Overland Camper Shell Tacoma: Exploring Adventure Options

Overland camper shells are a great option for those looking to upgrade their trucks. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or simply need extra space, a camper shell can provide the perfect solution. One popular option is the Overland Vehicle Systems Expedition Truck Cap, which offers a seamless blend of rugged durability and style. With its modular design, the assembly and installation process is quick and easy. The camper shell is made from steel, providing exceptional strength and durability. It also features Gullwing doors for easy access to your cargo. For those with a Toyota Tacoma, the Camp King Industries Outback Series Canopy Camper is another great choice. This all-aluminium system maximizes bed space and is designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a tight fit and efficient use of space. With a variety of options available, there's sure to be an overland camper shell that's perfect for your Tacoma.

Overland Vehicle Systems' camper shell

Overland Vehicle Systems Camper Shell

The Overland Vehicle Systems Camper Shell, also known as the MagPak, is a versatile and durable option for those seeking to elevate their camping experiences. It is a "camper shell tent combination", offering the best of both worlds – comfort and exploration.

Key Features

• Lightweight Construction: The MagPak is designed to be lightweight, making it easy to transport, install and remove. This ensures that adventurers can focus on their journey rather than being burdened by complicated setups.
• Compatibility: The camper shell is compatible with a wide range of popular truck models, including the Toyota Tacoma/Tundra, Jeep Gladiator, Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger. This compatibility ensures that a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts can benefit from this product.
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminium: The MagPak is constructed using aircraft-grade aluminium, ensuring rugged durability. This means that it can withstand the challenges of various outdoor expeditions.
• Integrated Light System: It comes equipped with an integrated light system, providing illumination for your adventures after dark.
• Tie-Downs: The camper shell features tie-downs, allowing for secure gear storage. This ensures that your equipment remains safely in place during transport.
• Spacious Full-Size Bed: It offers a spacious full-size bed, providing comfort and a good night's rest after a long day of exploration.
• Waterproof Seals: The camper shell incorporates waterproof seals, creating an impenetrable barrier against moisture. This feature provides peace of mind, ensuring your gear stays dry even in inclement weather.
• Heavy-Duty Latches: Heavy-duty latches keep the camper shell securely closed, providing confidence whether you're on or off the beaten path.
• Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Hardware: The MagPak's hardware is constructed using marine-grade stainless steel, ensuring longevity and corrosion resistance. This feature equips it to tackle any terrain and withstand harsh conditions.
• Rear Molle Panel: It includes a rear Molle panel, providing additional storage and organisational options for your gear.
• Side Tie-Downs: Side tie-downs offer further secure storage options, ensuring your equipment is safely secured during transport.
• T-Slots: The camper shell incorporates abundant T-slots, providing versatility and options for customisation to meet your specific needs.

Price

The Overland Vehicle Systems Camper Shell is priced between $7,999.99 and $8,999.99, offering a range of features and benefits for those seeking to enhance their camping and outdoor adventures.

Tacoma truck bed cap options

If you're looking for a truck bed cap for your Toyota Tacoma, there are several options available on the market. Truck bed caps, also known as camper shells, canopies, or toppers, are a great way to protect your cargo and create additional storage space for camping gear, outdoor adventures, or daily use. Here are some options to consider:

Overland Vehicle Systems Expedition Truck Cap

This topper is designed for the modern explorer, offering a range of features to enhance your outdoor experience. It is crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. The modular construction allows for customisation, and the True Fit Technology ensures a seamless and secure fit. It features full wing doors, front and rear windows, a third brake light, heavy-duty latches, and a textured powder coat finish. The price range for this option is $2,499.99 - $2,799.99.

A.R.E. Truck Caps

A.R.E. offers a wide range of truck caps compatible with the Toyota Tacoma, such as the Classic Aluminum Series, V Series, CX Classic Series, DCU Series, and more. These caps are made from durable materials like fiberglass, aluminum, and steel, providing protection for your pickup bed. The A.R.E. Diamond Edition DCU Series Truck Cap is a top recommendation for work trucks, featuring a diamond plate aluminum exterior skin and full-length side doors.

FLATED Air-Topper CAP Inflatable Truck Topper

For a unique and lightweight option, the FLATED Air-Topper is an inflatable camper shell. It features a two-chamber construction, a privacy-tinted rear window, a removable clear cab window, and military-grade PVC-coated material. It is easy to set up and secure to your truck rails, providing a temporary covered storage area.

Overland Vehicle Systems Explorer Soft Shell

If you're looking for a softer option, the Overland Vehicle Systems Explorer Soft Shell is made from black diamond canvas and an aluminium frame. It is a more affordable option, priced at $849.99 - $899.99, offering a balance between durability and affordability.

Overland Vehicle Systems MagPak

For a more comprehensive option, the Overland Vehicle Systems MagPak is a camper shell and roof-top tent combo. It features lights, a rear Molle panel, side tie-downs, and front and rear windows. Priced at $7,999.99 - $8,999.99, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a complete camping solution.

Camper shell weight and load capacity

When considering a camper shell, it is important to understand the weight and load capacity of the structure and your vehicle. The weight of a camper shell can vary depending on the materials used in its construction. For example, a fiberglass camper shell may weigh differently from an aluminium model. Additionally, the features and accessories included in the camper shell can also impact its weight.

The load capacity of a camper shell refers to the maximum weight it can safely support. This includes the weight of any gear, equipment, or additional accessories stored or mounted on the camper shell. It is crucial to adhere to the load capacity specified by the manufacturer to ensure the safety and stability of your vehicle. Exceeding the load capacity can lead to damage, decreased performance, and safety hazards.

The weight and load capacity of a camper shell are essential factors to consider when planning to mount additional equipment, such as a roof-top tent (RTT). Mounting an RTT on a camper shell provides the convenience of storing gear securely. However, it is important to ensure that the combined weight of the RTT, occupants, and gear does not exceed the load capacity of the camper shell and your vehicle's roof.

To address weight concerns, reinforced camper shells or those with internal bracing are available. These options provide increased strength and stability, allowing for a higher load capacity. Additionally, distributing the weight evenly across the camper shell is crucial. Utilizing load bars or crossbars can help spread the weight and reduce the stress on the camper shell.

When in doubt, it is always best to consult with the camper shell manufacturer or seek advice from experienced individuals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Camper shell installation and removal

Installation

The first step to installing a camper shell is to clean it thoroughly. This includes washing the shell and cleaning the glass with a suitable cleaner. Next, remove the shipping boards—these are in place to protect the camper shell during transport. With the shell prepared, you can then wire the camper shell to the truck bed. This involves running a hot 12v line from the battery to power the interior light, as well as a ground from the truck bed to the truck's best grounding surface. You will also need to wire the third brake light on the camper shell, tapping into the proper wire for the rear taillights. All wires should be secured with zip ties and kept away from hot or moving parts.

Now, set the camper shell onto the rails of the truck bed. If the truck has plastic rails, you may want to run a bead of silicone on the front to prevent water ingress. Once the shell is in place, make any necessary adjustments, and then clamp the shell down. Generally, short beds require four clamps, while long beds need six. Finally, hook up the wiring to the truck and test the lights and latches to ensure they are working.

Removal

The process for removing a camper shell is not as straightforward and will depend on the weight of the shell and the resources available to you. If you are removing and reinstalling the shell yourself, you may want to use 2x4s as ramps next to the bed rails. You can also use a winch if you have access to one, either inside a garage or with strong tree branches.

Another method is to build a giant U-shaped frame that the truck can drive into, with pipes that span across to hold the camper shell. This allows you to lift and spin the pipes off the frame and set the shell in the bed. For this method, you will need to remove the tailgate and lift open the rear window of the camper shell.

Alternatively, you can use a system of ropes and eyebolts to lift the shell with a pulley system or engine hoist.

Camper shell accessories and add-ons

Camper shells, also known as bed caps, box tops, canopies, and toppers, are a versatile accessory for any truck owner. They provide weatherproof and secure storage, making them popular among contractors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With a wide range of accessories and add-ons available, you can maximise the utility of your camper shell to suit your specific needs. Here are some essential accessories and add-ons to consider for your overland camper shell Tacoma:

Interior Accessories

• Bed Slides: Create a custom cargo management system with pull-out sliding drawers, allowing easy access to your tools and gear while still providing full use of your truck bed floor.
• Overhead Gear Nets: Keep bulky items like clothing, blankets, or life jackets secure and out of the way with overhead gear nets.
• Ceiling Mounted Pullouts: Utilise often-unused ceiling space with sliding drawers for tools and equipment.
• 12V Powerblocks: Add a 12V power source to your camper shell, providing three standard accessory sockets with circuit protection.
• Interior Dome Lights: Essential for accessing your truck bed at night or in low-light conditions.
• Automatic 12V Light Switches: Automatically turn on/off interior dome lights when you open/close the rear door.
• Bedrugs & Headliners: Protect your truck bed and camper shell interior from dings and damage with bed rugs that look and feel like carpet.

Exterior Accessories

• Adjustable Roof Rack Systems: Provide adaptable roof storage solutions for hauling bicycles, skis, canoes, kayaks, luggage, and other large items.
• Camper Shell Truck Racks: Specially designed to fit around your camper shell, allowing you to carry bulky camping gear or construction materials without removing the shell.
• Removable/Sliding/Fold Up Windows: Allow for quick cleaning, extra ventilation, and pass-through access from the cab to the cap.
• Solid Side Doors: Provide secure side truck bed access while restricting the view of your cargo for added security.
• Screen Protectors: Enhance ventilation and security for your pets with vinyl-clad wire mesh screen protectors bolted to the inside frames of side sliding windows.

Other Accessories

• Keyless Remotes: Lock and unlock your camper shell's rear door with the convenience of a key fob, without affecting your vehicle doors.
• Folding Hangers: Create hanging space for clothing and jackets, keeping them off the floor and easily accessible.
• Truck Cap Mounting Clamps: Heavy-duty clamps to securely mount your camper shell to your truck.
• Camper Mounting Tape/Foam Tape: Prevent vibrations, scratches, and squeaks by using mounting tape or foam tape between the camper shell and your truck.
• Truck Cap Locking T-Handle: Keep your cargo secure with a locking T-handle, often coming with a dust cover and multiple keys.

Frequently asked questions