More space in the camper van thanks to rear tent
Expand the living and storage space in your bus
A rear tent extends the living space, which is limited in compact camping buses. Mounting behind the vehicle offers several advantages over side-mounted awnings. Tailgate tents for more living and storage space at a glance.
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Rear Tents: Material and Equipment
In terms of equipment and materials, rear tents hardly differ from side-mounted awnings. Made of polyester, rear tents usually feature a sewn-in base, multiple windows (often with mosquito netting), and many bus tents can optionally be supplemented with a sleeping cabin.
The main distinguishing feature is the connecting sluice, which is adapted to the dimensions of the tailgate in the case of rear tents, whereas the sluice of conventional awnings spans the side sliding door.
Air frames have become standard in camper awnings. With a few exceptions, tailgate tents also predominantly use inflatable frames. They are particularly easy to set up and take down, and the foldable air tents can be transported in a space-saving way.
Why choose a rear tent for your camper van
Why buy a rear tent for a camper van? In certain cases, a rear tent is better suited for the camper than a side-mounted awning. For example, if there is a pull-out camping stove in the rear of the van. Even if the tailgate can be raised, it provides only limited rain protection. A rear tent, on the other hand, encloses the entire rear of the vehicle and protects it from wind and moisture on all sides.
An awning attached to the camper can also support the choice of a rear tent. A side-mounted awning would cover the sunshade, making it unusable. With a rear tent, the area behind the camper van can be used as additional living space in bad weather. The awning provides shade on the side.
Many camper awnings are free-standing. They remain stable without the camper and allow full mobility at the destination. Side-mounted awnings, on the other hand, can be challenging to dock. Here, tailgate tents have a practical advantage: backing up to the awning is much easier.
Rear Tents: Universal or model-specific mounting
The product description in the Berger online shop provides information on whether a rear tent can be used universally on different camper vans or only fits a specific model.
Many rear tents are specially designed for VW buses (T5/T6), as these models are frequently used as campers. However, owners of a Ford Transit, Opel Zafira, or similar compact bus can also find a suitable tailgate tent.
Rear Tents for more living space on the camper van
Depending on the intended use, rear tents for camper vans can be divided into two categories. The most spacious models serve as additional living space. These tailgate tents feature a sewn-in base that seals the interior from moisture and dirt.
The free-standing rear tent Berger Liberta-L offers sufficient headroom with a maximum height of 205 cm.
As there is a connecting sluice between the camper and the rear tent, the tent can overhang the van. Awnings without a connecting sluice remain at the same height as the camper.
Find the Berger Liberta-L rear tent in the Berger online shop here.
The rear tent Berger Touring Easy-L Rear offers plenty of space with a footprint of 320 x 295 cm. The rear entrance can be set up as a sun canopy.
Find the Berger Touring Easy-L Rear tent in the Berger online shop here.
Rear Tents for more storage space on the camper van
A rear tent is not always intended to provide additional living space. Some camper van owners simply want a sheltered area for bicycles or other sports equipment. In this case, a small and particularly lightweight rear tent is suitable.
Ideal as additional storage space for camper vans and SUVs is the Outwell Sandcrest L awning. The tent has a headroom of 175–205 cm.
Find the Outwell Sandcrest rear tent in the Berger online shop here.
The rear tent Berger Touring Easy-L Rear offers plenty of space with a footprint of 320 x 295 cm. The rear entrance can be set up as a sun canopy.
Find the Berger Touring Easy-L Rear tent in the Berger online shop here.
Conclusion: More space, full freedom of movement
Whether used as living or storage space, a rear tent makes longer stays with a camper van more comfortable. Like any awning, a rear tent is particularly worthwhile for multi-day stays at the campsite.
If the tailgate tent is based on a free-standing design, your freedom of movement is not restricted. Day trips with the camper are still possible. An optional sleeping cabin is a useful addition for families, as it can get very cramped in the van with three people.
