Why You Should Buy A Camper Shell | Outside

We’re big fans of trucks as adventure rigs. In this episode of the 101, Bryan Rogala explains why a fiberglass camper shell is a great option for getting the most out of your truck and walks us through what to look for when buying one. When it’s safe to get back out there, this simple addition is sure to have you adventuring again in no time.
Want more gear? Subscribe to our Gear Fix newsletter to get our latest gear stories and videos sent straight to your inbox twice a week: bit.ly/2EQSal2
Like us on Facebook: bit.ly/2XqQ2tG
Follow us on Twitter: bit.ly/2EOVKMD
Follow us on Instagram: bit.ly/2IwvGeX
Follow us on Pinterest: bit.ly/2UonGyl
Subscribe to the Outside Podcast: apple.co/2HfHDnE
Have feedback on this video? Want us to review something? Just want to say hi? Drop us a line at [e-mail]

[@aaronanderson1118]

THIS is a textbook on how to do a demonstration vid for a product. Moves right along, clear, a pinch of personality but not to nutty. Very well done. Future KZbinrs...take notice: this is how you do it.

[@Yowzoe]

so true. I checked out a few tonight b4 getting here, all were a waste, this was golden

[@baldpacker11]

for a moment i thought im watching alex honnold here :D

[@yadadameet]

haha me too! He must get that a lot

[@riv6580]

Dude this was a suggested video after I watched one on Alex’s van haha

[@James-mo5uj]

Alex + Mike Myers

[@in_da_cut]

@@riv6580 same lmao

[@ChadSextoid1]

For real!

[@fire58372001]

Hello, I saw your video & I used to do a lot of trailer & truck camping. Let me pass on some things that I learned that might help you in your journey. 1) Get stuff you need at a camping store for backpacking. It's small, compact, & light weight. 2)Get splash guards for your truck. It'll help keep you & your rig clean. They work. I know. Also grease your ball & the cup on your hitch. This will help prevent metal on metal grinding. 3) When parking for the night, park headlong into the wind. That way if a storm comes you won't have to worry about a side wind ripping off your camper shell. Plus, if anything comes bouncing towards the truck, since you have a slimmer profile, it might miss you. If it does hit, the front of the truck is reinforced. 4) Use bug spray on the interior doors & windows/ screens openings to help keep bugs out. Use wasp & hornet spray around & on your tires to help keep critters out. Basically, all points of contact on the ground. 5) An inch is a lot of room. Learn how to stack & get used to sand & dirt. Use floor mats to put your shoes on too 6)Air out your sleeping area every morning or often. In an enclosed space the air gets stale. 7)Use a small fan to circulate the air in your sleeping area. This will help prevent hot & cold spots from forming & help prevent condensation & mold & mildew from forming. 8)Use a solid hooded sweatshirt. Draw the hood tight when you sleep to help encapsulate body heat. It can double as a pillow/ dirty clothes holder/ gear carrier. I hope this helps. Great vid, thanks for sharing. Drive safe. 🤠

[@randycox3522]

you're a great presenter; very well-spoken, excited but not obnoxious

[@imxploring]

One last option that you might want is a sliding/removable window in the front of the camper shell. Makes cleaning the windows between the cab and shell easier.... as well as allowing access from the cab to the bed.

[@Yowzoe]

Good point!

[@SweetTone76]

This 1 GEN Tundras are solid trucks. Bulletproof engine’s. A manual transmission even better!

[@JuanRodriguez-oj9ud]

What Decked drawer set up is that? I called them and they say they don’t make one for 1st gen tundras. This is the exact set up I’m looking for !

[@mate123bur]

PLEASE TELL US HOW YOU GOT DECKED ON THAT FIRST GEN TUNDRA DUDE

[@carolhewett3756]

Finally, an intelligent proponent for the best camper shell for the smaller truck. I've been searching all over the net for this information. There are tents that have one side that connects to the back of a truck or SUV using it for changing clothes, inclement weather, etc while using the truck bed for your bedroom. I never did understand the preference for a tent on top of your vehicle. Thanks so much.

[@qasd48]

Tent on top of the truck would be more comfortable than trying to fit my 6'4 self into my 5'6 short bed lol.

[@DPShouse]

I just got a quote for this exact same cap on my 2015 GMC from two different people and it was $4,500. That’s installed and everything. Crazy how much it’s gone up

[@robbarber7253]

Ya I got a quote for a pretty basic ARE canopy for a similar price. Are you in Canada?

[@DPShouse]

@@robbarber7253 No. I'm in Tulsa, OK.

[@McFlysGarage]

Wish I had gotten one of those Tundras when I graduated college in ‘13

[@mikemueller1686]

I too own a MX. I went with the headliner, rooftop tracks, and slider windows on the side. I also had mine bolted (not clamped) to the truck bed and I added a bed rug. Throughly love mine. 😎🤙

[@TyeWills]

I love my leer topper. I sleep in it all the time. I bought a fancy one that’s wired into the truck so it locks and unlocks with the door locks. My tailgate locks automatically too. I had to buy a utility trailer so I could still haul tall stuff.

[@michaelhicks8237]

Doing this build right now. Can't wait till my August Wyoming fly fishing trip

[@chazlyle41]

First Gen Tundra for the win! Also, aluminum options are uglier but often lighter weight and cheaper (and more height, door, window, storage, etc. options). Cheers!

[@oldgoat1890]

I went cheap and bought a new high aluminum top. What a mistake. The first time it rained I found It had a small leak I never could locate. In cold weather the dripping condensation was terrible. In a hard rain it was like sleeping in a drum. Save your money and go fiberglass.

[@supersnake3104]

Do more vids of simple truck camping like this

[@AaronLives34]

Great video. Really appreciate the progression recap to show how you got to this setup.

[@mixflip]

Thats unexpected. I have never seen someone go from shell to roof top tent to go fast camper....back to a shell. It makes sense though if your style is to pack everything in an adventure trailer. Thanks for the video.

[@mixflip]

@Atlantic Pacific lol

[@induction7895]

I guess we will never know what Atlantic Pacific said.

[@mixflip]

@@induction7895 he deleted his comment?

[@JimHolt73]

I just got my quote back on almost the exact same camper you have. For $6500 they can keep it!!! There is No Way in H that fiberglass camper shell is worth over $6500 lol. Thanks for the info but I'll buy used or wait for prices to get realistic again cause that is ridiculous!

[@stacky512a]

Yeah, long gone are the $1,500-2,500 prices

[@tylerbeckwith522]

Awesome video. Rooftop tents are a great option for smaller vehicles. But I'm so dang grateful to have my camper shell on my truck. Wouldn't have it any other way.

[@jcpritchett]

Yo, do a video on your drawer set up in the back of the bed!

[@2justforkicks]

That’s a Decked truck bed system

[@tml2868]

I have the Decked System. Great product. decked.com/pages/truck

[@bernadettesandoval3990]

Does it allow access to the power port?

[@jackhartfelder8049]

@@bernadettesandoval3990 You have to run an extension or pull the outlet out before you install the decked system.

[@user-sx4yu3nw4j]

It’s a damn shame Decked doesn’t build a drawer system for my ‘00 4Runner... the relevant DIY plans I’m finding online are all built with heavy lumber, and I’m certain their systems are *much* less weight 😔

[@kyledavis4890]

For those of us with classic trucks once you find the shell once pick it up and refurbish it the best you can. The big 3 manufacturers he mentioned only stock for 21st century trucks.

[@twincam88br]

I ordered a topperlift for the A.R.E. topper on my Tacoma. Also just purchased an ez up camping cube for more room to chill with some weather protection and a place for the dogs to be. Moto is life.

[@joesalemi2414]

Go with the padded insulated Bed Rugz. It transforms the whole camper.

[@glennhotchkiss7900]

Nice video. You are a good speaker. Thank you for your tips and tricks.

[@chuckrf1502]

Love my ARE shell, but it was about three grand. I use a cot with clear plastic storage boxes underneath for my clothing and gear when camping. Allows me to sit on the side of the cot and get dressed without being on a platform. I have added side curtains and a rear window screen net for this year, anxious to get out there in the forest soon.

[@shaunjones3119]

Good job on the video bro. Quick, Simple and Informative, just like it should be(two thumbs up).

[@QuestForDetails]

camper shell is my favorite set up, simple, Low key, will last a long time. good vid! happy adventuring !

[@johnrichards3666]

So sensible. This one video made me a subscriber.

[@MusicLuv80]

Dude, you voice is so good. I won't be surprised if you used to be a new anchor.

[@michaelmoore7784]

Nicely done, lots of great ideas, thx

[@jamesregan2181]

Good to know this info. Thank you.

[@madcratebuilder]

I almost bought the same top, but I have had durability issues because of off roading. I ended up with a Softopper with the Decked system. Been working great for me, I have a Slumberjack off the end of the bed, lot of room. Nice truck.

[@gippy101]

this is pretty much the set up im gonna go for, im looking forward to it! Thanks for the video!

[@Yowzoe]

Were you able to replicate? Just starting my search -- for a f150 Lightning, with a 5.5' bed (I'm 6'), if I can make it work!

[@elosoguapo8137]

I have a high rise ARE. Like yours I have the vented windoors, which are clutch. They’re expensive, but It makes life so much easier. I also got the carpet interior and lights. I went with an ARE so that I could get the topperezlift put on at the same time. My only regrets are not getting the tracks. I don’t need them now, but it would be tough to get them later if I needed them.

[@Stew-rl9qk]

Softtopper has been great for me, I'm surprised you haven't tried one.

[@EchoSigma6]

For a guy that never considered a camper shell this was a great video. The mid height does offer versatility. I wonder how easy they are to remove and reinstall?

[@TheGreatBigShow]

I didn’t know about the carpet helping condensation. Good tip

[@ambivertical]

Well done. Excellent video.

[@flatwaterflatlander5937]

What's that Decked Box system? They say that they don't sell one for the 1st Gen Tundras. I'd love to get one for mine!

[@michaeldalrymple9540]

Very informative on camper shell options.

[@RyandeMilliano]

Just picked my first A.R.E. cap. Really excited to customize the box and have a large dry space for gear and camping if needed.

[@calebshaw1313]

Thanks for the good info

[@jimwesselman]

Trouble I found with ARE, which I have had 3 of them is the dealers. They don’t know jack about installing the electric on the camper tops. The second one I got was installed at a Ford dealer. They didn’t know there was a dedicated wiring for the camper top 3rd brake light! Very poor! I also needed some replacement weather strip. Went to the dealer and ARE sent 1foot of weather strip to go around the entire window! They are so smart there!

[@simonvance8054]

Thanks, that was really helpful!...

[@dewarner12]

Excellent video. Thanks -

[@InteractiveMail]

Sick set up

[@Living-on-a-Lake]

Very well done video.

[@dmagz7023]

Awesome video I have the same Tundra but in grey is that a decked draw system? I didn’t know they made them for that year

[@Trumpisdumb]

Excellent video!

[@Dirtbag44Boyd]

I just got the same exact shell for the same truck. The only differences: mine has ONE central light bar and my windows do NOT pop out like doors AND mine was $3200, NOT $2600! GOOD JOB! I am still very happy with my purchase. Do you have any videos on your camping set up now?

[@timsilva1944]

Great presentation! Yeah, definitely go for the "windoors" and the taller version cap. I lucked out when I bought my truck with one already on it. I built a bed platform on one side just high enough to sit up on without hitting my head on roof. A full 6 foot bed, so no need to sleep diagonally inside.

[@Yowzoe]

I previously truck-camped in a Toyota mini-pu longbed and later a 93 Ranger with a 6' bed. Now I'm going to try a f150 Lightning, with a 5.5' bed (I'm 6'), if I can make it work! Definitely will be more challenging...

[@bob_frazier]

You nailed it.

[@Bama1963]

I recently bought a Century brand fiberglass cap, it is just as good a brand as the three he mentioned, mine was $2300 when it was new 3 years ago, I bought it used from a camper dealer for $750 total, installed and wired.

[@silentmarine4993]

I like the honesty

[@WoodlandThrash]

Love my Colorado with Leer shell. I’ve got a $10 intex mattress I keep in there. Take my grub box out when I camp and throw my bed in the back. I always throw a tarp over my shell when I sleep.

[@jamesb9780]

Great upgades to have from this video: Windoors, definitely! The light and headliner are great to make the interior more pleasant to find stuff and not have condensation dripping. The roof tracks mean a solid mounting point for racks from the factory so way less chance of leaks from a DIY job. I have a Leer with the same upgrades: Pricey but great functionality and benefits.

[@dirtnsmores]

Does your leer have a single handle on the rear to open or double?

[@jamesb9780]

@@dirtnsmores Yes, it is the one lateh in the centre; convenient but maybe less secure than the metal framed 2 handle model.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

excellent production

[@charlievang7843]

Nice looking rig! I bought a camper shell for $100 from a salvaged tundra for my 01 which I bought with a tonneau cover. The camper was nice for some things, but my lifestyle just didnt work with it. It restricted the height of my usual loads mainly. Long story short, I sold it for $500.. these shells are just about $1500 new basic so, good deal.

[@javiergonzalez7932]

Dude super happy I found your video. I'm literally gonna follow your lead. Iv been fighting myself on the gofast camper. Almost 3 grand is better than 9 grand. This set up works. Great video.

[@mattstewart2750]

Depending on what truck you have and where you live, used utility caps are easy to find and hard to beat. I picked my ARE DCU with dual barn doors and an extra 6" height on it for $400 and built out sliders and a platform. I did a 5600 mile trip through 9 western states and wouldn't want any other type of system. Go fast or any other shell with fabric sides suck for many reasons. Same thing goes for roof top tents. They are garbage for anything serious.

[@javiergonzalez7932]

@@mattstewart2750 i have a single cab tacoma that I use for work and offroading. Im not all into the bed rack or spending over 5 grand for a camper shell. Ill be getting the decked system and the MX series are camper... ill sleep in that thing. I'm only 5'5 so my 6 foot bed is plenty lol. Thanks for the reply! I appreciste the inspiration

[@mattstewart2750]

@@javiergonzalez7932 That's a common truck that will be easy to set up man. The decked kits do make it nice and clean. Enjoy your journey Gonzo!

[@mattstewart2750]

@tillallareoneluv Agreed they are a fad. And even out West they don't hold heat or fair well in the wind or sand. I have been camping out of my truck or SUV for nearly 30 years now. I'll take an SUV or a truck with a hard shell any day over any type of tent.

[@oldgoat1890]

For 30-40 years I have camped out during deer season in the worst of weather. I started with the old wooden frame aluminum caps, which were usually great for head height, but the weight was bad. You have to have your own system, just for you. For over 20 years I take along a small tent. This is where the extra totes and other gear are stored so you can empty the back of the truck out. This year I realized just how much I use that cap. I bought another truck and could not find a cap in time. I was lucky and the weather stayed nice. Every once and a while I have to break camp in a heavy rain or 8" of new snow. It is really easy to toss it in the back (With a cap) and sort it out when you get home.

[@JCreole]

I went back to a pop up ground tent the gazelle T4 Hub. Tried it all, something about keeping it simple.

[@eriks8100]

awesome rig!

[@fringelunatic]

I love how folks here critique the video production rather than just enjoying the content.

[@at6686]

I have the same ARE shell. That extra ht on the MX is a big deal. I have room under plywood across the wheel wells to put plastic boxes and room on top to sleep. Basically i can say the same setup is as functional as he says it is.

[@hulkhuggett]

Where did you get that sleeping platform? It's perfect!

[@Bertoldichris]

I have the same type of shell by Lear and I added the Lear Locker. Way better than any roof top tent. The wind can howl and you will have no problems. Roof too tents are a waist!

[@jcf6597]

Great video. How do you keep the dust out of the back?

[@monkusbee]

That was a great video

[@cmadk3423]

Nice setup. I went with a Leer on my Ram if I did it over I would go back to a ARE dcu like I had on my Tacoma

[@jtstanley26]

Had a first gen Taoma with a nice shell on it and switched to a 4th gen 4Runner. I have to say I miss the versatility of the trucked/topper. Throwing wet ski gear and skis back there, a wet hairy dog, or even sleeping was all better in the pickup instead of the 4Runner.. The 4R is leaps and bounds better for daily driving especially in the winter.

[@jayd5661]

Great review and tips. I was leaning towards this exact setup with a Decked storage system. This confirms my thinking.

[@thomasrainbow]

Same here! I've been planning this same setup for my 2019 GMC Canyon.

[@sheddski2942]

Way back in 1983 I had a Toyota sr5 pickup longbed brand and bought a cap by a company Glasstite that looks like the same shape but glastite uses a fiberglass door it looked like a 4Runner even though it was many years before that existed I wished they made those now I have 2020 Tacoma 4dr now and looking for a cap

[@javamon]

Do you have a video about your bed platform? What brand is it and what type of storage is that? Thanks!

[@elicardoza4462]

Nice . Ima get one

[@heavymetalzombie4754]

Those windoors are really cool.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

The liner does a great job at hiding mold too🙃

[@Yowzoe]

I suppose you ought to dry it out once in a while

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@Yowzoe more like very often

[@harleyrdr1]

A “tour” of my pickup truck bed. Is that like a tour of the Grand Canyon? 🤣

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I learned a lot about what I thought very little about.

[@Yowzoe]

Totally helpful, answered so many questions, thank you! Previously truck-camped in a Toyota mini-pu longbed and a 93 Ranger with a 6' bed. Now I'm going to try a f150 Lightning, with a 5.5' bed (I'm 6'), if I can make it work!

[@zone4garlicfarm]

8' bed is the best option for pickup camping. I'll never go back to a short bed truck.

[@Yowzoe]

@@zone4garlicfarm I must’ve been high when I wrote that.

[@Outdoors.with.Ricky_P]

I'm looking at the same truck shell and curious how you like the Decked system you are using inside. Has it performed well for you versus building a system from scratch?

[@khamtp42]

i love this camper

[@ezrafenwick]

Hi Brian. I have the same setup as you with the decked drawers in the Back of my Dodge Ram. I have a regular sized canopy currently. With the raised ARE MX series can you sit-up straight while in the Back even with the decked drawers?

[@timothybutterworth2032]

Any ideas on this Decked Drawer System? I'm pretty confident they don't make them for first generation tundras. Checked the website and the forums. Is there a hack I don't know about to use a different trucks kit?

[@newyorknewyorkamerica4952]

Thank you

[@leonkennedy4189]

What kind of storage is that on the bed? Thanks! And great video!

[@KMB4240]

Sir, granted I am late on this but can you please talk about the drawer system you installed along with your camper shell?

[@CaptnScott]

Good video

[@lindasue8719]

A couple of questions: does your Tundra have the roll down rear window? I was wondering for those vehicles that do, are you aware of any camper shells that have -- if not a full size equivalent window -- at least something that is quite large that will fit the back of aTundra. Thinking of trying to reach in from the back of the cab without having to go out. This one is probably a dumb question, are there camper shells that come with lock mechanisms on the inside if you're sleeping in the back? I'm assuming probably not... And that one would have to find a way to add that aftermarket.

[@pappaclutch3266]

Yup I like it

[@RossLambert801]

A similar top with the decked system is exactly what I intend to build.

[@spongebobsquarepants8084]

same here. gonna go with an ARE aluminium shell. Same brand as this guys but they are way more affordable.

[@bigmeandog849]

I have two trucks a 2 wd and a 4wd and both have cab height camper aluminum camper shells and I wouldn't do anything else. They are light and are easy for one person take off and put back on. Mine have both crank open windows and slide open - I would have the slide open on both. Great in all weather and if you need to take the dog(s) you just throw them in the back and go. Too many advantages to list.

[@Danny_Ruth]

Have you seen the RSI smart cap? I’ve been strongly considering it for our Jeep Gladiator

[@carypeaden4147]

In the next month, I am going to purchase a new 4 wheel drive truck and a truck cap that I can use to sleep in when I go hunting and also use with my wife when we want to cheaply tour the country. I am thinking of getting crew cab and 6.5 foot bed. Since you have been living out of your truck for a while, what size cab and truck bed do you recommend.

[@Bladerunner4924764]

Simplicity at its best.

[@jerrydc818]

I like that mid height topper. Are you able sit-up on your sleeping platform? I’m 5’10” I have a 2003. I think they’re just the right size truck, between Tacoma (v6 less room) 2,3 gen tundra, too big. Thanks for sharing

[@kokoyhawaii]

Would you be comfortable driving at hwy speeds with bikes on a tailgate pad and the camper shell rear window open?

[@JTADVENTURE2]

Love the topper, do they make that for a 8ft bed tundra? And what was the price?

[@Nate-zy5ce]

I've been considering an RSI Smartcap, but I like the larger, screened sliding portion of the side opening windows on this. Do you know what the roof top weight capacity is on this? Could I use a Roofnest condor2 or Sparrow2 popup tent on top of this? Thanks.

[@islongpig18]

Door at rear? Single t lock is better or the double t lock? Sturdy? Security? Pls let me know. Thanks

[@JonathanYentch]

That’s a beautiful FGT!