Best R1T Truck Bed Tent

[Drlangley]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some feedback on bed tents that work well and best fit the dimensions of our R1T. Please don't say buy a RTT. I just want something that fits my budget and will get occasional use.
Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Already many threads on RTTs. Did you use search and look at them? And you mention budget but leave it wide open to guessing. Occasional use, probably any of the soft shells, like Yakima Skyrise HD or the Air Cruiser. They don't cost as much as hardshells or are as heavy.

 

[VSG]

Blue tarp and bungee cords works great.

 

[Drlangley]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some feedback on bed tents that work well and best fit the dimensions of our R1T. Please don't say buy a RTT. I just want something that fits my budget and will get occasional use.
Thanks!

I'm not looking for a Roof Top Tent... only truck bed tents that are known to best fit the dimentions of our R1T bed. Thanks

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I'm not looking for a Roof Top Tent... only truck bed tents that are known to best fit the dimentions of our R1T bed. Thanks

There aren't any specific to the R1T. They're all generic, meant to strap to wheels, fenders, etc.. Measure bed with tape measure (or Google) and compare to size specs of tents you find on Amazon. IIRC, the bed with gate down is about 7' x 5' (a little over 4' between the wheel well humps). The rest is just color and what goofy name the non-English speaking person gave it.

 

[Kunzene]

If you’re looking for a tent that fits well inside the bed, check out a C6 Outdoors Rev. They sell a separate frame that can be mounted as a RTT, but I’ve used mine both ways. There are certainly cheaper options but I’ve been happy with it and the built in mattress is comfortable.

 

[mikehmb]

Blue tarp and bungee cords works great.

Many years ago, a friend and I set out from the west coast to southern Utah for some backpacking. When we got to our secret spot along White Canyon, at night, it looked like we might have weather, so we threw a tarp over the bed of his Toyota and slept under it.

The weather came - a little bit of snow. I woke up with something touching my nose - it was the tarp, drooping from the weight.

It was simultaneously hilarious and, for a moment, quite alarming.

 

[COdogman]

If you’re looking for a tent that fits well inside the bed, check out a C6 Outdoors Rev. They sell a separate frame that can be mounted as a RTT, but I’ve used mine both ways. There are certainly cheaper options but I’ve been happy with it and the built in mattress is comfortable.

Thanks for sharing that! What a cool design.

 

[sizotty]

I’ve got what you are looking for. Check this tent out. You can grab it for 2k, has more features than all the others and it’s larger than iKamper mini as well.

 

[DeanB1452]

I have used the JOY TUTUS truck bed tent for the last 2 years. It's best to use a 2-3" air mattress instead of a thick bulky mattress in there.

Here is the link on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/46SoXOz

 

[Drlangley]

It’s great to actually see it on an R1T! What size did you order? Thanks

 

[Grognard79]

I have a Roof Nest Condor 2 Overland and it is fantastic. Roomy, easy to set up, and the aluminum shell is rugged and you can attach things to it. It is heavier than most, but it sits below the roofline and has virtually zero impact on my range.

 

[mudito]

(Let's ask the AI)

If you're looking for a best value and affordable rooftop tent (RTT) that fits the roughly 7′ × 5′ bed of your Rivian R1T, here are some solid options based on real-world fit-tests and user feedback:


Top Affordable & Well-Suited RTTs for the R1T Bed
iKamper Skycamp Mini (Rivian edition or standard)

• Tailored for the R1T bed rack, this hardshell RTT includes locking Adventure Key brackets and a self-inflating mattress. Rivian says mounting it on the bed rack minimally affects vehicle range. The VergeNew Atlas
• Setup is easy—around 30 minutes first install, seconds to open, wind-tested. New Atlas
• Price runs around $4,595 + shipping, though it’s a premium option. The VergeNew Atlas

Roofnest Condor / Condor Overland

• More budget-friendly (under $3,000 for standard Condor). GoDownsize.com
• Constructed with durable aluminum; fairly lightweight (~135 lb) with a 650 lb load rating. GoDownsize.com
• Community reports excellent fit within the R1T bed—no overhang when closed. Reddit+1

Yakima Skyrise (Medium or HD)

• Rivian’s own-branded version (Skyrise HD) fits snugly on the bed and supports 3-person capacity. MotorTrendWIREDRivian Forum
• Users report only minimal range loss (~0.25–0.3 miles per kWh). Rivian Forum
• Easy to mount/dismount via crossbars; a reliable and tested option. WIREDRivian Forum

Napier Sportz Compact Short-Bed Tent

• Not a rooftop model, but a simple in-bed tent alternative.
• One user noted it fits exceptionally well in the R1T bed and works perfectly with a queen air mattress. Reddit

Which One Might Suit You Best?

Goal	Recommended Option	Why It Fits Your Need
Low-cost but reliable	Roofnest Condor	Under $3K, proven good fit, lightweight durability
Quick setup + luxury	iKamper Skycamp Mini	Premium ease, integrated branding, efficient for range
Balanced size & price	Yakima Skyrise HD	Good size, moderate cost, trusted overlanding build
Occasional camping only	Napier Sportz Bed Tent	Low-cost alternative, fits bed directly, easy to store

Voices from the Community

“It fits great. Doesn’t hang off the back or sides (except when open).” — about the Roofnest Condor Reddit
One user reported using a Napier Sportz Compact Short-Bed and said it was “extremely impressed with fitment!” inside the R1T bed. Reddit

Final Takeaway

For the sweet spot of affordability, performance, and ease, the Roofnest Condor is your best bet. If you're ready to invest in a higher-end setup with lightning-fast deploy and minimal aero impact, the iKamper Skycamp Mini is hard to beat. The Yakima Skyrise sits nicely in the middle—trusted, functional, and well-sized. And if you're after a no-frills, budget-bed tent solution, the Napier Sportz is surprisingly solid.


Let me know if you'd like a deep dive into specs, mounting requirements, or where to buy!

 

[Cycliste]

I’d probably just use my manual tonneau cover and a bivy sack, and sleep with the tailgate down and my head under the stars. You could just use a hooped bivy without the tonneau.

https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/mountaineering/products/three-wire-hooped-bivy

The downside for a bed tent and roof top tent is your truck isn’t drivable went the tent is set up. That is a hassle when on a multi-day trip and you want to explore something too far away to walk.

Sponsored