7 Best 4Runner Tents

3 comments Jan 16, 2023

The Best Toyota 4Runner Roof Top Tent Options In 2023

The Toyota 4Runner has been a reliable overlanding companion for quite some time now. This classic off-road vehicle has been around for decades now, reaching the fifth generation of manufacturing and design. Through continuous development and innovation, this Japanese brand SUV has already been a tough choice when you want something reliable, proven, and tested. 

What’s great about having Toyota 4Runner is its accessibility to after-market gear, accessories, and equipment. There are loads of stuff readily available almost anywhere to suit your preferences. But in this guide, we’ll focus on overlanding, specifically 4Runner rooftop tent camping. 

Before anything else, get the most durable 4Runner roof rack you can find and double-check if it is compatible with your desired rooftop tent. Having a reliable rack not only gives you that additional mounting space but also saves you from future challenges in overlanding. 

By then, you can now decide which of these 7 Best Toyota 4Runner Roof Top Tents is the most suitable depending on your preference. 

4Runner Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

If your preference is mostly about ease of access and quick setup time, hardshell roof top tents are the best option to mount. Aside from having an aerodynamic design that gives lesser wind drag when cruising on the freeway, hard shell tents are sturdier and more secure because of the enclosed casing, usually made of durable materials. Also, having a hard shell type gives that extra style to your off-road vehicle, giving it the vibe of being outdoor-ready. Park at your desired camping spot, release the latches, and set it up in no time. 

iKamper Skycamp 3.0

Arguably the most popular hard shell rooftop tent, the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 has already captured the attention of 4Runner enthusiasts because of its unique features. Being the third version of this product line, the SkyCamp 3.0 continues to give comfort to anyone who mounts it on their off-road ride. Starting from its high–performance aluminum platform that gives a durable base to your RTT that can hold up to 1.8 tons, and that does not end there. 

The recently improved and developed iKamper Skycamp has plenty of features to boast to its users. When not in use, the hard shell case is specifically designed for better aerodynamics resulting in less noise and wind resistance while cruising. When fully set-up, this rooftop tent has durable canvas materials that provide secure accommodation. 

You’ll be greeted with a 9-zone insulated mattress, providing you with a comfortable place to sleep and snuggle. The king-sized mattress found inside the iKamper SkyCamp 3.0 for 4Runner is to die for. It can lavishly provide space for three adults. You’ll definitely feel the difference that SkyCamp can provide. 

What’s Great About the iKamper SkyCamp 3.0 Hardshell Tent?

• 4-Season Rooftop Tent that you can bring anywhere, anytime
• Hard Shell Case doubles as cargo box when not in use
• Easy Installation and compatible with most roof racks

4Runner TRD Pro Roof Tent

The ultimate off-roading 4Runner variant deserves an equal counterpart for its roof top tent.  4Runner TRD Pro is the best 4x4 product line from Toyota and is made to conquer off-road trails and challenging terrains. Since this is the most rugged variant of the Toyota 4Runner line, getting the most durable off-road rooftop tent is recommended to use. Ensure that the materials of your chosen RTT are of high quality and have a rip-stop feature. Plus, getting a higher GSM fabric means more thickness and volume to your tent’s body, making it more durable and worthy of mounting to the 4Runner TRD Pro. 

Eezi-Awn Blade Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

This off-road camping equipment can partner your TRD Pro’s extreme off-road functionality. Aside from being a hard shell tent, Eezi Awn Blade has been tested for years on the outskirts of South Africa, deeming it worthy of surpassing any rugged condition that your terrain will give you. The versatile Eezi-Awn Blade comes with durable rip-stop walls with mesh panels that give additional protection to its users. 

Sleeping comfortably will never be a problem with the Eezi-Awn Blade. An 80mm-thick mattress can give ample space for two adults supported with a lightweight aluminum base body. In addition to this, several internal pockets are also carefully designed to help you organize your stuff and hold off some extra space. 

Having an Eezi Awn Blade Hardshell RTT also provides an extra 12V socket, which is very suitable to mount to a 4Runner TRD Pro to match its off-road prowess. Aside from these amazing rooftop tent features, Eezi Awn Blade has mastered the basics. A quick setup and takedown, a comfortable mattress that can fit two adults, and a low profile design for better aerodynamics are some of the best features of the Eezi-Awn Blade.

What’s Great About the Eezi-Awn Blade Hard Shell Rooftop Tent?

• Two additional crossbars on top of the hard shell for additional mounting
• With already included XCLUSIV ladder
• Suitable for 4-Season Camping

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Top Tent

The 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner was announced in September 2009, making its first market debut a year later. The 5th Gen 4Runner is the latest generation from Toyota, which has been manufactured up to this year. The 2010-2023 Toyota 4-Runner is the most common variation of this off-road ride from Japan and is quite famous for families and friends who seek adventures. However, there’s no 4Runner tent-specific product for this style, but here is our recommended model.

Guana Equipment Wanaka 55" Roof Top Tent Setup With XL Annex

Since the Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation can comfortably seat up to seven passengers, why not get a car camping tent that can accommodate up to four full-grown adults? The Guana Equipment Wanaka 55” RTT with an extra large annex can easily fit in your mates and crew when overlanding. 

Smooth airflow is definitely guaranteed when camping out with the Guana Equipment Wanaka 55”. Several windows are placed strategically to ensure that there’s wind passing through your rooftop tent. With the presence of an entrance window and sky view window with mesh panels, you’ll most probably feel the strong breeze from nature when inside. 

Guana Equipment Wanaka 55” might be the most spacious 4Runner tent on this list. You can also utilize the additional space the annex includes in the package when purchased. This 4Runner Wanaka roof tent provides a durable body material, an anti-condensation mattress, and a 270-degree outdoor view. 

What’s Great About the Guana Equipment Wanaka 55" RTT

• Extra Large Annex that you can fully utilize depending on your camping requirements
• Tough aluminum poles that can withstand strong winds
• LED strip lights are included to illuminate the interior of your tent

4th Gen 4Runner Roof Top Tent

Marketed as a mid-size semi-luxury vehicle with off-road capabilities, the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner includes the 2003-2009 model. This variation from Toyota has started to be overlanding-friendly, with multiple feature enhancements to suit the outdoor terrains. The 4th Gen 4-Runner can also be mounted with different rooftop tents, and this is our recommendation in case you own one. 

iKamper X-Cover 2.0 Roof Top Tent

The iKamper X-Cover 2.0 4Runner tent gives its users the simplest style of outdoor car camping. Even though it weighs only approximately 150-lbs, don’t underestimate the comfort this 4Runner tent can bring to the table. The quick-open 4Runner roof tent only needs a couple of minutes at max to set up, thanks to its innovative feature of mixing a hard shell tent with a soft shell style. 

The iKamper X-Cover 2.0 also has a pair of crossbars integrated into its upper shell when not in use. This feature allows you to utilize an additional storage space in case you need to mount other off-road accessories that you’ll be needing for overlanding. The extra rack system that it provides is suitable for those off-road rigs that have limited interior space.

This four-season iKamper X-Cover Rooftop tent provides quality sleeping space for three adults with its 2.75-inch thick mattress with 9-zone technology, popularized by the folks from iKamper. Plus, it is the ideal size to mount to a mid-sized SUV, like the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner. 

What’s Great About the iKamper X-Cover 2.0 Roof Top Tent

• Four Season tent that you can use anytime, anywhere
• With crossbars on the upper shell to mount your other off-road accessories
• Two-year warranty included

3rd Gen 4Runner Rooftop Tent

Vintage 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runners can still mount any rooftop tent available in the aftermarket. Provided with the proper care and maintenance, 4Runners with 1996-2005 year make are more than capable of conquering any off-road trail and outdoor adventure. The 3rd Gen 4-Runner was given significant redesigning, making it overlanding-ready at any given time. If you are looking for the right car camping accommodation for your 3rd Gen 4Runner that you may use, here’s the most probable RTT that you can mount. 

Thule Autana Ruggedized 3-Person 4Runner Tent

Looking at its brand name, the Thule Autana Ruggedized roof tent can be one of the most suitable 4Runner roof top tents. The Ruggedized product line provides you with extreme comfortability and gives the toughest Toyota 4Runner 3rd Generation a good fight with off-road adventures. The Thule Ruggedized variation is a heavy-duty, all-around, reliable car tent perfect for multiple days of outdoor adventure. The expedition-grade and quality materials used for this 3-person can take your car camping experience to the next level.

Gathering a heavy-duty feature lineup, starting with the diamond base plate that serves as a platform for your thick mattress, an anti-condensation mat to prevent molds from occurring and a 600D Polyester ripstop fabric with dual stitched taped seams. These outstanding features can provide you with comfortable and secured outdoor accommodation. 

Upon purchase, you’ll receive an annex that is proven and tested durable through tough times. This extra set of accessories gives additional storage space for your provisions or can be utilized as a private changing room, considered a “luxury” while outdoor camping. 

What’s Great About the Thule Autana Ruggedized 3-Person 4Runner Tent 

• Ready to handle extreme weather conditions
• Annex included in every purchase gives a standing private changing room
• Universal mounting brackets that can be used to mount to any roof rack easily

Biggest Toyota 4Runner Roof Top Tent

If your priority in getting something that revolves around the number of people who can comfortably sleep inside, then you should have an RTT with plenty of sleeping space. It’s important to consider who you will bring with every off-road adventure that you’ll take. Will you need a space suitable for 3-5 pax sleeping together? Then you’ll probably need the biggest Toyota 4Runner RTT available in the aftermarket. 

GoFSR High Country 80" Premium Roof Top Tent

Free Spirit Recreation has been one of the prominent suppliers of premium and quality RTT that you can mount to your Toyota 4Runner. Their GoFSR High Country 80” is the most spacious RTT considering its base, providing you with a perfect family rooftop tent. It also has a hassle-free and effortless setup feature, enabling you to spend more quality bonding time rather than taking hours to setup your base. It will need a minute to have the GoFSR High Country 80” Premium RTT up and running and another minute to take it down. 

Even though the High Country 80” Premium Rooftop Tent is considered one of the biggest RTTs available, Free Spirit Recreation ensures that the quality of materials and comfortability aren’t compromised. Providing you with a tri-layer breathable body suited for four-season camping, a 2-inch high-density foam giving everyone a well-rested sleep, and a durable extruded aluminum alloy base to hold everything together. This RTT is definitely a top choice for family car camping. 

When inside, a 360-degree view will mesmerize you while camping especially at nighttime. Large panel windows are on all sides of the tent, giving better airflow and ventilation. A skylight window is also present if you are a fan of stargazing. 

What’s Great About the GoFSR High Country 80" Premium Roof Top Tent 

• Large windows at all sides for aerodynamic purposes and
• With skyline roof to make you enjoy a nighttime view
• Comfortably accommodates up to five people

Lightweight 4Runner Tent

Managing your load capacity because you have too much to bring for your next off-road adventure? Why not cut on the weight of your roof accessory but still get the same overlanding experience by mounting the lightest 4Runner tent you can have? When your priority in getting a rooftop tent is all about its weight, and you don’t want to leave anything behind, an ideal thing is to get a lighter RTT for your 4Runner. Here’s one of the lightest 4Runner tents out on the market. 

BadAss Convoy 4Runner Roof Tent

The slimmest hardshell roof top tent that you can mount to your Toyota 4Runner, the BadAss Convoy 4Runner RTT weighs only 122 lbs, including low-mount crossbars for a discreet design. Getting this rooftop tent over your car won't be as complicated as it may seem, as the tents come already preassembled. All you have to do is mount the lightweight Convoy 4Runner rooftop tent to the crossbars, and you are all set for your outdoor adventure. 

Another great feature of the BadAss Convoy 4Runner Roof top tent involves its hard shell. This external casing is made from durable, high-gloss coextruded plastic materials paired with a space-age extruded aluminum base frame with 500-pound weight capacity support. This four-season RTT is suitable for two persons, and a great choice if you prefer going lightweight. 

Of course, BadAss won’t let you down with this tent's material composition. The Convoy tent's body is waterproof 420D Nylon Oxford fabric with three doors and four large zippered windows. The tent entrance and side panels are coupled with mesh panels, providing additional security against insects that may roam around while you are camping. 

What’s Great About the BadAss Convoy 4Runner Roof Tent

• Three-year warranty offered by BadAss RTTs
• The lightest, thinnest hardtop on the market at 5” tall and 122 lbs.
• Gas shock strut arms allow for quick setup and structural integrity even in windy conditions.

How To Choose My Toyota 4Runner Roof Top Tent?

To avoid redundant spending and save yourself from the hassle of wrong purchases, it is best to consider different factors that may affect choosing the right car camping roof top tent for you. Knowing what you need to check beforehand gives you an idea of which of them is suitable for your preference. Before checking out that 4Runner roof top tent, here are some factors to consider.

Rooftop Tent Type: Hardshell or Softshell Tent

The difference between these two RTT types is enormous. However, we cannot directly say that one is entirely superior. Depending on your preference and budget, it is essential to consider which roof tent is suitable. Hard shell rooftop tents are enclosed in a durable case, usually with a gas-strut and easy setup feature. On the other hand, softshell RTTs are mostly lightweight but have heavy-duty poles and pillars that serve as the tent's framework. 

Quality of Materials and Maintenance

Of course, you’ll want to get your 4Runner roof top tent that will survive with your off-road vehicle through time. The key to a long-lasting RTT is choosing the right materials that match the type of environment you’ll mostly be staying in. Get something that uses durable and high-quality materials, and keep an eye on those integral RTT parts, such as the base, the body, and fabric composition and poles, if there are any. Plus, knowing the correct procedure on how to maintain can prolong the usage of your off-road gear. It’ll be a bonus if the manufacturer offers years of warranty. 

Brand

We’re encouraging you to invest your hard-earned money in legit suppliers and manufacturers of off-road equipment for 4Runner rooftop tents and anything you’ll buy, especially online. Knowing the background of the brand behind your overlanding gear contributes a lot of confidence in buying them. Look for brands that have already established their name and reputation through years of experience, continuous product development, and aftersales support. Looking for a brand that gives you peace of mind before and after purchase is important. 

4Runner Tent FAQs

Can you put a rooftop tent on a 4Runner?

Yes, your Toyota 4Runner can easily accommodate a rooftop tent regardless of the year make and generation. However, you’ll have to install a reliable roof rack first above anything else. 

How much weight of a tent can a Toyota 4Runner hold? 

The weight of the car camping accessory that your Toyota 4Runner can hold depends on several factors and doesn’t have an absolute value. You must determine different things to know if your desired RTT is suitable for mounting to your vehicle. Check your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Curbside Weight. GVWR is the total allowable weight that your off-road vehicle can hold, while curbside weight is the total load capacity of your vehicle without the passengers and any accessories placed inside. From then, you’ll have the slightest idea if your 4Runner can hold off the weight of your desired rooftop tent.

Are there 4runner rooftop tents with an annex?

Not all 4-Runner roof tents have an annex included upon purchase. Usually, annexes are sold separately to extend your camping space or provide an additional room with privacy. However, there are 4-Runner tents with annexes included upon purchase, like the Guana Equipment Wanaka 55” and the Thule Autana Ruggedized 3. 

How easy is it to mount a 4runner roof top tent?

Installing a rooftop tent to your Toyota 4Runner can be pretty tricky. Remember that RTTs can sometimes have a significant weight because of their heavy-duty materials. Getting it in position can be a challenge and might need additional workforce. However, once it is already set to the roof rack, a couple of bolts and nuts to mount and secure your 4-Runner rooftop tent will take a little time. 

Let’s Wrap It Up:

A Toyota 4Runner is one of the best vehicles out there for off roading, overlanding or testing new trails. These are incredibly high quality vehicles, every single version is excellent. Whether you have a 3^rd Gen 4Runner, a 4^th gen 4Runner or a 5^th Gen 4Runner, they are all more than capable cars for a roof top tent.

We listed different models, from different brands, designs, dimensions and materials. All of them suit different people and different uses in different situations. Regardless of where you are, we wanted to cover different types of roof rack tents, that will be great for your 4Runner and your different needs.

Depending on your preference and overlanding requirements, there's a suitable Toyota 4Runner Rooftop Tent that you can use. But whenever that you still feel lost, you can contact us and we will gladly give you some advice.