Words and photos by Perry Mack
I was first introduced to the Sportz SUV Tent back in 2016, when I was camping out of my Jeep Wrangler. The well-thought-out design allowed direct access to the back of the Wrangler, giving the already spacious tent even more room—perfect for safely storing gear or creating extra sleeping space.
Fast forward ten years. The Wrangler has since been replaced by a Cherokee, and camping has evolved into glamping in a motorcoach.
There’s an old saying that a motorcoach can entertain six people, dine four, but only sleep two. Yes, most coaches—ours included—have convertible furniture that technically allows sleeping for up to seven, but let’s be honest. What we’re really saying is: you’re welcome to visit, just not stay the night (in the coach).
Our solution for spending more quality time with family and friends? This SUV tent.
It packs down small enough to store easily in the coach, yet sets up large enough to very comfortably sleep four people in the tent and two more in the SUV. Napier rates it for 5–6 people plus two in the vehicle, but that feels a bit optimistic to us. Comfortably, the kids can bring the grandkids, everyone has space, and everyone’s happy—mostly us. Selfish, but true.
The tent features a generous 3 m × 3 m (10' × 10') interior floor with 2.2 m (7.25') of headroom in the main tent, plus a 1.8 m × 2.1 m (6' × 7') screen room. There’s a sleeve that connects directly to the interior of your SUV and a 1.8 m awning—perfect for enjoying the outdoors without baking in the sun.
Details like storm flaps, cargo pockets, a lantern hanger, and a fully seam-taped rainfly make it clear that Napier’s engineers have actually spent time in the woods with this three-season tent. But the pièce de résistance is the vehicle sleeve.
The value of being able to access your vehicle from inside the tent may not be obvious at first. That is, until you’re woken up in the middle of a dark, rainy night with the question, “Honey, where are the ____?” and your answer is, “They’re in the truck.” Or maybe it’s not gear at all—just a safe, close-by place for a couple of small kids. Close enough to keep an eye on them, but far enough away to avoid an elbow to the eye.
1 of 9
photo Perry Mack
A small bag creates a sumptuously, large tent.
2 of 9
photo Perry Mack
Our Ranger with a canopy works perfectly for off-road adventures or guests while we RV.
3 of 9
photo Perry Mack
Use the interior for equipment storage and supplies.
4 of 9
photo Perry Mack
Or add an AirRoam mattress in the empty space to create another sleeping quarter.
5 of 9
photo Perry Mack
The annex makes the tent even more visually appealing from the interior.
6 of 9
photo Perry Mack
Use the annex to store jackets and dirty boots and shoes; or turn it into a rain-free, bug-free 'patio'.
7 of 9
photo Perry Mack
There are an abundance of large windows like this one below the awning to keep summer days cool and airy.
8 of 9
photo Perry Mack
It's easy to miss the overhead gear loft, but it's a brilliant place to hang your lantern and store flashlights for late night excursions.
9 of 9
photo Perry Mack
The rainfly opposite the truck sleeve sets up to create an awning for extra shade.
The tent also seals up completely without your SUV attached, so you can simply unclip the vehicle sleeve and drive off on your adventures.
Napier claims a 15-minute setup time. I’d say that’s accurate—after some practice and under ideal conditions. In other words, not in the dark, not in the wind, and definitely not while reading the instructions by moonlight.
Although it’s called an SUV tent, I also use it with our Ford Ranger equipped with a canopy. This lets me access more remote fishing and hunting spots while still camping in comfort.
photo Perry Mack
AirRoam Mattress For Sportz Truck Tent
Napier Sportz Truck Tent is another off-road option that's perfect with the AirRoam mattress. Have truck, will camp - comfortably anywhere!
A newer addition to our setup is Napier’s truck bed air mattress, the AirRoam. It’s designed to fit over the wheel wells, creating a plush, wall-to-wall sleeping surface. It includes a rechargeable 12 V inflator that fills the mattress in just a few minutes, a velvet-flocked top to keep bedding from sliding around, durable coil construction, and a handy carrying bag.
The AirRoam is available in four sizes:
- Full-size regular bed (6'5")
- Full-size short bed (5'5")
- Compact regular bed (6')
- Compact short bed (5')
We ordered the compact regular bed in anticipation of our next truck, but I couldn’t wait to try it out. I tested it in our existing 2009 Ford Ranger and a friends Chevy Colorado, which unfortunately for him has the short bed (so he won't be able to borrow it). You can make it work, but trust me—you’ll be much happier ordering the exact size designed for your truck.
1 of 8
photo Perry Mack
This is not your average air mattress. The AirRoam is specifically tailored to fit truck beds.
2 of 8
photo Perry Mack
Choose carefully so you get the right size for your vehicle.
3 of 8
photo Perry Mack
It rolls up compactly into its own carry case & is complete with a rechargeable battery-powered inflator.
4 of 8
photo Perry Mack
This is truly 'Plug & Play'. Just insert included inflator battery-powered inflator and press on.
5 of 8
photo Perry Mack
Flip it upside down and you'll see the crafted spaces for wheel wells.
6 of 8
photo Perry Mack
A snug but functional fit in our 2009 Ford Ranger.
7 of 8
photo Perry Mack
A fast inflate & deflate plug sits in the sidewall below the flocked top. The flocked top keeps your bedding from sliding.
8 of 8
photo Perry Mack
Unfortunately our friends hopes were dashed as our Compact Regular bed is too long for his Chevy Colorado with a Compact Short Bed.
The AirRoam is also a great companion to Napier’s Backroadz Truck Tent for wilderness camping & overlanding trips, or even a simple night under the stars at the drive-in.
Napier products are sold just about everywhere. You can see their complete line of products at napieroutdoors.com.
Napier Sportz SUV Tent 84000 – Specs
- Capacity: 5–6 people plus 2 in the vehicle (remember my notes on “serving size”)
- Dimensions: 5.2 m × 3 m (1.8 m at screen room entrance)
- Center Height: 2.2 m
- Weight: 24 kg
- Color: Blue & Grey
- Doors: 2
- Windows: 3
- Waterproof Rating: 1200 mm PU coating
- Wall & Roof Material: Polyester taffeta
- Window Material: Polyester mesh
- Floor Material: Polyethylene
- Rainfly: Polyester taffeta with taped seams
- Warranty: 1 year
Napier AirRoam Truck Bed Mattress – Specs
- Capacity: 2 people
- Dimensions: Truck-model dependent
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Color: Grey
- Material: PVC
- Season Rating: All seasons
- Storage: Carrying case included
- Warranty: 30 days