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Camper Shells Cost

How much do camper shells cost? Camper shell costs depend on many factors, including manufacturer, material, age, and whether you have it professionally installed. Popular manufacturers include Unicover, SmartCap, Leer, and Century. You’ll also see camper shells from A.R.E., A.T.C., Raider, and Snugtop. 

One of the benefits of camper shells is that they’re removable, so you can take your shell off your current truck and put it on a new truck when you switch vehicles, as long as the bed sizes are the same.

How much do camper shells usually cost?

If you purchase your camper shell new, you’ll usually pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The cost depends on whether you install it yourself and the shell’s material. Aluminum truck toppers are usually the cheapest, and fiberglass shells are usually at the top of the range. Some shells are made of composite or plastic materials, and there are also a few companies making shells out of stainless steel.

Do camper shells improve gas mileage?

In most cases, camper shells don’t improve your truck’s gas mileage. You might assume that putting a cover over the bed of your truck might improve the aerodynamics of your vehicle, but the aerodynamic benefit is usually eclipsed by the increased weight of the truck due to the presence of the camper shell.

Are truck camper shells worth it?

A truck camper shell has many uses, so you may find getting a camper shell worth it if you have a pickup truck. One of the coolest uses of a camper shell is that you can use it for just that: camping. However, they’re also a helpful feature when you regularly transport items that shouldn’t get wet. Further, a camper shell is excellent for keeping your possessions secure, particularly if you’re traveling and want to keep your tent, food, and other camping supplies safe when you’re not near your truck.

One thing to remember when deciding whether to purchase a camper shell, however, is that they’re not all waterproof. Most companies suggest that their shells are waterproof, but it’s pretty common for shells to develop leaks. Rarely are camper shells truly waterproof. They’re usually just water resistant and able to keep things “mostly” dry. Don’t assume your shell is sealed from water until you test it.

How do you take a camper shell off with one person?

It’s always easier to take off a camper shell with two people, but if you absolutely need to take the camper shell off your truck on your own, the best way is usually to use a pair of oversized sawhorses and pull the camper off toward the rear of the bed to rest it on the sawhorses. The sawhorses are convenient for storing the topper, as well as ensuring the topper is at the right height for reinstallation.