Can Truck Bed Tent Fit With Tonneau Cover?

Updated 02/23/2026 | Published 02/17/2026

Question:

Hello, Q-1Im seeking information on installing a pickup truck tent camper on a F-150 57 bed with a flush mounted 3 panel tonneau bed cover when folded the bed length is 51 . Thus far I have not located a tent with the 51 length Dim. Q-2 Is it possible to fold two panels and install a 57 tent while extending the ten over the third panel, leaving the two panels under the cover of the tent? Any info would be appreciated. Jerry

asked by: Jerry F

Expert Reply:

Hey Jerry,

We do not have a tent that is for a 5' 1" bed. That said, the Tent for a 5' 7" bed like the Napier # NA87FR you were looking at can indeed be installed over your tonneau cover that is partially folded up. Now it is likely that in rain doing it this way will not be as water proof as it will likely not fit the same with the cover, but minus taking the cover off when using a tent I don't see any other option for you.

Do you camp in the bed often? Or just for certain occasions?

expert reply by: Samuel C

Jerry

2/22/2026

Hello Samuel, Thank you for the response. When you suggest that the tonneau cover be partially folded, are we thinking that only two panels be folded on top of the third which one create a shelf inside the tent? What I don't know is, does the tent bottom frame rest on the P/U bed floor? If so how could I get the partially folded inside the tent. When the tonneau cover is completely folded and stowed it creates approximately a 8" reduction at the top of the bed rails. I can send a photo to a different email address. I have not purchased a tent yet, so I've not camped. However I plan on camping on the WA. coastal beaches. Thanks for your input. Stay well jerry

Samuel C.

2/23/2026

@Jerry I would fold it up as far as it will go. That bottom/inside is somewhat oversized, so you may be able to wedge it around one single section of the cover, though it's gonna be better going around the cover folded against the truck in my opinion.