Attaching Camper Shell To Your Toyota Short Bed

If you're looking to install a camper shell on your Toyota Tacoma, there are a few options available to you. Camper shells, also known as truck caps, canopies, or toppers, are a great way to increase storage and security for your truck. They are typically made from durable materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, or steel, and can provide protection from thieves, moisture, and other elements.

When it comes to installation, you can either opt for a local dealer to install it for you or choose to do it yourself. If you're handy with tools and have some patience, installing a camper shell on your Toyota Tacoma short bed can be a rewarding project. There are a variety of camper shells available on the market, from soft-top options that can be folded flush against the truck to hard-top versions made from durable materials like fiberglass or aluminum.

It's important to measure your truck bed accurately to ensure a proper fit for your camper shell. Additionally, sealing the gaps and regularly checking the bolts with an Allen wrench will help keep your setup secure and weatherproof. With the right tools and some careful planning, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the great outdoors in no time!

Camper shell installation by a dealer

Camper shells are a popular addition to trucks, providing increased storage and security. While some people may attempt to install a camper shell themselves, it is generally recommended to have a professional installer at a dealership handle the process. This ensures that the shell is properly secured and all necessary features, such as lighting and wiring, are correctly set up.

The first step in the installation process is to clean the camper shell. This involves giving it a full wash, cleaning the windows, and ensuring that the shell is free of any dirt or debris. The rear window of the truck should also be cleaned at this stage, as it may be difficult to access once the shell is installed.

Next, the shipping boards that protect the camper shell during transport are removed. These boards also provide a clamping surface to secure the shell during transport. With the shipping boards removed, the shell is now ready to be installed directly onto the rails of the truck bed.

One of the most important aspects of camper shell installation is the wiring. This involves running a hot 12v line from the battery to power the interior light. This wire is run to the inside of the truck bed, near the driver-side taillight. A ground wire is also run from the truck bed to the best grounding surface on the truck. Additionally, a line is run for the third brake light on the camper shell, which is tied into the wiring for the rear taillights. All wiring is secured with zip ties and routed away from any moving or hot parts of the vehicle.

Finally, the installers will use a forklift to lift the camper shell and place it onto the rails of the truck bed. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the shell is properly aligned. Clamps are then used to secure the shell to the rails, with short beds typically requiring four clamps and long beds needing six. The wiring is connected using a plug, and the lights are tested to ensure they are functioning correctly. The back door latches, lock, and seal are also checked to ensure they are working properly. Once everything is in order, the shipping stickers are removed, and the shell is given a final cleaning.

With the camper shell installed, the customer can now enjoy the added benefits of secure and weatherproof storage for their truck.

Camper shell installation yourself

Step 1: Insulation

Before you start adding any creative customisations, you should first consider the base materials of your truck bed and whether it will keep you warm, cool, and dry in different environments. It is a pain to remove add-ons to add insulation later. You can buy an inexpensive DIY truck bed liner or use moving blankets, but these can be uncomfortable and may need to be replaced with a rug. A good one-time purchase is a BedRug, which is designed for the dimensions of your truck and only takes 15 minutes to install.

Step 2: Curtains

Curtains are important for privacy and insulation. You can use tension rods to hang them, but these tend to fall down easily. A good solution is to use the Hook-and-Velcro technique: buy some Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks and VELCRO Extreme Tape Strips, and stick the Velcro to the back of the hooks. The Velcro will then stick to the carpeting material on the ceiling and sides of the truck.

Step 3: Lighting

You will need some form of lighting in your camper shell. You can buy solar-powered, USB-powered, or battery-operated string lights, or a combination of all three. You could also get a dome light, which is battery-operated, or a battery-powered fan.

Step 4: Comfort

You will need a bug net for your camper shell, especially if you want to keep the windows open to let air in without letting insects in. Cut the bug netting to the appropriate length and width, and attach Velcro to each end to fix it to the truck cap. You can also tie paracord to two Command hooks so that when you roll the bug netting up, you can tie it in place and out of the way.

Step 5: Security

You can use lashing straps and swivel hooks to tether the window to the floor of the truck bed. This will prevent the window from being reopened from the outside.

Step 6: Extras

You may also want to consider a portable toilet, a stove, a fan, a mattress, and a table.

Camper shell materials

Camper shells can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most suitable material will depend on factors such as cost, durability, ease of construction, and weight. Here are some of the most common materials used for camper shells:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a popular choice for camper shells due to its lightweight and durable nature. It is often preferred over metal, which can rust prematurely and be heavier. Fiberglass is strong and easy to work with, making it a good option for those looking for a simple construction process. Additionally, fiberglass can be thermoformed to create a raised or domed profile for windows.

PVC Pipe Framing with Fiberglass Sides

This option combines PVC pipe framing with fiberglass sides to create a sturdy and lightweight structure. PVC pipe is easy to work with and can be joined using angle joints and adhesives. The fiberglass sides provide added strength and durability.

Wood Framing with Thin Plywood Sides

Wood framing with thin plywood sides is another common choice for camper shells. Wood is a readily available material that can be easily cut and shaped. Nails or adhesives can be used to join the wood pieces together. However, wood may not be as durable or lightweight as other materials, and it may require more maintenance over time.

Metal Framing with Aluminum Sides

Metal framing with aluminum sides is another option for camper shells. Metal provides strength and durability, and aluminum is a lightweight metal that can help reduce the overall weight of the camper shell. However, metal framing typically requires welding skills and equipment, which may not be accessible to everyone.

Acrylic and Polycarbonate

Acrylic and polycarbonate are commonly used for plastic camper shells and truck topper windows. These materials offer excellent clarity, toughness, and ease of fabrication. They are also lightweight and can be thermoformed to create different window shapes. Acrylic and polycarbonate windows are durable and can withstand wind resistance and wear and tear over the years.

Camper shell security

While a camper shell or truck cap is a great way to add secure and weatherproof storage to your Toyota Tacoma, there are some additional steps you can take to improve security.

Firstly, it is important to note that no security measure is completely foolproof, and a determined thief will always find a way to break in. However, there are several ways to deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to access your belongings.

One way to improve security is to add an extra layer of protection. For example, you could install a sturdy box bolted to the floor of the truck bed and add a heavy-duty lock. This creates an additional barrier for thieves and helps to conceal your valuables.

You can also consider upgrading the locks and latches on your camper shell. Look for sturdy options that are difficult to compromise, such as latches with brackets that can be wired to a switch in the cab, allowing you to control when they are locked or unlocked. Additionally, consider re-keying or changing the locks on your camper shell, especially if it is a common brand, as some models can be opened with any key of the same brand.

Another way to improve security is to make your camper shell less appealing to thieves. Keeping your truck and camper shell dirty may help create the impression that there is nothing valuable inside. You can also install motion-activated lights and security cameras, which can deter thieves and help identify them if a break-in occurs.

Finally, consider adding physical barriers to your windows and entry points. Options include installing steel or plastic PVC bars, tinting your windows, or adding security screens made of welded metal mesh. These measures make it more difficult for thieves to break in and can help to buy you time, especially when paired with an alarm system.

Remember, the goal is to make your camper shell less appealing and more difficult to access than other potential targets, thereby deterring thieves and protecting your belongings.

Camper shell maintenance

Cleaning and Polishing

Do not wash or wax your camper shell until 90 days after its paint job to allow the paint to cure and harden. After 90 days, wash the shell by hand with mild car soap and a soft rag or sponge. Twice a year, apply a quality paste wax designed for automotive finishes. To prevent hard-water spots, dry the shell with a cloth after washing. Do not polish the shell with a dry cloth; always use water.

Lubrication

Lock lever arms should be lubricated every three months with lithium grease or an equivalent. Lock cylinders should be lubricated with a graphite-type lock lubricant. The track on sliding windows can be cleaned and lubricated with a spray, dry silicone lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Clamps

Check the tightness of the mounting clamps after the first week of operation, then again every three months.

Repairs

Use a fiberglass repair kit to fix cracks in the camper shell. Isolate the crack and mark it with a permanent marker, then use sandpaper to scuff the area around the crack and the crack edges. Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth to cover the crack with a 2-3 inch overlap from the edges. Mix fiberglass epoxy and spread a thin layer over the crack, then lay the fiberglass cloth on top and swab another layer of epoxy over the cloth. Repeat this process 2-3 times, allowing the epoxy to dry for 24-36 hours. Sand the edges and surface of the patch, then clean the area with alcohol swabs. Finally, paint the area with touch-up paint that matches your camper shell.

Bed Liners

Bed liners can be applied to the bed of your truck to protect the surface and enhance its look. There are various types of bed liners available, including drop-in, spray-on, roll-on, and brush-on. When applying a spray-on bed liner, wear safety gloves and glasses, and follow the instructions carefully. First, remove all accessories and mask the areas you do not want to spray. Clean the bed with a wax-free wash soap and scuff the surface with sandpaper. Apply the adhesion promoter and primer, then set up the gun for the correct atmospheric pressure. Adjust the air pressure to your comfort and maintain an 18-inch gap between the gun and the bed to avoid shadow patterns. Wait 10 minutes between coats and remove the masking tape when finished.

Frequently asked questions