Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 Review: Full Size Short Bed Edition

If you own a full-size truck with a short bed, you know the struggle of finding camping gear that fits just right. The Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 is designed specifically for this configuration, promising a comfortable and secure sleeping space without the bulk of a ground tent. In this review, we'll dive deep into its features, setup process, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right choice for your next outdoor adventure.

As someone who has tested numerous truck tents, I was eager to see how the 57891 model holds up against its competitors. From the camo pattern that blends into the wilderness to the innovative design that uses your truck's bed as the base, there's a lot to cover. Let's get started.

Overview of the Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891

The Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 is a full-size short bed tent that transforms your truck into a cozy camper. It features a durable polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating to keep you dry, and the unique camo pattern not only looks great but also helps you blend into your surroundings. The tent attaches securely to your truck's bed using a system of straps and poles, creating a weatherproof seal.

With a center height of 6'5", this tent offers ample headroom for most campers. The full-size short bed design means it fits trucks with bed lengths between 6'4" and 6'7", which covers popular models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado with short beds. The tent includes a large D-style door for easy entry and a window with a privacy flap, ensuring good ventilation and convenience.

• Fits full-size trucks with short beds (6'4" - 6'7")
• Center height: 6'5"
• Polyester fabric with polyurethane coating
• Camo pattern for blending in
• Includes carry bag for storage

Setup and Installation: Quick and Straightforward

Setting up the Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 is surprisingly easy, even for one person. The tent uses a simple pole system that connects to your truck's bed rails. You start by laying out the tent in the bed, then insert the poles through the sleeves, and finally attach the straps to the bed's tie-down points. The entire process takes about 10 minutes the first time, and less once you're familiar with it.

One of the standout features is the built-in sleeve that fits over the tailgate, allowing you to close the tailgate while the tent is up. This not only provides more interior space but also makes the tent more stable and secure. The included rainfly is easy to install and adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.

• Setup time: 10-15 minutes
• No special tools required
• Tailgate sleeve for extra space and security
• Color-coded poles for easy assembly

Durability and Weather Resistance

The Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 is built to withstand typical camping conditions. The 190T polyester fabric is tear-resistant and has a 2000mm waterproof rating, which is sufficient for light to moderate rain. The seams are taped to prevent leaks, and the floor is made of a heavy-duty polyethylene that resists punctures from rough terrain.

I tested this tent in a windy night with gusts up to 25 mph, and it held up well. The straps and pole system kept it anchored to the truck, and there was minimal flapping. However, as with any tent, it's advisable to use additional stakes or sandbags if you expect extreme winds.

• Waterproof rating: 2000mm
• Taped seams for leak prevention
• Heavy-duty polyethylene floor
• Wind-resistant design with proper anchoring

Comfort and Space: Sleeping in the Bed

The primary advantage of a truck tent is that you sleep in the truck bed, which is elevated and away from ground moisture and critters. The Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 maximizes this by providing a spacious interior that can accommodate a full-size air mattress. The tent's dimensions are 6'5" long, 6'5" wide, and 6'5" high, giving you plenty of room to move around.

The tent also features two large windows and a skylight, which not only provide ventilation but also allow you to stargaze at night. The windows have no-see-um mesh, so you can keep them open without worrying about bugs. For added comfort, I recommend pairing this tent with a quality air mattress like the Sportz Air Mattress, which fits perfectly in the bed and ensures a good night's sleep.

• Spacious interior for full-size mattress
• Two windows and a skylight for ventilation and views
• No-see-um mesh to keep bugs out
• Compatible with Sportz Air Mattress

Comparing to Other Truck Tents

When comparing the Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 to other options, it's important to consider your specific truck model. For instance, if you own a Honda Ridgeline, you might want to check out the Honda Ridgeline Tent, which is tailored to that truck's unique bed shape. Similarly, the Backroadz Truck Tent #13044 is designed for compact trucks with short beds, so it wouldn't be the right fit for a full-size model.

What sets the Sportz Camo apart is its combination of camo aesthetics, robust construction, and ease of setup. It's also more affordable than some branded options, making it a great value for budget-conscious campers. However, if you prefer a different pattern or need a tent for a different bed size, the Sportz Link might be a versatile alternative that connects two tents together.

• Compare with Honda Ridgeline Tent for Ridgeline owners
• Backroadz Truck Tent #13044 is for compact trucks
• Sportz Link allows connecting two tents for more space

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here are the main pros and cons of the Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 based on my experience.

Pros: The tent is easy to set up, offers good headroom, and the camo pattern is a nice touch. It's also well-ventilated and keeps you dry in light rain. Cons: The tent is not suitable for full-size long beds, so you must ensure your truck's bed size matches. Also, the rainfly could be more robust for heavy downpours, but it's adequate for most camping trips.

• Pros: Easy setup, good headroom, camo design, ventilation
• Cons: Limited to short beds, rainfly could be better

Overall, the Sportz Camo Truck Tent 57891 is a solid choice for full-size short bed truck owners looking for a reliable and affordable camping solution. Its thoughtful design, ease of setup, and comfortable interior make it a standout in its category. If you're in the market for a new truck tent, I highly recommend giving it a try. For more options, check out the Sportz Link if you want to expand your camping setup, or explore other accessories to enhance your outdoor experience.