[groon]

Hi all - I was noticing that REI has a sale on truck bed tents:

Rightline Gear Camping Tents | REI Co-op

Shop for Rightline Gear Camping Tents at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

www.rei.com

Their sizing guide doesn't list the R1T so I left a message with their customer service who left me an email that said "Regarding the Rivian R1T and our Truck Tents, we do not have any sizes that fit unibody truck beds. We are currently working on a model that will be compatible with unibody beds, so please keep an eye out for any updates coming in the future!"

So while it may not work for the R1T at this time, I wanted to ask the forum: has anyone used this type of tent before?

I don't have any experience with this style of tent but man, even not on sale, the price is right compared to a rooftop tent.

 

[Nexus]

I used one once on my Tacoma (I bought it for a specific event and haven't had an opportunity to use it again). It worked fine, but we didn't experience any rain or adverse weather. Admittedly, its more work to set up (especially in poor weather). Other than that I'm not sure what the major advantages of a roof/bed top tent (except that you don't lose your bed storage.

Comparing the Rivian's bed dimensions to the tacoma (short bed):

Width: 51.1" (Rivian) vs 52.5" (Tacoma)
Lenght (tailgate up): 54.1" (Rivian) vs 60.5" (Tacoma)
Length (tailgate down): 83.9" (Rivian) vs 80" (Tacoma)
Height : 18.3" (Rivian) vs 19" (Tacoma)

I haven't taken these measurements myself but found them on the 'net but it gives you an idea. They measure pretty close except for the open bed. The same tent you use for the tacoma might work on the rivian. I just can't remember if there is enough give to accommodate the extra 3".

If you can wait until the third quarter of 2023 (when I'm scheduled to get my Rivian), I'll let you know.
Otherwise, wait until ridgeline makes one specific to the Rivian which they totally should. It would be an awesome alternate.

 

[mystie3k]

I wanted to bump this up for folk's opinion of truck bed tents. Since the roof top tent is now on hold, and it looked like a PITA - I wanted to hear opinions on anyone that put an air mattress in their bed and a tent on top? With the AC in the bed, it seems like a better option than other truck beds?

Has anyone tried sleeping UNDER the tonneau cover?

 

[Jorge746]

Do a quick search on YouTube.

 

[mystie3k]

Hey all I wanted to give a report on the first night in a Rivian camping with a truck tent. I bought this from Cabelas/Bass Pro for $309

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/napier-57-series-sportz-truck-tent

Compact 6' fits the width well, and it pokes over the end of the bed with about 6". The compact short may have not used the full bed, but I might return it and try the short instead. (only the regular size was available same-day)

It was by far the most complex tent I have ever set up. The reviews don't lie. You can do it as one person in 30 minutes if you have experience with tents. It requires a specific order, and make sure you set it up on the ground as instructed or you will scratch your truck.

The aerobed queen size from costco fits perfect. Only down side is it makes it hard to get into the bed. Small kids need to be lifted. Teenagers can scramble in.

https://www.costco.com/aerobed-comfort-lock-queen-air-mattress.product.100461485.html

Best part of it however is the aeorbed fits perfectly with the height of the bed sides, so you can actually sleep on the sides of the truck bed sides and its comfortable.

The field kit proved useful on its first trip. The included first aid kit just has trauma stuff, but if you want band-aids for booboos, the field kit had it. add your own ointments.

The constant locking and unlocking was really annoying until i figured out camp mode. it is still really complex to figure out (and i'm an engineer). If you don't enjoy puzzles and creative problem solving, don't get a Rivian.

Final conclusion is I think I will keep the truck bed until Rivian releases the full yakima and camp kitchen. The loss of bed space was inconvenient, and you are still climbing up into the bed. A ladder would make it easier.