Truck shell or tonneau cover?

[sl1966]

I've never had either on my truck, but am thinking it might be worth getting one. My truck happens to have a trunk where I can safely lock away things, but What do you guys think and what has your experience been like with either, or both.<div><br></div><div>The extra storage will come in handy for sure, but I don't have enough stuff to warrant getting one. Also will either help with the aerodynamics of pulling a trailer or am I better off leaving things as is?<br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Thanks<br>Steve<br><div><br></div></div></div>

 

[Kisatchieman]

hey steve, i've owned pickups most of my&nbsp;life and have had camper shells on most of them. the shell is great for keeping your tools, equipment out of the weather, out of sight&nbsp;and relatively secure from theft. plus you can sleep back there if needed. however, i recently experimented with my cab high fiberglass shell for camping and found it a little claustrophic. it's tough crawling around in one with very little headroom. in winter (at least in the south)&nbsp;it's easy to keep one warm, but in summer it would be a lot more difficult to keep cool. since i have a cabover truck camper it's a pain removing the camper shell to install the TC and vice versa. if i could, i'd leave the shell on permanently. BTW, the shell adds weight to the rear of the truck and helps with braking and i think it makes the truck a little more aerodynamic.<BR><BR>

 

[akrvbob]

I also think a shell is the way to go. It is by far the best aerodynamically. It beats a truck with open bed or with a cover. Plus the extra security of having things out of sight, out of mind. A winner in every way. Bob <br>

 

[SirJoey]

<div><b><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">I too am a big fan of camper shells. My previous truck had an older, aluminum shell, which I wish I had removed before selling the truck.</font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">My current truck has a much nicer fiberglass one, with sliding side windows &amp; screens. Also, it's taller in the rear. Quite handy for hauling slightly taller things in the rear of the truck. I blacked out the windows with Limo-black window tint for security &amp; looks.&nbsp;</font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">This time, I'll be keeping the shell when I sell the old ratty truck! If it doesn't fit the next truck, I'll just sell it separately.&nbsp;</font></b></div>

 

[sl1966]

Thanks guys! I'm shopping around for shells now, but they're kind of expensive. The total cost will be around 2k installed. My truck is a Honda Ridgeline so my choices are limited based on the the shape of my truck. It's not the end of the world if I can't get it now since, like I said, my truck already has a trunk. It's large enough to hold an ice chest and more.<div><br></div><div><img src="http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/5966419206563731.JPG?0.9884415458084544"></div><div><br></div>

 

[SirJoey]

<div><b><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">Wow, that trunk is a REAL nice feature!&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">What I wouldn't give to have one of THOSE!</font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></b></div><div><b><font face="Tahoma">Yeah, if you buy new, the shells aren't cheap, that's for sure, but shop around on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, etc. Maybe you'll get lucky. I found mine on Craigslist &amp; only gave $150 for it. It had been sitting on blocks in a guy's yard for a couple years, so it was filthy inside &amp; out, &amp; covered in mildew, but it was in good condition, &amp; well worth the effort it took to clean it up! Good luck!&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"></font></b></div>

 

[karl]

Had both on trucks- the cap wins in every way.
That trunk is great, had an El Camino with one, though not very deep - handy.

 

[don89048]

I've had several pickups and have had shells on all of them.&nbsp; That said, I never lock the thing.&nbsp; I figure replacing the window would be more expensive than anything someone might steal.&nbsp; On a Ridgeline I think I'd go for the simple cover; must be less expensive, doesn't impact your line of sight and has no windows to be a weak spot.