
Aluminum camper shells are a great option for those seeking lightweight, easily removable protection for their cargo. RealTruck A.R.E. offers a range of aluminum truck caps that provide durability and reliability at an inexpensive price. The weight of a camper shell can vary depending on factors such as the type of glass used and the presence of additional features like honeycomb support. For example, an extra cab camper shell for a 2003 Tacoma is estimated to weigh around 150 lbs, while a Leer 100LE cab-high topper weighs approximately 120 lbs. RealTruck A.R.E.'s aluminum caps come in three standard colors: black, white, and silver, with optional full-vision side windows for maximum visibility.
What You'll Learn
RealTruck A.R.E. Classic Aluminum Truck Caps
The RealTruck A.R.E. Classic Aluminum Truck Caps feature a mitered rear door with clear glass, gas props, and a standard lock cylinder. The classic series also includes a mitered front picture window and an integrated third brake light. Optional equipment includes integrated LED lighting, an interior 12V outlet, and full-vision side doors.
The RealTruck A.R.E. Classic Aluminum Truck Caps are designed to provide reliable cargo protection for your truck. The aluminum construction is lightweight yet durable and corrosion-resistant. The series is known for its exceptional rigidity and strength, ensuring years of functionality.
Overall, the RealTruck A.R.E. Classic Aluminum Truck Caps offer a great combination of style, protection, and functionality. With its lightweight design, durable construction, and optional features, it is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable cargo protection for their truck.
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Camper shell weight estimates
Camper shells are a great addition to any vehicle, providing extra space for luggage and sleeping. The weight of a camper shell varies depending on the material used, the size, and the brand.
Aluminum Camper Shells
Aluminum camper shells are a popular choice due to their lightweight and durable nature. On average, aluminum camper shells weigh around 60 pounds, but they can range from 60 to 97 pounds. For example, the A.R.E. Classic Aluminum camper shell weighs 60 pounds and costs $1400, while the A.R.E. CX Evolve Classic camper shell weighs 97 pounds and costs $2880. Aluminum shells are a good option for those who want something easy to install and remove, as they can be fixed on the top or in the truck bed.
Fiberglass Camper Shells
Fiberglass camper shells are another option, but they tend to be heavier than aluminum shells, with an average weight of over 200 pounds. These shells can be challenging to operate when installing or removing and typically require a permanent location in the vehicle.
Other Types of Camper Shells
In addition to aluminum and fiberglass, there are also SunTop camper shells, which are used in sports vehicles and modified campers. The average weight of a SunTop camper shell is around 80 pounds, but the weight depends on the material used.
When choosing a camper shell, it is important to consider the weight-carrying capacity of your vehicle's suspension. While you may be able to find heavier tops at cheaper rates, increasing the payload capacity too much can cause problems for your suspensions and other body parts.
The average size of a camper shell is around 60 inches long and 45 inches wide, but they can be longer to carry more weight. It's also worth noting that the price of camper shells varies depending on the brand and size, with an average price of around $15000 for new shells and $8000 for used ones.
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Aluminum vs. honeycomb construction
Aluminum honeycomb panels are a popular choice for camper shells due to their lightweight yet rigid and strong nature. They are easy to attach with 3M VHB industrial tape, which requires no rivets, screws, or welding. The absence of welding is beneficial as it avoids potential issues with vibration and warping. The tape also acts as a weather seal between the frame and panel.
Aluminum honeycomb panels are significantly lighter than solid sheets of aluminum, offering a higher strength-to-weight ratio. They are also good for sound insulation. Additionally, the panels can be customized and repaired if needed.
Compared to fiberglass camper shells, aluminum honeycomb construction offers several advantages. Fiberglass shells are typically made using a one-piece reinforced fiberglass composite build, which can develop cracks over time due to vibration. In contrast, aluminum honeycomb panels are bolted together, eliminating the possibility of stress fractures and resulting in a stronger structure.
Aluminum honeycomb panels also offer superior durability and strength. They can support more weight than a truck bed itself and are better suited for heavier items like rooftop tents. The powder-coated finish of aluminum panels is also more durable and scratch-resistant than the painted surfaces of fiberglass shells.
In terms of aesthetics, fiberglass shells offer a smooth, rounded look that matches the factory OEM style and color. Aluminum honeycomb panels provide a more rugged and utilitarian appearance, with various powder coat color options available.
Overall, aluminum honeycomb construction is a strong, lightweight, and durable choice for camper shells, offering advantages in terms of strength, weight, and customization.
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Lightweight aluminum caps
RealTruck A.R.E.'s aluminum caps are a lightweight and durable option for those seeking easily removable protection for their cargo. The caps are designed to provide years of reliable function and can be customized with optional full-vision side windows for maximum visibility.
Cab High Deluxe Aluminum Truck Cap
Ishler's Truck Caps offers the Cab High Deluxe Aluminum Truck Cap, which features stylish, longer windows and standard dark-tinted side sliding windows. This economical option is priced at $1699.00 for installation.
Cab High Basic Aluminum Truck Cap
For a more affordable option, Ishler's also offers the Cab High Basic Aluminum Truck Cap, priced at $1599.00 for installation. This model provides a practical and efficient cover for your truck, with the added benefit of being easy to remove and offering various stock color options.
Weekend Contractor Series Aluminum Truck Cap
The Weekend Contractor Series Aluminum Truck Cap is perfect for those seeking more access and loading possibilities. It comes standard with a centered side access door, and popular options include a sliding front window and interior lighting. This model is priced at $1799.00 for installation.
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Aluminum frame construction
Aluminum framing systems are becoming an increasingly popular construction method due to their many advantages over traditional building materials.
Aluminum framing is a construction method that utilizes extruded aluminum profiles to create customizable and durable structures. This type of framing is known for its lightweight yet robust qualities, making it ideal for outdoor use. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and rust, requiring less maintenance and reducing long-term costs.
One of the key benefits of aluminum framing is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from industrial buildings and greenhouses to residential homes. The modular design of aluminum frames allows for quick assembly, modification, and disassembly, making it perfect for temporary structures or those that need frequent reconfiguration.
Aluminum framing systems offer design flexibility with a range of extrusion profiles and accessories, enabling the creation of complex structures with ease. This flexibility also allows for easy integration with other components such as cladding, roofing, and glazing, providing endless design possibilities.
The durability of aluminum framing is another significant advantage. Aluminum is a lightweight material that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Its high recyclability and lower energy requirements during production make it an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.
However, there are also some disadvantages to aluminum framing. One of the most notable drawbacks is the cost, as aluminum is more expensive than other framing materials such as wood or steel. Additionally, aluminum has high thermal conductivity, which can increase heating and cooling costs for buildings constructed with this material.
Overall, aluminum frame construction offers numerous benefits, including durability, sustainability, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for architects, builders, and homeowners. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of aluminum framing when selecting a framing material for a construction project.
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Frequently asked questions
The weight of an aluminum camper shell depends on the make and model of your car, the type of glass used, and the type of aluminum skin. The weight can range from 100 lbs to 200 lbs or more.
The weight of an aluminum camper shell can be influenced by the type of glass used, with thinner tailgate glass weighing less than one-piece glass.
Yes, RealTruck A.R.E. offers three types of aluminum camper shells: DCU, DCU MAX, and Diamond Edition DCU. The weight of the aluminum skin varies between them, with the DCU having a .035 aluminum skin, the DCU MAX and Diamond Edition DCU having a .063 aluminum skin.
Aluminum camper shells are known for being lightweight and offering easily removable protection for your cargo. They are durable and provide years of functionality and reliability.
You can refer to the manufacturer's website or specifications sheet to find the weight of a specific aluminum camper shell model. For example, ARE lists the weights of their camper shells on their website.