Camper Shells: Back Doors For Better Access?

Camper shells, also known as canopies, truck toppers, or truck caps, are small housings or rigid canopies used as accessories for pickup trucks. They are usually made of fibreglass or aluminium and are mounted on top of the truck's rear bed, covering the entire bed. While they were initially used for camping, they are now more commonly used for utility and storage purposes, such as protecting cargo from theft and weather conditions. Some camper shells have rear doors, providing easy access to the truck bed and improved visibility for users pulling trailers. These doors are usually made of fibreglass and are available in various models, including the Walk-In Door Series by A.R.E. and the OVRLND Pop Top Camper Shells, which offer lightweight and spacious options.

Pros and cons of camper shells

Camper shells are a great way to protect your cargo and increase the storage space in your truck. They are custom-crafted and can be designed to your exact specifications, with a wide array of accessories and options to choose from.

Pros of Camper Shells:

• Protection from the elements: Your cargo will stay dry and won't blow out.
• Security: A shell provides an extra layer of security to protect your belongings.
• Increased storage space: The height of a camper shell allows for more storage than a tonneau cover.
• Customisable: You can choose from various accessories, such as windows, shelves, roof racks, and more.
• Aerodynamics: The slanted sides of some camper shells provide good aerodynamics and looks.
• Camping: Camper shells can be ideal for camping, providing a comfortable and secure space.
• Visibility: The walk-in door option offers increased visibility through the rear mirror, which is helpful when hauling boats or trailers.

Cons of Camper Shells:

• Cost: One of the biggest drawbacks is the expense.
• Obstructed visibility: The design of some camper shells can obstruct your view out of the rear window.
• Heat: The back of a truck with a camper shell can get too hot for dogs or other passengers.
• Limited height: You cannot haul tall cargo with a camper shell.
• Noise: Some shells may rattle and cause unwanted noise.
• Access: It can be inconvenient to climb into the bed to reach things.
• Style: Some people may not appreciate the look of a camper shell.

Camper shell materials

Camper shells, also known as caps or toppers, are an enclosed area built over the bed at the back of a pickup truck. The materials used to build a camper shell will determine its overall weight, durability, and ease of construction.

The earliest models of camper shells were made of metal, but due to issues with premature rusting and weight, the next generation of caps was made of fibreglass. Today, camper shells are constructed from a variety of materials, including fibreglass, PVC, wood, metal, polyurethane foam, plywood, aluminium, and steel.

Fibreglass is a popular choice for camper shells due to its durability and lightweight properties. It is often used in combination with other materials, such as PVC pipe framing or wood framing. When using fibreglass, a fibreglass cloth is laid across the frame, coated with resin, and allowed to harden, forming a sturdy wall.

PVC and wood are also commonly used for camper frames, with the procedure for building the shell being similar for both materials. PVC is attached using adhesives, while wood is nailed together. Metal framing is another option, but it requires welding skills and tools that may not be readily available to everyone.

In addition to the frame, the choice of materials for other components, such as windows, doors, and storage boxes, is also important. Windows in camper shells are often made of acrylic or polycarbonate, which offer clarity, toughness, and ease of fabrication. These materials are also lighter in weight compared to glass.

For doors, a full hatch door option provides easy access to the truck bed and improves line-of-sight for users pulling trailers. Steel side doors are also available and can be customised with gun/tool racks.

Overall, the materials chosen for a camper shell will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, as well as their budget and skill level for construction.

Camper shell accessories

Camper shells are a popular truck accessory, providing weatherproof and secure storage space. They can be customised with a wide range of accessories to increase their functionality and versatility.

Bed Slides

Bed slides create a custom cargo management system, allowing you to make the most of your truck bed. They provide a pullout sliding drawer for secure storage, while still providing full use of the truck bed floor.

Overhead Gear Nets

Overhead gear nets are perfect for keeping bulky or irregularly shaped items secure and out of the way, such as clothing, blankets, or life jackets.

Ceiling-Mounted Pullouts

Ceiling-mounted pullouts utilise often-unused ceiling space, providing ready-to-use storage for tools and equipment. They are available with adjustable storage dividers for organisation and security.

12V Powerblocks

12V powerblocks add a 12V power source to your camper shell, providing three standard accessory sockets with an inline fuse for circuit protection.

Interior Dome Lights

Interior dome lights are essential for accessing the contents of your truck bed in low-light conditions or at night.

Automatic 12V Light Switches

Automatic light switches offer convenience by automatically turning on and off interior dome lights when you open and close the rear door.

Bedrugs & Headliners

Bedrugs and headliners provide protection for your truck bed and camper shell interior. They have the look and feel of carpet, protecting against dings, damage, and gravel, while also being durable and easy to clean.

Keyless Remotes

Keyless remotes allow you to lock and unlock the camper shell's rear door with the touch of a button, without affecting your vehicle doors.

Folding Hangers

Folding hangers create hanging space for clothing and jackets, keeping them off the floor and easily accessible. When not in use, they fold up and out of the way.

Adjustable Roof Rack Systems

Adjustable roof racks provide adaptable and expandable roof storage. They are designed to carry items such as bicycles, skis, canoes, kayaks, and luggage.

Camper Shell Truck Racks

Camper shell truck racks fit around your camper shell, allowing you to haul lengthy or bulky gear without removing the shell.

Removable Front Windows

Removable front windows provide easy cleaning access and extra space for long cargo. They are available in static or sliding designs, with the latter offering ventilation and pass-through access from the cab to the cap.

Fold-Up & Sliding Side Windows

Fold-up side windows provide awning-style access to cargo from the side of the truck bed and feature double T-handle locks for security. Sliding side windows offer similar functionality, with the added benefit of allowing ventilation during transportation.

Solid Side Doors

Solid side doors provide access to the truck bed while restricting the view of the cargo for added security.

Screen Protectors

Screen protectors, made of rugged vinyl-clad wire mesh, offer enhanced ventilation and security for pets travelling in the camper shell.

Other accessories include:

• Ventilators and power fans to keep the interior well-ventilated and dust-free.
• Additional dome lights, LED brake lights, and reverse/loading lights for better illumination.
• Shelves above the side windows for extra storage.
• Pet screen protectors.
• Walk-in door options for easy access to the truck bed and improved line-of-sight when pulling trailers.

Camper shell windows

Camper shells are available with a wide range of window options, including sliding windows, side sliders, front sliders, and rear lift doors. These windows can be standard sizes or custom-designed to meet specific requirements.

The windows themselves are typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate materials, which offer several benefits over traditional glass windows. These plastics are known for their clarity, toughness, and ease of fabrication, making them ideal for enduring wind resistance and other elements without showing signs of wear and tear. Additionally, they are a fraction of the weight of glass, making them a lightweight alternative.

When it comes to functionality, camper shell windows serve multiple purposes. They can be designed to provide increased visibility, enhance communication between the truck cabin and the camper shell, and improve aerodynamics. Additionally, windows with innovative designs, such as curved glass and pop-out panels, can give the camper shell an aesthetic appeal.

Overall, camper shell windows play a crucial role in both the functionality and appearance of camper shells, offering durability, security, and improved visibility during outdoor adventures.

Camper shell doors

Camper shells, also known as canopies, truck toppers, or truck caps, are small housings or rigid canopies used as accessories for pickup trucks. They are usually made of fibreglass or aluminium, but sometimes wood or canvas, and are mounted on top of the truck's rear bed. While their initial purpose was for camping, they are now more often used for utility and storage, including the protection of cargo from theft and weather conditions.

There are various types of camper shell doors available on the market. Some companies offer full door options, such as the Walk-In Door Series by A.R.E., which provide easy access to the truck bed and improved visibility for users pulling trailers. The installation of a full hatch door requires the removal of the truck's tailgate, allowing for easier access when the door is fully opened.

Another option is the barn door style, as seen in the OVRLND Pop Top Camper Shells. These 270-degree swing-away barn doors allow for easy entry and exit, providing utility and access. This style of door enables users to stand on the tailgate before entering the camper, which is a unique feature not found in conventional flip-up camper shell doors.

Customisation is also an important aspect of camper shell doors. Companies like Caravan Camper Shells offer a wide array of accessories and options to choose from, allowing customers to design a shell that meets their specific needs. This includes features such as locking rear doors, screened sliding windows, dropdown front windows, and LED lights.

Overall, the availability of different door options and customisation choices ensures that customers can find a camper shell that suits their individual requirements, whether it be for camping, storage, or towing trailers.

Frequently asked questions