As a truck driver, there are times where you inevitably may get caught out on the road in a daycab. Instead of waking up with a stiff back from sleeping in the front seat or having to spend $100 to stay at a Holiday Inn for a night, having a tent is a great backup plan that will save you time, money, and all of the discomfort from the alternatives.
It’s better to be prepared with a proper place to rest so you are comfortable and ready to go when it’s time to get back on the road. We’ve hand-selected the best tents on Amazon for daycab truckers just like you.
Should a Trucker Have a Tent?
In an ideal scenario, your earnings from being on the road would cover a stay at a hotel in the case that you get stuck out on the road. But what if there aren’t any hotels nearby? Or what if you don’t want to spend the money? Having a backup tent is the perfect fallback that will take the worry out of your mind, and it doesn’t have to take much space.
If you don’t believe us, do the math. A one-time purchase of a tent will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on hotels and motels each year! Plus, you know if you have one, you’re prepared for any situation. No matter how comfortable your cab may be, trying to sleep in your seat isn’t going to be a fun night.
Lightweight Dome Tent by Wakeman Outdoors
This first tent is a small, lightweight, 2-person sized tent that can be found for under $50. It has Nylon fabric, fiberglass poles, a removable rain-fly, an interior storage pocket, and a mesh ventilation door. It’s simple, easy, and perfect for a one-night stay.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy set-up
Cons:
- This product is mostly ideal for warm-weather camping. It may not provide enough insulation for cold nights
- Not recommended for people over 6ft tall
- Some reviewers report the poles to be flimsy
Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent
Another one of Amazon’s top picks, the Coleman Pop-Up Tent, is slightly larger than the last, with enough room for 4 people (so if you’re on your own you can really stretch out). It includes a multi-position rainfly that protects against fire and water, preassembled poles that pop up into place, and a taped floor that will keep your tent dry even on wet ground.
Pros:
- An easy set-up that takes seconds. The tent pops right open
- Lightweight
- Effective at keeping insects and rain out
Cons:
- Some buyers report the door being difficult to zip
- The take-down is a little more complicated than the set-up
Clostnature 1-Person Tent
The Clostnature Ultralight One-Person Backpacking Tent is a great solo-tent option for truckers traveling on their own. This product is lightweight and portable while still being over 7 feet in length. It includes 1 carry bag, a flysheet, aluminum poles, stakes, and a pole emergency repair kit. It also has a lifetime warranty on it for any material and workmanship defects.
Pros:
- Ideal for both hot and cold weather
- Portable and waterproof
- Easy set-up and take-down
- Great value for a relatively inexpensive cost
Cons:
- Tent height is reported to be a little short
- Cannot fit more than 1 person
Rayntek Outdoor 2 Person Backpacking Tent
This is a brand new, lightweight, compact tent design that comes with a single aluminum pole and breathable fabric. It has a waterproof index up to 3000mm, keeping you dry in light to average rain. It has sturdy guylines for wind resistance and plenty of storage room for any gear or belongings you may have.
Pros:
- Easy set-up and take-down
- Spacious and comfortable for up to 2 people
- Quality material for low cost
Cons:
- It may not keep you dry in heavy rainfall
- May not be insulated enough for those harshly cold nights
KAZOO Outdoor Camping Tent
This waterproof tent is spacious enough to fit a full air mattress! You can feel confident purchasing this product not only because of its eco friendly, sturdy, weather-proof design, but also because of its 2-year guaranteed warranty.
Pros:
- Easy assemble
- Affordable
- Spacious
- Good ventilation
Cons:
- Some reviews report difficulty with the zipper
- Some buyers report that the poles are fragile and snap easily
Night Cat Backpacking Tent
Voted “best for headroom”, the Night Cat Backpacking Tent is another lightweight 1 person tent. It only takes 1 minute to assemble and comes in multiple colors. It can fit a single-person air mattress or a sleeping bag.
Pros:
- Lightweight and packable
Cons:
- Some buyers reported poor ventilation and airflow
- Unsturdy poles
Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Porch
If you’re someone who enjoys the luxury and space that a hotel has to offer, you may want to consider the Coleman Cabin tent. It has a screen room porch attached to it and it’s tall enough so that you can stand upright with plenty of room to move around.
Pros:
- Very spacious
- Screened-in porch
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Requires a slightly longer set-up time than the other tents
- Not as “weatherproof” as competing tents according to some reviews
Coleman Dark Room Skydome Tent
Of course, you can’t always guarantee that you are going to be resetting or taking a break when it’s dark. The Coleman Dark Room Skydome Tent includes darkroom technology that allows you to sleep at any time, day or night, comfortably. This tent is also rated highly for its extra headroom.
Pros:
- Darkroom that blocks 90% of sunlight
- Extra storage space
- Wider door that makes moving items in and out easier
Cons:
- Less ventilation due to the darkroom feature
- Set-up is not as easy as competing tents
URPRO Instant Automatic Pop Up Camping Tent
Not least of all, the UPRO Instant Automatic Pop Up Tent is one of the lightest on the list weighing only 2 lbs and is a snap to set up. This product offers great UV protection if you are camping out during the day or in warmer areas. The mesh design at the top of the tent also allows you to gaze up at the night sky before you doze off.
Pros:
- Set-up takes only seconds
- Tall
- Lightweight
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for all weather types
- There is not enough room for more than one adult
Caught Far from Home?
While not a necessity, a tent is something that you don’t miss… until you really do. What’s even better, when it’s not in your cab, your tent can be used for its normal recreational purposes so it isn’t sitting unused!