid?
- Ordering by truck name alone: Cab and bed configurations vary, even within one model line.
- Measuring with the tailgate open: Fit ranges are usually based on the bed itself, not the total platform length created by an open tailgate.
- Ignoring a toolbox or folded cover: Permanent accessories reduce usable length and can block straps.
- Assuming any air mattress will fit: Mattress and tent dimensions must be checked independently.
- Skipping the driveway test: First-time setup is easier to troubleshoot at home than after dark.
- Overlooking ventilation: Closing every panel can increase heat and condensation.
Shop Related Picks at Arbasa
- Waterproof Truck Bed Tent 5ft — $95.99; listed for 5 to 5.2-foot full-size pickup beds, with two mesh windows.
- Truck Bed Tent 6.4'-6.7' Waterproof — $115.99; a double-layer option with a rain cover, listed for 6.4 to 6.7-foot beds.
- Truck Bed Air Mattress for 5.5-5.8 ft Pickup Beds — $90.99; includes a 12V pump, two pillows, and a carry bag. Its separate size range requires an independent compatibility check.
Prices and availability were verified when this guide was prepared and may change.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 5-foot truck bed tent fit a 5.5-foot bed?
Do not assume it will. Arbasa’s 5-foot option is specifically listed for 5 to 5.2-foot beds. A 5.5-foot measurement falls outside that stated range.
Can I use a 6.4–6.7-foot tent on a shorter pickup bed?
No. The longer tent is intended for beds within its stated 6.4 to 6.7-foot range. Excess length can prevent the tent from aligning with the bed and attachment points.
Should I measure with a bed liner installed?
Yes. Measure the usable bed in the condition in which you will camp, including liners, mats, toolboxes, and any cover hardware that remains in place.
Does a truck bed tent include a mattress?
The two tent listings in this guide do not state that a mattress is included. Choose sleeping gear separately and verify its dimensions against both the truck bed and tent floor.
What is the first thing to check before ordering?
Measure the inside bed length with the tailgate closed. That single number quickly tells you whether the 5–5.2-foot or 6.4–6.7-foot option is relevant—or whether neither one matches your truck.
