Choosing The Right Camper Shell For Your Truck

Camper shells have come a long way when it comes to design, fit and purpose. Many people are opting to add camper shells to their trucks as it creates more cargo space and protects ones belongings from the weather and theft. What most people don't know is that the addition of a camper shells also helps improve your truck's fuel efficiency as it enhances the aerodynamics.

Most camper shells today come made either of fiberglass or aluminum. Each have their own qualities that you should weigh before choosing which is right for you.

Fiberglass:

• Shells are made from custom molds, which are designed specifically for your truck make, model, and year.
• Contour around the cab of your vehicle for a nice custom fit and a sleek look.
• Start in the $1,000 price range.
• Come painted to match the paint code of your vehicle, as specified by the truck manufacturer.

Aluminum tops:

• Are made from a standard mold and is only made to fit the bed of your truck (front of the cap may be taller or shorter than the cab of your truck).
• Do not contour around the truck's cab.
• Start in the $400 price range
• Have only standard colors to choose from.

When picking out your camper shell, carefully examine how it was built. There are some brands of camper shells that are of high quality while others of less quality. What can you look for in evaluating the quality of your camper? Start with things like how the windows are installed - are they crooked or do they have gaps? How are the cuts of the doorjambs?  Are all the lines clean and even? Many campers are made from molds, especially those designed to fit your truck. But even with a mold, some manufacturers skimp on the details.

What about durability? Fiberglass should be examined for thickness, at a minimum you want to see a double-layer. Some are made with a honeycomb reinforcement which creates a double pocket and adds rigidity.

What kind of locking mechanism does your camper shell come with? Some manufacturers use rotary latches, which work nicely.  Check to see if your camper shell is built with galvanized cables or stainless-steel rods. The stainless-steel rods are more secure while cables can come loose at the crimps.  Other locking features include a pop-out lock that fits flush with the cover, keyless remote options, or slam latches.

When paying to have your camper shell installed investigate how well it is being put on. Installing a camper shell takes some precision. Inexpensive installation may include the use of foam tape. Professionals suggest a shell should be installed with two, two-bolt seals, so that you get four weather-stripping seals across the bottom of the camper.

The mounting mechanism should also appear unobtrusive. You should just see the top of the bolt with a washer on it; not a big bulky clamp.

What is the downside of putting a camper shell on your truck? The only major complaint truck owners have is that camper shells are relatively heavy and inconvenient to remove and replace on a frequent basis. It usually takes at least two people to remove or install. But beyond that, putting a nice protective cover over your truck's bed may be worth the occasional struggle to remove it.