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Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent: A Comprehensive Review 2024

by Saxon Funk August 05, 2021 8 min read

1 Comment

What is a Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent?

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent

 

While camping's popularity continues to expand, how individuals enjoy the activity has changed as well. Gone are the days when the only option for sleeping was a ground tent that took 30 minutes to put up due to fumbling with poles. Instead, travel trailers, roof-mounted tents, and the latest rage, truck-bed tents, are just a few of the alternatives available to today's campers.

As the name implies, Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents sit in the empty bed of a truck to create a structure similar to a ground tent. Truck bed canvas tents vary in size, form, and convenience of use, just like the pickup truck beds themselves. The better types have a sewn-in floor for extra protection, while some have big awnings for additional shade or a place to stay dry when it rains.





Unlike traditional camping and camping gear, when you choose a tent based on the number of people you'll be bringing, with a standard truck tent, you must first make sure it's the right size and design for your vehicle. Just because a tent says it's designed for truck camping doesn't necessarily mean it'll fit yours.

Some situations are universal, while others are more unique. However, determining whether or not the Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tent you want will fit is a straightforward process. First, you'll need to measure your truck bed, which you can do online if you need help. If it doesn't work, contact Wild Oak Trail with your vehicle information and inquire if it will fit. For more information, continue reading and see our review of the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent.

Overall Dimensions

Although your truck bed can limit the length and width of your truck tent, the same cannot always be said for the height. Truck tents come in various sizes, with some tall enough to allow many individuals to stand without crouching. Smaller tents, on the other hand, are usually lighter and easier to set up.

If you expect more people to be inside the tent, a larger tent may be preferable. They can be a little heavier to set up and may require more than one person. They do, however, provide more interior space for movement.

The Easier the Tent Truck Setup, the Better

It may not be fun to spend an hour or more attempting to set up the best truck tent ever, as it is with all tents. However, when you get to your campsite, you'll most likely want to pitch your tent and begin having fun. As a result, it's in your best interests to choose a tent that you can easily understand and set up. However, most truck tents come with a simple setup system to make the job go more smoothly.

Proper ventilation is essential.

There are reasons why mesh windows and the entire ventilation system is so crucial for tents. Things can become stuffy and uncomfortable without appropriate air movement. So when choosing the right truck tent, it's essential to consider the ventilation system and make sure it does an excellent job of removing heated air.

The Weather Is Everything

Not all truck tents are created equal in terms of how well they work in different types of weather. Some have excellent cooling systems that work well in hot temperatures. Others may have a decent ventilation system with adequate insulation to keep it comfortable in the winter but not too hot.

Three-season tents, which are best used in the spring, summer, and early fall, have the best ventilation. These are the all-season, year-round tents, which offer higher insulation and appropriate ventilation to prevent overheating. Checking the weather forecast for your campsite ahead of time will help you decide which one will best suit your needs.

Another thing to think about is wind protection. Winds can be mild to strong regardless of the season you're camping in. To avoid collapsing or flying off your vehicle, your tent should be able to withstand any wind. In addition, your tent will be more durable if it has a reinforced design.

Another advantage is the ability to be waterproof. Rain, like wind, can come at any time (or, in colder weather, Snow). If that's the case, the tent's fabric should be water-resistant, with heat-sealed seams. A good rainfly should also be present as the first line of defense against a downpour.

Additional Features and Add-ons

When purchasing truck bed tents, there are a few different characteristics to consider. Some variants come with a built-in floor, so you don't have to sleep on your truck bed. This not only protects the vehicle floor but also allows you to enclose the tent further, keeping you protected from the weather.

If you want to purchase one with a floor, you'll need to make sure your truck bed is clear of anything else. This is because the floor must be flat to the air mattress to fit. However, skipping the floor may be the best option if you know you'll have other stuff in your truck.

If you have a cab window, another feature to consider in truck tents is a cab access window. You can also enter inside the tent through the window, which has a space for cab access. If you want a tent with many entrances, this is a good option. You can also reach in and grab other stuff, turn on the radio, and so on, making it easier to access the inside of your truck.

Finally, consider your storage alternatives. For example, many tents come with mesh storage pockets built into the walls. These provide additional storage space convenient gear pockets for small goods that would otherwise get in the way of your larger gear.

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent 

Kodiak Canvas Tent

The heavy-duty canvas is the strongest fabric for a tent, so consider Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents. There's a slim possibility it'll rip and a near-zero chance it'll leak.

Canvas is a rigid material that keeps you warm while camping in the cold, but it's also breathable. Summer isn't too far away, so don't rule out the 100 percent cotton duck canvas.

If the inherently breathable element of the kodiak canvas truck tent isn't enough for you, Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents also have vents for additional airflow for you and a prospective sleeping partner in the vehicle.

The thin mesh windows will also help to keep bugs out while allowing some air in. If you're still hot in the Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tent, you can open the windows.

Through the enormous D-shaped door, you may quickly leave Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents for a time to get some fresh air. If it's hot outside and it's pouring, you could open the truck tent door regardless because it has a small awning to keep the rain off.

When it's windy, however, try to stay inside. The steel poles of Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents are strong enough to withstand the wind, so you'll be safe. The only type of harsh weather you're vulnerable to is Snow, which isn't strong enough to sustain accumulation.

For the most part, Snow will run directly off Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents, which are structured like tunnels. This is to make the most of the 5 feet of headroom provided by the interior ceiling height. You could quickly put together a chair and sit beneath the high ceiling, but it isn't quite tall enough for you to stroll around in.

However, Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents' high ceiling height and distinctive pole design make them difficult to set up, so keep that in mind. It may be tricky for one person to set regular tent up, but like most things, having someone's help will make this a whole lot easier.

Some users also discovered that they needed to purchase larger C-clamps for setup, although this is dependent on your truck.

The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tents come in Three Available Sizes.

 

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent - Midsized

Kodiak Canvas - Canvas Truck Tent Mid-Sized-Tent-Kodiak Canvas-Wild Oak Trail

Model 7211

Fits mid-sized and compact trucks with 5 to 6.5 ft. bed length (measured inside with tailgate up).

Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, and Ford Ranger.

 

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent - 8 ft. Full Size

Kodiak Tent 7218 Canvas Truck Tent for 8-Foot Long Bed-7218


Model 7218

Fits Full-size Trucks (Long Bed) 8 ft.

Ford F Series, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra 2016 or earlier (does not fit 2017 or later), Nissan Titan

 

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent- 6 ft. Full Size

Kodiak Canvas Tent


Model 7206

Fits Full-size Trucks (Short Bed) 5.5 to 6.8 ft.

Ford F Series, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra 2016 or earlier (does not fit 2017 or later), Nissan Titan

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tents:  Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible To Use Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tents On The Ground?

You can use a Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tent on the ground in principle, but you won't be able to keep it standing. Because it is not staked like camping tents, it will be blown down by the slightest breeze. So the only method to keep Kodiak Canvas Truck bed tents from falling over is to employ the technique for fastening it into the truck.

Is It Possible To Use the Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent with Any Truck?

Some truck bed camping tents are universal, but not all. To guarantee that you have the right fit, measure your truck bed before purchasing these tents and traveling to camp. Take measures and match them up, even if these tents claim to use universal sizing.

Also, some truck bed tents state which truck models they operate with, so keep that in mind. Furthermore, never assume that tents designed for a prior model of your truck will suit yours. This will result in a waste of time and money.

Unfortunately, conventional tents cannot be used as truck bed tents. Sorry to disappoint everyone who had hoped to utilize their dome tent in the back of the truck after reading this far.

Are there any additional Truck Features?

The best truck tents differ from conventional tents in that they have other vital qualities that make them stand out.

A lantern hook is a nice feature of the Avalanche tent, allowing you to light up the place from the tent's center. If you wish to get some daylight, you can also use your cargo lights.

If you wish to leave your outside place early in the morning, you'll need to see it to get ready for the day.

Is It Possible To Make A Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent More Comfortable To Sleep In?

Here are some suggestions for making Kodiak Canvas truck bed Tents more comfortable:

  • Use heavy blankets to wrap around and under you.

  • Think about sleeping on a sleeping pad.

  • Use real, fluffy, and soft pillows.

  • Before camping, properly clean your truck bed—small pebbles and other trash can be missed until you lie down on them.

Are Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tents Worth It?

If you want the freedom to sleep wherever you want, whenever you want, bed tents are a good investment. The bed tents will benefit from long road journeys, multi-day hunting adventures, or folks who don't like sleeping so close to the ground.

Is it possible for campers to drive with Kodiak Canvas truck bed Tents on the back of their truck?

Even the most excellent tents aren't built to endure fast speeds or the gusts that come with driving. So before returning to the open road, you must always take down your tent.

It's OK to travel with your tent still built if you're sleeping in a parking lot or at a campsite and need to readjust.

Final Thoughts

The Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent is the most extraordinary pickup truck tent. The Kodiak canvas truck bed tent is durable and can withstand years of use in all weather conditions without becoming wet or blown over.

It's beneficial for hunters who want to get game all year or couples who want to go on an outdoor winter road trip without staying in dingy motels. The Kodiak canvas truck bed tent is the best truck bed tent on the market. 

Saxon Funk
Saxon Funk

Saxon Funk, co-founder and driving force behind Wild Oak Trail, embodies the spirit of self-sufficiency and preparedness. Launching the venture over six years ago with his wife, Hailey, Saxon has steeped himself in mastering solar generators, heating solutions, food storage, and off-grid living essentials, becoming a veritable guru in the field. His expertise is more than theoretical; it's practical, as evidenced by his own home, equipped with the very products Wild Oak Trail proudly offers. Saxon's passion extends beyond commerce; he thrives on the assurance of providing for his family in any circumstance, fervently believing in empowering others to do the same through the quality resources and knowledge he shares through his business.

1 Response

Bret
Bret

October 16, 2023

PRO
Love the truck tent, saved $ on hotel bills.
Heavy canvas and zippers.
CON
Prefer it had a floor
At tailgate not enough material to block bugs on lt rt sides.
Front overhang too small, should be same as rear.
Overhang pile attachments, Frt rear has three adjustment holes but can only get them in the longest of the three metal grommet holes, (Frt grommet hole tearing) ( new tent!)
With a blow up 60*80 air cushion only allows for 4’ tall. I want to walk in mine, so prefer 7’ from truck bed to top.

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