Custom Truck Caps For Camping

Commercial Truck Cap Installers

Our commercial work truck campers are made in North America and have been tried and tested by years of heavy use. They are used in various industries that require mobile service units that can be taken wherever a 4-wheel drive truck can go. Some industries that have proven the benefits of these products include Utility Providers, Fiber Optic Splicing Technicians and Telecom, Equipment Repair, and several Government Departments.

Pickup Camper Shells And Bed Covers

TSA Custom Car and Truck carries top of the line brands for custom pickup camper shells and bed covers. These custom pickup toppers and camper shells are not only cool and aesthetically appealing, but can provide much protection for your truck as well. Both allow for safe transportation of equipment, increased security, and better storage organization. From ARE to Tradesman truck tops, we have a variety of custom truck accessories to choose from. Explore the brands we carry below!

Truck Caps Camper Shells And Toppers

• Cab High XQ – Industry standard for custom fit
• Cab High XL – Truck bed cover with SUV-style windows
• Cab High XR – Options for roof rack and keyless remote entry
• Cab High R – Rugged, reliable, and cost-effective
• Mid Rise 180 – 20% more space than a cab-high truck cap
• High Rise 22 – Oversized door with additional clearance
• Commercial Cover 100RCC and 180CC – Level up your business pursuits
• Tonneau 700 and 550 – Dramatic, low-profile truck bed covers

• Limited Lifetime Color & Structure Warranty
• Automotive Paint
• Interior Headliner
• Recessed LED Third Brake Light
• Frameless Hidden-Hinge Curved Glass Rear Door
• Installation Bulb Seal
• One-Piece, Tip-Out Side Windows With Removable Screens
• LEER Twist Handle Lock With Hinged Weather Cover
• Rotary Latch System

• Additional Battery or 12V Dome Light
• Automatic 12V Dome Light Switch
• Interior Clothes Hanger
• Overhead Gear Net
• Thule Aero Blade Roof Rack System
• Thule Tracker II Roof Rack System
• Thule Top Tracks Only
• Overhead Storage Bin
• Adventure Sports Package
• Three-Outlet 12V Powerblock

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Aluminum Truck Canopy For Truck Topper Camping

PROS

• Strength – As theyre primarily manufactured for trade work – such as construction, electrical, plumbing, etc – they are typically very sturdy.

• Built-in Storage – Also because of their use in trade work, some aluminum truck canopies have storage built in by the manufacturer.

• Good Used Selection – You can often find these used fairly easily, though in our experience second-hand prices seem to be higher on average than other options

CONS

• Less Insulated – An aluminum truck canopy will generally be colder in the winter and hotter in the summer compared to other options

• Difficult to Customize and Repair – The built-in storage may not suit your needs or build, and making repairs or modifications to aluminum is not as easy as other options.

• Lack Ventilation – Most lack windows with ventilation or any windows at all, and while this may be helpful for stealth camping, it will seriously impact comfort level.

Guide Gear Compact Truck Tent

We are going to end up the list with an exciting truck cap crafted in a very compact design. It is a brilliant product whose functionality can impress anyone in a matter of minutes. There is a 190T polyester shell used for the manufacturing of this unit for giving a long-lasting use. Thats not all, they have added 1,500 mm water-resistant coating for making sure you dont have to worry about rain or snowy weather.

Not even a single person will get disappointed after using this unit for a few times. Its positioning in the list of best truck caps for camping is hard to question in the long run. There is a large D-shaped door and sewn-in polyethylene flooring added to the unit for better convenience. The assembly process can be completed within ten minutes that is nothing less than a blessing for campers.

It can fit with a great variety of vehicles like Toyota, Ford, Chevy, and many more. Overall, this unit has everything that an average travel enthusiast who wishes to invest money in quality caps for maximum enjoyment. It is a proper package for making sure fun never gets compromised during the camping.

Pros

• Available at a good price

Cons

• The instructions could have explained better
• Few complaints about tent poles

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The Pickup Outfitters Difference

We have been selling and installing truck caps since 1997, and we know what were doing. Yes, thats bragging, but we earned the right. And we back up that bragging with the Pickup Outfitters promise:

• No-Hassle, Lifetime Installation Guarantee: Every truck cap purchased and installed at Pickup Outfitters comes with our lifetime installation guarantee. For as long as you own your truck, if your cap needs to be adjusted, re-clamped, starts leaking.whatever, just bring it back to us and we take care of it. No hassle, no charge if its installation related.
• Free Warranty Assistance: Every truck cap purchased and installed at Pickup Outfitters comes with our free warranty assistance. If there are any warranty issues with your cap, you just bring it back to us, and we take care of it, no charge if its covered under warranty.

Buying and installing with Pickup Outfitters gives you confidence and peace of mind that you will have the support you may never need, but is always there, for as long as you own your truck.

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Recommended Reading: Camping World Corporate Office Phone Number

Truck Canopy Window Options

When truck topper camping, proper ventilation can make or break the experience. Youll want at least one sliding window with a screen .

A side wing window that opens outward can also be really handy when needing to reach things at the front end of the truck bed from outside without having to climb all the way in from the back.

They now make combination sliding-wing windows that offer the best of both worlds.

We also recommend installing high-quality dark ceramic window tint. This will help reduce heat, increase privacy, improve your ability to stealth camp, and help to keep your gear hidden from prying eyes.

Another major upgrade to truck shell camping comfort level is to install a vent fan in the roof of the shell. Check out our post, How To Install a Vent Fan in Your Truck Camper.

Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent

The next one is the Guide Gear Full-Size Truck Tent that comes with a variety of solid features and perfect fitting for the majority of trucks. In fact, it can create a very luxurious space for accommodating two people with ease. The presence of waterproof construction ensures you can use the tent for camping with a completely calm mind. There are three opening joints in the unit for ensuring maximum airflow.

It is one of the best truck caps for camping that retains the heat and adds much-needed privacy, especially for the couples. People of all ages love this type of tent. Give your camper a completely new kind of look by installing this top-quality and positively reviewed camper.

It comes with an utterly unmatched structure that is durable enough to last many years. The manufacturer has used top-notch 190T polyester material for boosting the waterproofing abilities of the tent. It is a lightweight tent having durable steel poles for an enhanced level of stability. The backside of your truck will be transformed into a large resting room where even tall people can lay comfortably.

Pros

Recommended Reading: Tom Johnson Camping Center In Marion North Carolina

Why You Should Get A Truck Cap/canopy In The First Place

Equipping your pickup truck with a canopy is one of the best decisions you can ever make. It turns your classic truck bed into the ultimate utility vehicle. A canopy allows you to protect your cargo from the elements, keeps items locked away from theft, eliminates the need to strap things down and increases your overall carrying capacity.

The convenience of storage is just the beginning. The #1 and most AMAZING function of a truck cap is truly its ability to become the MOST COMFORTABLE STEALTH CAMPING SETUP OF ALL TIME!

I absolutely love my LEER 122 High Rise canopy and the truck bed camping setup Ive created beneath it. Ive lived in the back of my pickup for up to 4 months straight and rarely find a weekend where Im not tucked beneath the stars and locked into the back of the truck cap.

Having a simple truck cap camper gives you the ultimate freedom to sleep wherever & whenever without the hassle and upkeep of a trailer, RV or sprinter van. Its also dead easy to remove your whole camping setup and use your bare truck bed for cargo at the snap of a finger.

Materials: Aluminum Fiberglass Or Plastic

Another characteristic that sets camper shells apart is the materials used for construction. There are three materials used in camper shells aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Lets take a look at the benefits of each type.

When you choose aluminum construction for your camper shell, youre able to save a considerable amount. However, you do get what you pay for when trying to save a buck. Aluminum tends to dent much easier than other options and begins to look dingy over time. On the other hand, its the lightest material used for camper shells and is a great option for individuals concerned with the weight of their truck.

Fiberglass is a very durable material and much more susceptible to damage than aluminum. This durable material also makes for a much more insulated and quieter environment inside the bed. This can be extremely helpful for those using their camper shell to create a space for camping. Keep in mind, though, that aluminum is one of the heaviest materials used in truck camper shell construction.

Another newer material used to construct camper shells is plastic. Due to the newness to the market, there are limited color options available. Plastic is often a middle competitor in terms of quality between fiberglass and aluminum. Composite materials are durable and will last for many years to come. A composite camper shell will be slightly heavier than an aluminum camper shell but far less weight than fiberglass.

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Faqs: The Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a truck cap?

• You get covered room above the bed, it adds height and storage room to your bed.
• Can be used for camping.

Is a truck cap right for you?

• A cap is a lifestyle addition to your truck. Great if you need extra storage for frequent trips and vacations. Great for outdoorsman for fishing and hunting gear.
• Secure storage for valuables
• Great for taking dogs on trips and hunting.
• Gives you dry storage

Budget: New Vs Used Truck Canopy

New – Depending on the configuration, a new fiberglass truck camping topper can run anywhere from $1000 to $3000+, and a wedge camper can run $6500+.

The benefit to buying new is that it can be fairly customized to your needs and you wont have to worry as much about leaks since there is generally a warranty offered, as well as installation. The dealer will ensure your canopy is exactly the right fit for your vehicle.

So if you have the disposable cash, this is a great place to spend it!

Used – You can find used fiberglass truck canopies anywhere from completely FREE up to $2000 depending on how new they are or how much work they need. During our search we found that most can be had for between $100-$500, and we inevitably found ours for a whopping $40!

But expect to reseal windows, replace gas window struts, and possibly repaint any used truck canopy as needed, especially if its old and cheap . These are not difficult things to do but can be tedious.

Also, make sure to measure the dimensions of any used truck camping canopy youre considering to ensure a good fit with your truck bed, and take into account the fact that the front pitch of the canopy can vary depending on whether it was made for a standard cab, extra cab, crew cab, etc. and may not be interchangeable.

• Tom Zizzo maintains an incredible resource for determining the fitment of a used truck canopy or truck topper, which was invaluable during our search

Recommended Reading: 11 Mile State Park Camping

The Best Truck Cap Manufacturers

There are loads of different truck cap manufacturers to choose from. The most well known and trusted companies are Leer, A.R.E, Century, Snugtop and Unicover. There are also companies like SmartCap which are taking canopies to the next level with their customizable piece by piece truck cap camping designs.

Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent

If you are one of the campers who dont wish to waste time to face issues with stability, then this bed tent from the Kodiak brand definitely deserves your attention. It only not offers a spacious place inside the tent, but also makes proper arrangements for ventilation. There are mesh screen windows added to the unit for keeping the bugs away from the tent.

This cap can work superbly for the trucks of many different brands like Dodge RAM, Nissan Titan, Chevy Silverado, and Ford among others. The manufacturer has used high-quality hydra shield and cotton duck canvas for providing the required durability and breathability to the system. It has a tunnel shape construction that helps in maximizing the space. Thats not all the tailgate down design make sure the users can explore as much space as possible.

It can work brilliantly for both winter and summer season equally. The reason behind this is the weatherproof construction that allows it to deal with all the situations adequately. The presence of clamp-on rails helps in making the mounting process easier and convenient. The YKK zippers have also helped the campers in many ways adequately.

Unlike other truck caps, it also has a cab access window that ensures you can move the cord for powering the appliances. We believe that you must be happy to see how amazing features provided by this terrific truck cap. Investing in this product will give you tremendous camping experiences for many years to come.

Pros

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Why Truck Topper Camper Shell Is A Great Lightweight Alternative

Spend enough time ogling trucks and one will see a fair number sporting a shell atop their bed. Some are smooth and streamlined, others hunchbacked or poorly sized for the trucks they squat atop. Whether you seek SUV aesthetics, raw functionality, or a lightweight alternative to a standard slide-in truck camper, a camper shell, also known as a shell, cap, or topper, is a great addition to your truck. From load security and weatherproofing to minimalist weekend jaunts to the woods, nearly every truck can fit some kind of camper shell without modification and using the trucks existing bed hardware. For near the cost of a new hard-shell tonneau, a camper shell provides far more utility and convenience for a number of purposes.

Rightline Gear Truck Tents

The next one is a brilliant example of an economical and superbly waterproof truck bed tent that doesnt hurt your pocket badly. It is a modestly priced unit made using resistant membrane waterproof material that can work in all types of seasons. It equipped with twin sealed seams that run comfortably across the tent to keep the moisture away.

The company manufactures it in a variety of sizes that make sure you can set the tent on all types of trucks. The presence of floorless construction helps in minimizing the installation time without any need to remove gears from the bottom. It is backed by one year warranty against the defects from the manufacturers side. This unit has enough room for accommodating up to two people with ease.

There are protective straps and buckles made from high-quality polypropylene material added to the unit. It ensures the trucks finish doesnt get damaged in the long run. Another magnificent quality of this unit is it comes with rainfly for boosting convenience during the rainy season. However, the use of this equipment is optional depending on the needs of the users.

The company has also marked all the dome poles using the colored tape for providing superb matching. It ensures you stay aware of which pole is compatible with which one. Overall, we want to say it is a complete package that deserves your investment for boosting the camping experience.

Pros

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Wood Diy Truck Canopy For Truck Topper Camping

PROS

• Completely Customizable – If you have the necessary skills , you can literally build your truck shell exactly how you want it. This is a great aspect of building a DIY wood truck canopy, because invariably any metal or fiberglass truck canopy will be a compromise in height, strength, or features.

CONS

• Leaks – Fully sealing all the seams can be very difficult to achieve, which can then lead to water ingress, resulting in leaks, wood rot, and potentially mold.

• Very Heavy – Wood is not light, and most custom builds are typically not very aerodynamic which is no bueno on your trucks gas mileage.

• Cost – While it may seem like a cheaper option, when factoring in your time and cost of materials, building one can quickly become just as expensive as the other truck canopy options. If not more so.