Securing A Camper Shell: Effective Techniques For A Safe Trip

Camper shells are a popular truck accessory, but installing one can be a complex process. This is a step-by-step guide on how to hook down a camper shell, including the wiring of a brake light. First, clean the camper shell and remove the shipping boards. Next, wire the camper shell by running a hot 12v line from the battery to power the interior light. Then, run a ground from the truck bed to the truck's best grounding surface. After that, run a line for the third brake light on the camper shell and tie it into the proper wire linked to the rear taillights. Finally, place the camper shell on the truck bed rails and secure it with clamps designed for camper shells.

Wiring a camper shell

Firstly, you need to run a hot 12v line from the battery to power the light inside the camper shell. This line should go directly from the battery to the inside of the truck bed, near the driver-side taillight. The specific location will depend on the wiring access points of your truck bed. Make sure to include a fuse near the battery for safety.

Next, run a ground wire from the truck bed to the best grounding surface on the truck. This will ensure that any electrical issues are safely directed away from critical components.

After that, you need to run a line for the third brake light on the camper shell. This line should be tied into the wire linked to the rear taillights so that the third brake light works in sync with the other brake lights. The location you tap into for this wiring will vary depending on the vehicle. Just like the 12v line, this line also requires a fuse for safety.

When running these wires, make sure to keep them away from any moving or hot parts of the vehicle. Use zip ties to secure the wires and prevent them from coming loose.

Once all the wiring is in place, you can install the camper shell on the rails of the truck bed. If the truck has plastic rails, it's a good idea to run a bead of silicone on the front of the rails to prevent water from seeping in through the cracks.

Finally, connect the wiring from the truck to the camper shell using a plug. Test the 12v light and the third brake light to ensure they are functioning correctly.

It's important to note that you can also purchase wire harnesses specifically designed for truck camper shells. These wire harnesses can make the process of wiring your camper shell quicker and more convenient. They are available for a variety of truck models and brands, including Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.

Clamping the shell

Clamping the camper shell is the final step in the installation process. Before you can begin clamping, you must first clean the camper shell, remove the shipping boards, and wire the camper shell. Once these steps are complete, you can begin clamping.

First, grab the camper shell with a forklift and set it on the rails of the truck bed. Make any necessary adjustments by hand to ensure the shell sits in the correct position. The number of clamps you will need depends on the size of your truck bed. Short beds generally require four clamps, while long beds typically need six. Once the shell is in place, use camper shell clamps to clamp the shell down. These clamps are designed specifically for camper shells and will provide a clean look while fully securing the shell to the rails of the truck.

After the clamps are in place, you can begin hooking up the wiring. This includes connecting the 12v light and the third brake light. Be sure to test these lights to ensure they are working correctly. Next, test the back door latches and lock to make sure they are functioning properly and check the back door to ensure a watertight seal. Finally, remove the shipping stickers from the rear door and give it a final cleaning.

Your camper shell is now installed and ready to be used!

Securing the camper shell

Step 1: Prepare the Truck Bed

Before placing the camper shell on the truck bed, ensure the bed is clean and free of any debris. If your truck has plastic rails, apply a small bead of silicone to the front of the rails. This will create a seal and prevent water from seeping through the cracks.

Step 2: Position the Camper Shell

Use a forklift or a similar lifting mechanism to carefully lift and position the camper shell onto the rails of the truck bed. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the shell is centred and sits securely on the rails.

Step 3: Clamp the Camper Shell

Once the camper shell is in position, it's time to clamp it down. The number of clamps needed will depend on the size of your truck bed. Short beds typically require four clamps, while long beds usually need six clamps. These clamps are specifically designed for camper shells and will provide a clean, secure hold.

Step 4: Wiring

Now, it's time to wire the camper shell correctly. This process can be complex, so it's important to take your time and understand the steps involved. First, run a hot 12v line from the battery to power the light inside the camper shell. This line should run directly from the battery to the inside of the truck bed, near the driver-side taillight. Don't forget to include a fuse in this line for safety.

Next, run a ground line from the truck bed to the best grounding surface on the truck. This will vary depending on your truck's make and model. Additionally, run a line for the third brake light on the camper shell. Tap into the proper wire linked to the rear taillights so that the third brake light works in sync with the other brake lights. The location for this wiring will differ for each vehicle, so consult your truck's manual or seek advice from a professional.

Finally, secure all wires with zip ties to ensure they don't come loose. Make sure the wires are routed away from any moving or hot parts of the vehicle.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Testing

After the wiring is complete, make any final adjustments to the camper shell's position and ensure it is securely clamped down. Then, hook up the wiring from the truck to the camper shell using the easy plug that should be integrated into the camper shell install. Test the 12v light and the third brake light to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Check the back door latches and lock to ensure they are working properly and adjust if necessary to maintain a watertight seal. Remove any shipping stickers and give the door a final cleaning.

Now your camper shell is securely installed and ready for your adventures!

Cleaning the camper shell

If the camper shell has been sitting in one place for a long period, it may require more extensive cleaning. For example, if the shell has been sitting in the desert, it may be filled with sand and mouse droppings. In this case, it is important to wear protective gear, such as a dust mask, rubber gloves, and glasses, to avoid any health risks. The next step is to disinfect the interior, using a soaking spray or a diluted vinegar solution. It is important to refer to the EPA's list of approved disinfectants for this purpose.

The next step is to vacuum the interior to remove any remaining dirt or debris. A shop vac or self-cleaning car wash vacuum is ideal for this. Once the vacuuming is complete, the next step is to clean the carpeted areas. This can be done with a power washer, or a carpet cleaning machine, followed by another round of disinfectant.

Drying the camper shell is an important final step. It is recommended to park the truck facing uphill, and to use a fan to ensure all areas are completely dry. Mould or a damp smell could result from inadequate drying. If possible, leaving the camper shell in direct sunlight is an effective way to ensure it is thoroughly dried and disinfected.

In addition, regular cleaning of the glass between the cab and the shell is necessary. This can be done by folding down the window and wiping it, or by using a small window squeegee on a long handle.

Hooking up the brake light

Locate the Wiring Harness:

Start by locating the wiring harness that will provide the electrical connection for your brake light. Some GM trucks come with a pre-installed blunt cut wiring harness specifically for trailer or camper shell wiring. This harness is usually tucked into the frame and secured with zip ties near the driver-side frame rail where the bed and cab meet, or in the area above or behind the spare tire. If your truck doesn't have this harness, you can splice into the existing wiring harness.

Identify the Correct Wire:

You'll be looking for the wire that feeds the third brake light on the back of the cab. Typically, this wire is light blue in colour. To confirm you've found the right wire, cut it and then step on the brake pedal. If the third brake light doesn't turn on, you've identified the correct wire.

Splice into the Wiring:

If your truck doesn't have the pre-installed blunt cut wiring harness, you'll need to splice into the existing harness. Cut the light blue wire and connect the brake light wires from your camper shell. Ensure that you're only tapping into the circuit for the third brake light and not the rear brake lights, as connecting to the latter will cause the camper shell light to flash with the turn signals.

Test the Connection:

Once you've made the connection, test the brake light to ensure it's functioning correctly. Step on the brake pedal and observe if the light illuminates. If it doesn't work, double-check your connections and ensure you've spliced into the correct wire.

Grounding:

Depending on the metal-to-metal contact between your truck and camper shell, you may need to run an independent ground wire for the brake light. If the shell is already fitted with a ground wire for the light, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you'll need to establish a good ground connection to ensure the light operates reliably.

Final Checks:

After testing and confirming that the brake light works, make sure all wiring connections are secure and protected from the elements. Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate the connections and prevent moisture ingress. Check that the wiring is safely routed away from any moving or hot parts of the vehicle.

By following these steps, you'll have successfully hooked up the brake light on your camper shell, ensuring that it functions in sync with the other brake lights on your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions