Trucks Brand New Trucks Brand for Sale
If you’re looking for a camper shell to fit your truck bed, you might be wondering if there’s a guide to help you find the right one. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help you determine which camper shell will fit your truck. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting a local dealer, you’ll need to know a few basic measurements and other details about your truck in order to find the right fit. In this article, we’ll provide a basic overview of what you need to know in order to find the perfect camper shell for your truck.
Understanding the Basics of Camper Shells
Camper shells are gear covers designed to fit the bed of a pickup truck. They are also known as truck caps, bed covers, toppers, or canopies. Camper shells provide a weather-resistant, secure space for the transportation of gear and equipment. Whether you are camping, hunting, or transporting furniture, a camper shell can make your life easier.
Factors that Affect Camper Shell Fit
While camper shells offer numerous benefits, it is essential to choose the right fit for your truck. Not all camper shells fit all pickup trucks. Several factors can affect the compatibility between the two. Here are some of the key factors that determine whether a camper shell fits your truck:
Truck Model
Different truck models have varying bed lengths, heights, and widths. The length of your truck bed is crucial in determining the size of the camper shell necessary to fit it. For example, a long-bed truck requires a larger camper shell than a short-bed truck. It is important to consult your truck’s manual to determine the exact measurement of your bed.
Camper Shell Size
Camper shells come in different sizes, including short bed, medium bed, and long bed. Short bed camper shells are designed to fit pickup trucks with shorter beds, while long bed shells are designed to fit larger trucks with longer beds. It is essential to choose a camper shell that is the right size for your truck to ensure a proper fit.
Camper Shell Style
Camper shells come in various styles, such as cab-high, mid-rise, and high-rise. Cab-high shells are designed to be flush with the top of your truck’s cab, while mid-rise and high-rise shells sit higher above the truck bed. Each style has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose a style that meets your specific needs.
Camper Shell Material
Camper shells are typically made from fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic. The material used affects the weight, durability, and maintenance requirements of the shell. Fiberglass shells are durable and lightweight, while aluminum shells are less expensive and more durable. Plastic shells are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
Truck Bed Liners
Truck bed liners can also affect the compatibility between the truck and camper shell. Some liners may protrude from the bed, making it difficult to fit the shell correctly. It is essential to ensure your truck bed liner does not interfere with the installation of the camper shell.
Other Modifications
Other truck modifications, such as bed extenders, toolboxes, and rail caps, can also affect camper shell fit. It is essential to take into account all modifications before selecting a camper shell to ensure compatibility.
How to Measure Your Truck Bed
Measuring your truck bed is essential in determining the correct size of the camper shell. To measure your truck bed, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Find the Tailgate
The first step in measuring your truck bed is to locate the tailgate. Open the tailgate and ensure it is secure.
Step 2: Measure the Length
Measure from the inside edge of the tailgate to the inside edge of the truck bed’s front wall. This will give you the length of your truck bed.
Step 3: Measure the Width
Measure the width of your truck bed at the widest point. This is typically between the wheel wells.
Step 4: Measure the Height
Measure the height of your truck bed from the inside edge of the bed to the top edge. This is the height of your truck bed.
Choosing the Right Camper Shell for Your Truck
Once you have measured your truck bed and considered the various factors that affect camper shell fit, you can choose the right shell for your truck. Consult your truck’s manual and the specifications of the camper shell to ensure compatibility. You can also consult with a professional installer for advice on the best camper shell for your truck.
Conclusion
Camper shells are a great addition to any pickup truck. They provide a secure and weather-resistant space for the transportation of gear and equipment. Understanding the various factors that affect camper shell fit and how to measure your truck bed is crucial in choosing the right shell for your truck. With the right camper shell, you can make the most out of your pickup truck and enhance your outdoor experience.
How to Measure for a Camper Shell
Before you decide on purchasing a camper shell, it’s essential to measure your truck bed. You don’t want to invest in a camper shell, only to find out that it’s too small or too big for your truck. Follow these steps to measure your truck bed for a camper shell:
Step 1: Choose the Right Measuring Tape
It’s crucial to choose a measuring tape that has a length of at least 25 feet to ensure accurate measurements. A tape that’s not long enough might provide incorrect measurements, which could end up costing you more money in the long run.
Step 2: Measure the Length of Your Truck Bed
To measure the length of your truck bed, start at the tailgate and move the measuring tape to the bulkhead. The bulkhead is the piece of metal that separates the cab from the truck bed. Make sure to measure along the inside of the truck bed, not the outside. Record your measurement.
Step 3: Measure the Width of Your Truck Bed
Measure the width of your truck bed from one side to the other. Again, make sure you measure along the inside of the truck bed. Record your measurement.
Step 4: Measure the Height of Your Truck Bed Sides
If you plan on purchasing a camper shell that sits on top of your truck bed rails, measure the height of the truck bed sides. This step is essential as camper shells come in different heights, and you want to ensure that the shell you choose fits your truck bed. Record your measurement.
Step 5: Consider Your Tailgate
One more crucial measurement is the tailgate. You want to ensure that your camper shell doesn’t interfere with your tailgate’s operation. Measure the height of your tailgate and ensure that your camper shell’s height is well below the tailgate. Record your measurement.
Step 6: Determine if Your Truck Has a Cargo Management System
Some pickup trucks have cargo management systems built-in on the bed railings, which can interfere with camper shell installation. Make sure to measure the distance of these systems from the inside bed railings to prevent any issues during installation.
Step 7: Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Lastly, it’s a good idea to check the camper shell manufacturer’s guidelines for their recommended sizing and installation. This will help ensure that you have accurate measurements and know what to expect during installation.
By following these tried-and-true steps, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect camper shell for your truck.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camper Shell
When you’re shopping for a camper shell, there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle. Some of the key factors to keep in mind include:
1. Vehicle Make and Model
The make and model of your vehicle is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camper shell.
Many camper shell manufacturers produce shells that are designed specifically for certain makes and models of vehicles. These shells are often referred to as “custom fit” and are designed to perfectly match the contours of your vehicle’s bed.
While custom fit shells may be more expensive than “universal fit” shells, they’re generally more secure and offer better protection against the elements.
If you’re not sure whether a particular camper shell will fit your vehicle, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications or contact their customer service department for assistance.
2. Bed Length
Another important factor to consider when choosing a camper shell is the length of your truck bed.
Camper shells come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different bed lengths, so it’s important to measure your bed and select a shell that’s designed to fit your specific truck.
It’s also important to note that the length of your truck bed may affect the interior space of the camper shell. If you have a short bed truck, you may need to select a shell with a higher roof to ensure adequate headroom inside.
3. Height of the Top of the Bed Rails
The height of the top of your truck’s bed rails is another important factor to consider when choosing a camper shell.
Most camper shells are designed to fit over the top of the bed rails, so it’s important to measure the height of your bed rails and select a shell that’s designed to fit within that height range.
If your bed rails are higher or lower than average, you may need to select a custom fit camper shell that’s designed to match the height of your rails.
4. Accessory Compatibility
If you plan to use other accessories on your truck bed, such as bike racks, roof racks, or tonneau covers, it’s important to choose a camper shell that’s compatible with those accessories.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications or contact their customer service department to confirm compatibility with any other accessories you plan to use.
5. Weight Capacity
Finally, it’s important to consider the weight capacity of your camper shell.
Most manufacturers provide weight capacity specifications for their camper shells, which should include the weight of any gear or equipment you plan to carry inside the shell.
| Make and Model | Bed Length | Height of Top of Bed Rails | Compatibility with Accessories | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 6.5 feet | 22 inches | Bike rack compatible | 1000 pounds |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 8 feet | 24 inches | Tonneau cover compatible | 1200 pounds |
| Toyota Tacoma | 5 feet | 20 inches | Roof rack compatible | 800 pounds |
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find a camper shell that’s a perfect fit for your truck and your needs.
Here is a relevant article that serves as a will a camper shell fit guide for truck owners: Sizing guide for truck bed camper shells, which provides helpful tips to ensure you get the right fit for your vehicle.
Enjoy Your Next Camping Trip With the Perfect Camper Shell Fit!
We hope this guide has been helpful in finding the right camper shell fit for your truck so you can have an enjoyable camping experience. If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment or visit our website for more information. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again! Happy camping!