How to Pitch a Tent on a Pickup

Pitching your tent on a pickup truck creates a comfortable camping position. The pickup tent is ideal in wet conditions and elevates the tent above rodents, snakes and other ground dwelling creatures. Pitching the tent on the pickup is accomplished using the truck bed as a stable platform. The overall process is easy but may require specialty items such as plywood to create a flat base. Specialty tents are also available in sizes specifically designed for pickup truck beds.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Tent
  • Plywood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the dimensions on the tent footprint and measure the dimensions of the interior pickup bed. The pickup bed must at least match the tent footprint.

    • 2

      Cover the bed of the pickup with plywood to create a smooth surface. This step is optional but the ridges in a truck bed create an uncomfortable sleeping surface.

    • 3

      Pitch the tent on the ground, next to the truck. Slide the main poles through the sleeves and cover the tent with the rain fly. Lift the entire tent into the bed of the truck with the door over the tailgate.

    • 4

      Open the tent door and enter the tent. Place a rock on each corner of the tent to anchor the material. Add your bedding to the tent floor for comfort.