Camper Shells 101: What They Are and Why You Should Get One

What Is a Camper Shell?

Camper shells are fiberglass, aluminum, or inflatable caps covering your pickup truck’s bed. These accessories typically feature windows for visibility and styling, paint-matched finishes to complement your truck’s OEM paint code, and key-locking windows/doors for maximum security. 

While camper shell is the most popular name for these accessories, they’re also called truck caps, toppers, canopies, and “pap caps,” depending on the region. Regardless, all these titles refer to the same product.

What Are Camper Shells Used For?

At a glance, it’s easy to infer the most popular use of a camper shell from its name—camping. These accessories transform an exposed truck bed into a weather-proof, secure, and relatively spacious compartment ideal for loading up cargo, an air mattress, and all the makings of a comfy campsite. However, that’s not their only purpose. 

Camper shells are often used to protect and secure tools and valuables. They’re a common upgrade for tradesworkers, especially when outfitted with windowless wing doors, integrated toolboxes, ladder racks, and more.

Types of Camper Shells

While most camper shells come in conventional fiberglass constructions with integrated windows, various other configurations are available. Learn some common camper shell variances to consider when selecting your cap.

Height: Cab-Height vs. High-Profile

Up first is height, as camper shells come in many. The two most common heights are high-profile and cab-height. 

High-profile campers, also called high-rise, feature an elevated roofline and taller rear door to allow more headroom for standing, maneuvering oversized cargo, and camping. While far more spacious, these camper shells are typically seen as less visually pleasing. They’re also less aerodynamic and can limit a vehicle’s ability to park in covered spaces, parking garages, and carports. 

Alternatively, cab-height camper shells feature a roofline that sits flush with the top of a truck’s cab. While more aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamic, this configuration limits headroom and overall capacity.

Material: Fiberglass vs. Aluminum vs. Inflatable

Camper shells can also vary in construction. Typically, these accessories are manufactured from heavy-duty, reinforced fiberglass for superior strength. This construction can also create more complex shapes and smoother finishes, allowing the finished camper to blend seamlessly into the truck’s body. That said, fiberglass toppers come with some drawbacks. First, they’re exceptionally heavy, making maneuvering, installing, and removing them a serious undertaking. Fiberglass is also prone to cracking and chipping upon impact. 

Next, aluminum camper shells are lightweight, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant. However, they typically trade aesthetics for these benefits. Where fiberglass toppers are precision molded to complement your truck’s body, aluminum camper shells look more like an afterthought. Regardless, aluminum canopies are popular for tradesworkers due to their strength and durability. 

Lastly, Inflatable camper shells have gained traction in recent years. These shells utilize heavy-duty, PVC-coated fabric and flexible vinyl windows, similar to a convertible soft top. While slightly less expensive and easier to install and remove than traditional camper shells, inflatable shells are a far more temporary solution, best used on occasional camping trips.

Features and Options

Lastly, let’s discuss features and options. Camper shells come in countless configurations with countless options, ranging from side window designs and folding front windows to integrated interior lighting and carpeting. When selecting your camper shell, consider the luxuries you’d like and weigh them against the added price. 

Truck Cap FAQs

Do you still have some questions about camper shells? Read through our FAQs section for our answers to some of the automotive community’s most asked questions regarding camper shells. 

Q: How much does a camper shell cost? 

A: Camper shell prices vary significantly depending on the construction, features, and whether you’re buying new or second-hand. For standard aluminum options, pricing may be as low as 1,500 bucks. However, fully loaded fiberglass options can reach over four thousand dollars. 

Q: How much does a camper shell weigh? 

A: This variable greatly depends on the style and construction of the camper shell and the application. However, these accessories aren’t light in any configuration. Anticipate anywhere from 150 to 300 pounds. 

Q: Do camper shells improve gas mileage? 

A: In most cases, fuel economy gains are negligible with a camper shell. While these accessories can make a truck more aerodynamic, the added weight can offset any gains from reduced wind resistance.

Shop Top Truck Caps on RealTruck

RealTruck offers a wide selection of truck caps and camper shells to outfit your pickup. Check out some of our top-selling products below.

RealTruck A.R.E. V Series Truck Cap

Sleek, stylish, and economical—that’s the idea behind the A.R.E. V Series truck cap. This camper shell delivers exceptional strength and rigidity, featuring a durable polyester resin laminate construction with aluminum-framed windows. A color-matched painted finish blends flawlessly with your truck’s factory paint for a seamless appearance. Upgrade the V Series with specialty finishes, windowless sides, and more. 

Features: 

• Entry-level cab-height truck cap

• Designed with smooth sides and rear for a traditional appearance

• Unique polyester resin laminate fiberglass construction with a low-filled resin fiberglass substructure

• Reinforced roof provides ample load capacity for roof-mounted accessories

• Heavy-duty aluminum-framed rear door (35 percent thicker than competitors)

• Factory-grade lock cylinder ensures maximum security

• Aluminum-framed sliding side window with screen and corner fascia

• Aluminum-framed front picture window

• Automotive-grade paint-matched exterior finish

• Limited lifetime warranty

RealTruck A.R.E. HD Series Truck Cap

If you frequently use your truck for projects but aren’t ready for a full-blown tradesman-style camper, get the best of both worlds with the A.R.E. HD Series truck cap. This heavy-duty recreational truck cap offers a similar appearance to traditional fiberglass shells—however, it packs a hidden internal aluminum skeleton that increases cargo capacity up top. 

Choose between various options, such as an HD Series roof rack, integrated storage bins, aluminum paneled doors, and a specialty UV-resistant finish, to transform the HD Series cap into the ultimate workhorse. 

Features: 

• Heavy-duty recreational truck cap

• Unique polyester resin laminate fiberglass construction with a low-filled resin fiberglass substructure

• Patented internal aluminum skeleton increases cargo capacity

• Optional E-lock keyless entry system

• Available with commercial-grade folding alloy T-handles or composite T-handles

• Available in two cap profiles

• F2 mitered half-slider screened side window

• Front picture window

• Automotive-grade paint-matched exterior finish

• Limited lifetime warranty

RealTruck A.R.E. Diamond Edition DCU Series Truck Cap

Professionals place their trust in the A.R.E. Diamond Edition DCU Series truck cap. This heavy-duty, commercial-grade cap features such benefits as a heavy-duty, TIG-welded aluminum frame and diamond plate exterior skin for superior strength and rigidity. Full-length, lockable side doors allow more than enough cargo access when opened and maximum security when locked. 

Optional features like specialty finishes, safety lighting options, and commercial-grade racks allow you to customize the Diamond Edition DCU to your liking. 

Features: 

• Heavy-duty commercial-grade truck cap

• .063-in. diamond plate aluminum exterior skin

• Durable .050-in.-thick TIG-welded aluminum frame ensures maximum strength and rigidity

• Stainless steel strap hinges provide strength, security, and smooth operation on full rear doors

• Full-length side doors provide efficient cargo access

• Side door and toolbox options for easy access

• Factory-installed interior, exterior, and safety LED lighting options

• Folding alloy T-handles

• 3-year warranty