Rear Boot Tent Fit: 5 Key Measurements to Take
What measurements should you take before buying a rear boot tent for camping?
Before purchasing a rear boot (hatchback) tent, grab a tape measure and note a few vehicle dimensions that determine whether the tent will seal well, sit level, and give you enough usable space. The most important measurements are the opening size at the back of your vehicle, the height of the hatch when raised, and how far the tent needs to reach to meet the bumper area without gaps.
Measure the rear opening (width and height)
With the hatch open, measure the widest point across the opening (left to right) and the tallest point of the opening (ground to the highest point of the hatch frame). Rear boot tents rely on a snug fit around the perimeter, so these numbers help confirm the tent’s sleeve or wrap-around design will match your vehicle’s shape.
Measure hatch height and clearance
Measure from the ground to the highest point of the open hatch. This tells you whether the tent’s peak height will clear your hatch and whether you’ll have comfortable headroom when stepping from the cargo area into the tent. If you camp on uneven ground, consider measuring again with the vehicle parked on a slight slope to understand worst-case clearance.
Measure bumper-to-ground and cargo floor height
Measure from the ground to the top of the rear bumper and to the cargo floor lip. These heights affect how the tent “tunnels” to your vehicle and whether the floor area will feel level. It also helps you plan for an air mattress or sleeping platform height inside the tent.
Measure the depth you need for sleeping space
If you plan to sleep with your legs in the tent and your upper body in the car (or vice versa), measure your desired sleeping length from the cargo area outward. Compare that to the tent’s floor depth so you’re not forced to sleep diagonally or with gear crowding your feet.
For a more detailed checklist and fit tips by vehicle type, visit this rear boot tent measurement guide.
FAQ
Will a rear boot tent fit my vehicle if I have a roof rack or spoiler?
It can, but measure the hatch’s highest point including the spoiler and confirm the tent’s attachment area won’t be blocked by rack hardware. If the wrap or straps sit too high, sealing the gap around the hatch may be harder.
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