
Truck caps, also known as camper shells, are a great addition to your truck. They are a lightweight alternative to a standard slide-in truck camper and can be used for camping trips or for storing cargo. They are lockable, weatherproof and can be customized with additional storage, extra security and lighting options. Truck caps are ideal for those who live in rainy or theft-prone areas, as they protect your cargo from the elements and potential thieves. They are also perfect for payload-challenged half-ton and mid-size trucks, as they weigh about 300 pounds and provide cab-height clearance for cargo or more.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Housing Material | Fiberglass, Aluminum, Wood, Canvas |
Mounted On | Pickup Truck's Rear Bed |
Use | Camping, Utility, Storage, Protection of Cargo |
Installation Time | Under 2 hours (SmartCap) |
Types | Truck Topper, Camper Shell, Truck Cap, Bed Cap, Box Cap |
Brands | Alu-Cab, AT Overland, Four Wheel Campers, Go Fast Campers, Hiatus Campers, Overland Vehicle Systems, Rossmonster, Super Pacific, Topo Toppers, Tune Outdoor, Flated, RSI SmartCap, A.R.E., Century, SnugTop |
What You'll Learn
- Camper shells, truck caps, and covers can be used for camping or storage
- They are made from materials such as fibreglass, aluminium, wood or canvas
- They are mounted on the rear bed of a pickup truck
- They can be customised to suit the user's needs
- There are many companies that sell truck caps and camper shells
Camper shells, truck caps, and covers can be used for camping or storage
Camper shells, truck caps, and covers can be used for camping, storage, or simply to improve the look of your vehicle. They are small housings or rigid canopies that are used as a pickup truck accessory. The housing is usually made of fibreglass or aluminium, but sometimes wood or canvas, and is mounted on top of the pickup truck's rear bed.
Camper shells are large enough to be used for camping, essentially turning your vehicle into an RV. However, they are now more commonly used for utility and storage purposes, such as protecting cargo from theft and the elements. They can also be used to mount rooftop tents, creating an "upstairs sleeping area" above a fully accessible truck bed.
Truck caps and camper shells can be customised to fit your truck bed exactly as you want it. For example, the SmartCap EVO Sport is made of steel and can withstand off-roading adventures or use on a job site. The SmartCap EVOa Adventure is designed for extreme on and off-road use, with double-walled stainless steel Gullwing doors that provide access and security for your truck bed.
Whether you're a hunter, fisherman, or weekend warrior, camper shells, truck caps, and covers can be tailored to your needs and preferences.
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They are made from materials such as fibreglass, aluminium, wood or canvas
Truck caps are made from a variety of materials, including fibreglass, aluminium, wood and canvas. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully considered before making a purchase.
Fibreglass truck caps are popular due to their customisability. They can be fitted with windows, doors, toolboxes, lights, and fishing rod holders, among other features. They are also painted to match the colour of your truck. However, fibreglass caps are heavier than aluminium ones, which makes them more difficult to install and remove. They are also generally more expensive.
Aluminium truck caps are lightweight and easy to install and remove. They are also cheaper than fibreglass caps, making them a good option for those on a tight budget. However, they are not as well insulated, and they have limited colour options, usually only coming in black, white, or silver.
Wood and canvas are also used to make truck caps, although less commonly. Building a wooden truck cap allows for customisation, as seen in a forum post where a user details their experience building their own wooden truck cap. Canvas truck caps, or truck tents, are a good option for those who feel claustrophobic in the confined space of a truck cap.
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They are mounted on the rear bed of a pickup truck
A truck cap camper, also known as a canopy, camper shell, truck topper, bed cap, or box cap, is a small housing or rigid canopy that is mounted on the rear bed of a pickup truck. It is usually made of fibreglass or aluminium, but can also be made of wood or canvas. The housing typically covers the entire bed of the pickup truck and is large enough to be used for camping, thereby transforming the vehicle into an RV. Even if the initial purpose was for camping, nowadays, truck cap campers are more often used for utility and storage purposes, such as protecting cargo from the elements and theft.
Truck cap campers are designed to sit directly on the bed rails of a pickup truck and are usually clamped or bolted in place, without the need to remove the tailgate. They provide coverage for items stored in the truck bed while also offering rooftop sleeping capabilities, either built-in or through the capacity to mount a rooftop tent. This makes them a popular choice for overland setups, providing a fully usable and accessible downstairs truck bed with an upstairs sleeping area.
The installation of a truck cap camper can be customised to fit the specific make and model of your pickup truck. Companies like RSI SmartCap offer modular designs that can be tailored to your needs, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a commercial fleet operator. The modular stainless steel design provides durability and security, with Gullwing doors for easy access and internal panels for mounting gear.
When choosing a truck cap camper, it is important to consider the size and type of your pickup truck bed. Mini trucks, for example, may have beds that are too small for a standard truck cap camper. Additionally, the material of the housing, such as fibreglass or aluminium, can impact its durability and weight.
Overall, truck cap campers provide a versatile and convenient option for those looking to enhance the functionality of their pickup truck, whether for camping, storage, or protection of their cargo.
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They can be customised to suit the user's needs
Truck caps, also known as camper shells, truck canopies, or truck toppers, can be customised to suit a user's needs. They are small housings or rigid canopies that are used as accessories for pickup trucks. While they are typically made of fibreglass or aluminium, they can also be made of wood or canvas. They are mounted on top of the pickup truck's rear bed and usually cover the entire bed, making the vehicle suitable for camping.
Truck caps can be customised to meet a variety of needs and preferences. For example, the SmartCap EVO line offers different models catering to different users, from hunters and fishermen to tradesmen and commercial fleet captains. The Adventure model, designed for extreme on-road and off-road use, features Gullwing doors with interior MOLLE panels for mounting gear, while the Commercial model provides greater access and security for the truck bed.
Additionally, companies like A.R.E. and Campway offer a range of camper shells that can be custom-fit to different vehicles. A.R.E. provides a variety of truck accessories, including roof racks, pet screen protectors, and lighting options, allowing users to personalise their setup. Campway offers camper shells from different brands, such as A.R.E., Century, and SnugTop, giving users a choice in terms of quality, features, and price.
Furthermore, truck caps can be customised to suit specific camping needs. For instance, the Alu-Cabin by Alu-Cab, a South African company, offers a canopy camper with a large rear door and gullwing canopy doors for easy access. It includes basic features like a shoe bag, lighting, and a USB port, with the option to add accessories like a water tank and canvas bags. Similarly, the AT Overland AT Aterra is a hard-sided composite truck topper with a variety of optional features, such as heat, power, and water solutions, allowing users to tailor it to their camping requirements.
Overall, truck caps provide a versatile and customisable option for pickup truck owners, whether they need secure storage, want to enhance the appearance of their vehicle, or desire a mobile camping solution.
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There are many companies that sell truck caps and camper shells
There are indeed many companies that sell truck caps and camper shells. These companies offer a wide range of products to suit different needs and preferences. Some companies focus on providing durable and reliable products, while others emphasize customization and flexibility. Here is a detailed overview of some of the companies that sell truck caps and camper shells:
ATC Truck Covers
ATC Truck Covers is a company with over 25 years of experience in the industry. They specialize in designing and manufacturing truck caps, tonneau covers, and cargo management solutions. Their state-of-the-art facility in the USA allows them to produce lightweight and robust products at competitive prices. ATC offers a range of options, including sharp and affordable fiberglass cab-high truck caps, mid-rise roof toppers for more space, high-rise tops for larger loads, and work-ready caps for modular utility. They also provide customization options, such as additional storage, enhanced security, and lighting.
American Camper Shells (ACS)
American Camper Shells, based in Southern California, has been in business since 1971. They are an authorized distributor of LEER and SNUGTOP truck caps, tonneau covers, camper shells, and toppers. ACS provides installation services and prides itself on quality. They work with reputable companies to source the best products and materials to meet their customers' needs. In addition to shells and toppers, they carry an extensive line of truck accessories to help customers customize their vehicles for work or recreation.
SmartCap
SmartCap offers a unique approach to truck caps with its modular stainless steel system. Their products include the EVO Sport, designed for hunters, fishermen, and weekend warriors; the EVO Adventure, built for extreme on-road and off-road use, with double-walled stainless steel Gullwing doors; the EVO Commercial, engineered for tradesmen and commercial fleet captains, offering enhanced access and security; and the EVO Defender, ideal for those seeking added protection for their cargo, featuring solid stainless steel panels and Gullwing doors. SmartCap has received numerous awards for its innovative designs.
RealTruck A.R.E.
RealTruck A.R.E. offers a range of truck caps, tonneau covers, and truck bed covers. They also provide roof racks, LED lighting, and various truck accessories. RealTruck A.R.E. allows customers to build their dream trucks by offering customization options and expert guidance. Their products are tailored to fit different truck bed sizes and come with installation and shipping services.
Overland Vehicle Systems
Overland Vehicle Systems specializes in camper shells and rooftop tent combinations. Their MagPak product offers a retractable hard-shell wedge-style rooftop tent, providing a comfortable sleeping area while protecting your gear. The MagPak is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and marine-grade stainless steel hardware. It features LED lighting, molle panels, side tie-downs, and abundant T-slots. It is compatible with various truck models, including the Toyota Tacoma/Tundra, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford F-150.
These companies represent just a fraction of the many businesses that cater to the needs of truck owners seeking caps and camper shells. Each company brings its unique approach to design, customization, and functionality, ensuring that customers can find the perfect solution for their specific requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
A truck cap camper is a type of camper shell or topper that sits directly on a pickup truck's bed rails. They are also known as truck canopies and are often used for overland camping.
Truck cap campers provide a secure and weatherproof storage area in the truck bed. They also offer additional sleeping space, either in a cab-over bed or a rooftop tent.
There are various types of truck cap campers, including pop-up campers, hard-sided campers, and flatbed campers. Pop-up campers are lighter and have a lower profile, making them more fuel-efficient and easier to drive.
Truck cap campers are custom-fit to specific truck models. It's important to consider the size and weight of your truck when choosing a camper. Ensure that the camper is compatible with your truck's bed size and that your truck's suspension can handle the additional weight.
When choosing a truck cap camper, consider your specific needs and preferences. Some features to look for include sleeping capacity, storage options, power sources, and insulation for different climates. Additionally, you may want to look for customizable options to personalize your setup.