10/21/10

Camper Shells

Truck camper shells, also known as caps or toppers, are a unique housing accessory for pick-up trucks.

They cover the pick-up bed entirely, and create a large utility space that can be used for camping and storage purposes.

Typically, the height of the camper shells is the same as the top of the truck. However, if you need more room, then taller models are also easily available.

There are some large toppers that even cover the top of the cab. If you are a camping enthusiast, then this particular style of bed cover is ideal for you. With a Truck camper shell, you can safely and comfortably spend the night in your truck.

Significant features of truck camper shells

Truck toppers are usually made of aluminum or fiberglass.

Aluminum caps are prepared in standard-sized molds. These are not only lightweight, but inexpensive too.

Fiberglass toppers, on the other hand, are made in custom molds so as to ensure that they cover the truck bed perfectly.

The color and contours of the cap harmonize flawlessly with your pick-up truck. Fiberglass toppers are more durable and sturdy that aluminum caps, but they are usually a lot more expensive.

At times, soft materials like canvas are also used. These caps are called soft-tops.

Some outstanding benefits of camper shells

A well-built truck camper shell provides complete protection against damaging weather conditions like rain, snow, sun, and wind.

These bed covers also keep your cargo absolutely safe and secure. Furthermore, by changing the aerodynamics of your vehicle, they help to increase the gas mileage.

They can also enhance the looks as well as the value of your automobile.

Taking care of truck toppers

The good thing about truck caps is that they don't require a lot of maintenance. Whenever you wash your truck, wash the shell too. This is the best way to keep it neat and clean.

It is advised that after every 6-months you remove the shell to check the foam seal. The seal must remain in excellent condition because...

It makes the topper weather-proof,

It prevents the bed cover from damaging the rails of the truck.

Camper shells are highly durable, and proper maintenance will further prolong their lives.

Things to consider while buying truck caps

Size- Truck caps come in a variety of sizes; you can select any one of them depending upon your needs. If you are intending to use you truck for camping, then you would need a large shell with windows and a removable curtain.

For hauling cargo, a simple topper, without extraneous features like windows, will be adequate to fulfill your purpose.

Material- Aluminum bed covers are low-priced and provide better gas mileage. On the contrary, fiberglass covers are quite costly, but they provide greater storage options and wide color range. If you use your pick-up truck solely for shipping purposes, then the soft-top is a good choice.

Installation- If your truck has pre-built bolts at the corners of the bed, then installation becomes fairly easy. If the bolts are not there, then you would first have to fix clamps and then the topper. Make sure that the truck cap you are looking at purchasing is easy to install and remove.

Security- Every camper shell has a back gate that can be locked to protect the contents from theft. Before buying the shell, ensure that the locking mechanism works perfectly.

Some good truck camper shells are...

Bestop Supertop Truck Bed Camper Shell
Carryboy Camper Shell
Hauler II Aluminum Pickup Truck Rack with Camper Shell

Jeremy Rumley is a Pick-up Truck enthusiast who learned the hard way that when it comes to pick-up's "Cheap is not always good and Good is not always cheap". His website at http://www.pickuptruckaccessoriesonline.com/ offers some valuable information about pick-up trucks and the most popular accessories, not only for the best dollar for dollar buys, but the best products over all, regardless of price.

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