Hanging Camper Shells: Garage Storage Guide

Camper shells are a great way to keep your things dry and secure while camping, but they can be a hassle to store when not in use. If you're looking for a solution to this problem, you're in luck! There are several methods for hanging a camper shell in your garage, from using a hanging garage rack like the one made by Racor, to setting up a pulley system with threaded rods and 2x10s. You can also make a rack using sawhorse-like structures to prop up two beams that will support the camper shell. With these methods, you'll be able to easily take the camper shell off and put it back on your truck whenever needed.

Using a hanging garage rack

First, you'll need to gather the materials for your DIY project. You'll need a few things like sawhorses, beams, and tools for assembly. The beams will form the base of your rack, so make sure they are sturdy enough to support the weight of your camper shell.

Once you have the materials, it's time to assemble your rack. Set up the sawhorses in a stable configuration, ensuring they can bear the weight. Securely attach the beams to the sawhorses, creating a stable platform for your camper shell to rest on. You may also want to consider adding a tarp or cover to protect your camper shell from dust and moisture.

With the rack assembled, you can now place your camper shell on it. Back your truck up to the rack and carefully lower the shell onto the beams, ensuring it is securely positioned. This method makes it easy to remove and reinstall the camper shell when needed.

Storing your camper shell on a hanging rack in your garage is a convenient and efficient way to keep it safe and out of the way. This DIY project ensures your camper shell is stored correctly, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its quality.

Remember to consider the weight of your camper shell and the weight-bearing capacity of your hanging rack to ensure safety and stability.

Using a pulley system

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials, including a sturdy pulley system with a weight capacity that exceeds that of your camper shell. You will also need ropes, hooks, washers, nuts, and 2x10 wooden boards. Additionally, it is crucial to determine the weight of your camper shell, ensuring it does not exceed the weight capacity of the pulley system.

Setting up the Pulley System:

• Identify the trusses in your garage ceiling that will support the weight. Trusses are typically stronger than conventional framing, so look for those with a closer spacing.
• Lay two 2x10 wooden boards perpendicular to several trusses in the attic, spacing them several feet apart to support the front and rear of the camper shell.
• Attach threaded rods to the wooden boards. These rods will go through the sheetrock on the garage ceiling.
• Sandwich the trusses by placing another set of 2x10 wooden boards against the sheetrock, securing them with washers and nuts on both ends of the threaded rods. This will distribute the weight more evenly.
• Attach the pulley system to the wooden boards. You can use eye hooks or similar fasteners to create solid anchor points for the pulley.

Lifting and Lowering the Camper Shell:

• Back your truck into position directly under the pulley system. Mark the floor with tape to indicate the correct position for easy reference.
• Rig a rope system to the pulley, ensuring equal lifting at all four corners of the camper shell. You can use cinch straps or ratchet straps for this purpose.
• Use the winch on your vehicle or a separate manual winch to lift the camper shell. Always use secondary safety chains or ropes to hold the weight, so the pulley system doesn't bear the load for long periods.
• Once the camper shell is lifted, secure it in place with safety chains or similar measures.
• To lower the camper shell back onto your truck, simply release the winch and slowly lower it, ensuring the truck is correctly positioned.

This pulley system provides a convenient and safe way to store your camper shell when not in use, freeing up your truck bed for other purposes. Remember always to exercise caution when working with heavy loads and seek assistance if needed.

Storing it outside on a rack

If you don't have a garage, you can still store your camper shell outside by building a rack to keep it off the ground and protect it from the elements.

The simplest way to do this is to use sawhorses to prop up two beams on which the camper shell can rest. This provides stability and helps to keep the cap level. You can also use cinder blocks or wood pallets to keep the camper shell off the ground, although this method may require more than one person to lift the shell on and off your truck.

If you want a more permanent solution, you can build a dedicated camper shell storage rack. These racks are designed to keep your camper shell off the ground and protect it from the elements. You can find DIY tutorials online or hire a professional to build one for you.

When storing your camper shell outside, it's important to protect it from the weather. Make sure to cover it with a heavy-duty tarp or truck cap cover to keep rain and snow out. You should also tie down the cover or tarp to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds. If your camper shell has windows, leave them slightly open to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup.

Storing it on its side

If you're looking to store your camper shell on its side in your garage, you'll need to make sure you have the right materials and follow a few important steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

First, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. For this project, you'll need:

• Two 2x4s cut to 81"
• Four 2x4s cut to 6"
• Eight 2 1/2" wood screws
• Four 1/2" eye bolts with nuts
• Four 1/2" metal washers
• Six 10' ratcheting tie-downs rated to hold 500 lbs each
• Four 1/4" toggle bolts
• Four 1/4" eye bolts

Once you have all the materials, you can begin constructing the frame that will support your camper shell. Start by securing the 6" 2x4s to each end of the 81" 2x4s using two wood screws each. Make sure the outer edge of the 6" 2x4 is 6" from the edge of the 81" 2x4.

Next, you'll need to create the hanging mechanism. Drill holes about 3" in on the 81" 2x4s for the eye bolts. The holes should be slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the 1/2" eye bolts. Put the eye bolts through the holes and secure them with washers and nuts.

Now, it's time to attach the frame to your camper shell. Slide the 2x4 assemblies that you've created under the camper shell and secure the shell to the assemblies using tie-downs. Make sure the tie-downs are tight and secure before moving on to the next step.

Finally, you can begin the process of hanging your camper shell in your garage. Drill holes into the studs in your garage ceiling where you plan to position the 1/4" eye bolts. Insert the 1/4" eye bolts and toggle bolt adapters through these holes. Carefully lift and hang the ratcheting tie-downs from the eye bolts.

With these steps completed, you can now store your camper shell on its side in your garage. Make sure to periodically check that all tie-downs and bolts are secure to ensure the safety of your camper shell and anyone in the garage.

Using a winch to lift the shell

First, you will need to gather your materials. You will need a winch, of course, as well as some heavy-duty rope or cable, a pulley system, eye bolts, locking carabiners, and 2x4s or 2x6s boards.

Next, you will need to locate the studs in your garage ceiling and mark these spots. You will be drilling into these studs to attach the eye bolts, so make sure you have a good stud finder to help you accurately locate them. Once you have found the studs, drill holes and screw in the eye bolts securely.

Now, you will need to create a structure to support the camper shell. Take your 2x4s or 2x6s and place them between the camper shell and the truck bed, both in the front and back. Drill holes in the ends of these boards and attach eye bolts. You will also need to attach a pulley system to these eye bolts.

At this point, you can begin to thread your rope or cable through the pulley system. Start by attaching one end of the rope to the winch, which should be mounted to the wall or another secure structure. Then, thread the rope through the pulleys, making sure to go over the camper shell and through the eye bolts in the ceiling as described by the user, "Tangboy." This will allow you to lift the camper shell with minimal force.

Finally, you will need to attach the other end of the rope or cable to the camper shell itself. Drill holes in each corner of the camper shell and tie the rope securely, making sure to use strong knots.

With this system in place, you can now use the winch to safely lift the camper shell and store it against the ceiling of your garage. Just make sure that everything is securely attached and that the weight is distributed evenly before you begin cranking.

This method requires a bit of work to set up, but it will make lifting and storing your camper shell a much easier task.

Frequently asked questions