Creating a truck bed tent can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only will you be able to sleep outdoors, but you will also save money on a traditional camping tent.
You can easily make your own custom-fitted truck bed tent with just a few materials and some basic tools. Here is what you need to know to get started.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You will need some waterproof canvas fabric, a piece of foam or mattress, some bungee cords, and a few other supplies including a drill, scissors, measuring tape and thread.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Canvas
Measure the length of the truck bed from one side of the tailgate to the other. Add an extra two feet for overlap on each side.
Cut out two pieces of canvas that are this length plus another foot for seam allowance. Do the same for the width of the bed, ensuring that there is enough fabric for an overlap at the top.
Step 3: Sew The Canvas Pieces Together
Lay one piece of canvas on top of another with their wrong sides facing inwards. Pin them together along all four sides and then sew them together with a simple straight stitch. Make sure all your seams are strong so that they don’t rip when you are using your tent.
Step 4: Attach Bungee Cords
Drill small holes along each side of the canvas near the edges where it will meet your truck bed rails. Attach bungee cords to these holes so that they loop around your rails, securing the canvas in place when it is time to use your tent.
Step 5: Add Foam or Mattress Cushioning
Lay out your foam or mattress inside your tent and secure it in place with bungee cords or rope so that it does not move around when you are using it as a sleeping space.
Conclusion:
Making your own truck bed tent is easy! Just gather your materials, measure and cut out two pieces of canvas for your tent walls, sew them together, attach bungee cords along each side for secure placement in your truck bed rails, and add foam or mattress cushioning inside for comfort while sleeping.
