What Is A Camper Shell?

Summary: Camper shells are enclosures that fit over a standard truck. These items are perfect for smaller camping trips to provide shelter for yourself or your belongings. These shells fit over the bed of a pickup truck so it is completely enclosed. Most camper shells are made of fiberglass or aluminum, but there are also collapsible covers available. Camper shells are often used everyday to protect equipment from the elements. They usually consist of a hard cover and may also incl...

Camper shells are enclosures that fit over a standard truck. These items are perfect for smaller camping trips to provide shelter for yourself or your belongings. These shells fit over the bed of a pickup truck so it is completely enclosed. Most camper shells are made of fiberglass or aluminum, but there are also collapsible covers available. Camper shells are often used everyday to protect equipment from the elements. They usually consist of a hard cover and may also include back and side windows. The construction of these makes them ideal solutions for a weekend camping trip. While they only provide the amount of room supplied by the truck bed and minimal additional head space, they do protect you from the elements. Collapsible covers are perfect for quick outings where you want to remove or add the shell at your convenience. They are not as sturdy as fiberglass or aluminum models, but work well in environments where conditions are not severe. A truck bed can easily fit up to four people sleeping inside it. Taking storage items to the cab of the truck and using the bed for sleeping will provide ample room to spread out and get a good night's sleep. Since the truck is protected, it will be warmer and a great alternative to sleeping in a tent, especially in cold weather. A camper shell needs to be fitted to the type of truck you have so prices may vary. Check with your dealer to see if a shell is available for your year, make and model. The prices range from less than $1,000 for a basic covering to several thousand dollars for a shell with sleeping area, cooking, and bathroom areas. Used equipment may be less expensive, but it is essential to ensure a proper fit. Internet searches will provide a number of resources where used camper shells can be purchased. Some people opt to build their own camper shells. These can be made of wood or you can even adapt an existing camper for use with your vehicle. This is an affordable way to get the same effect but may take a bit more time to accomplish. It also requires a bit of skill and patience. Camper shells are a convenient and practical solution for camping shelters. Depending on the type of shell you purchase (a basic covering or customized model), they also have the ability to be used year round for any type of storage or transportation.