truck toppers

gipsyweaver · Aug 8, 2011

I couldn't decide if this was a question for this forum or for the RV forum... Do any companies produce an over-cab truck camper shell that is just the shell, with maybe wiring included? A truck seems more practical than a van longterm for me, but only the over-cab campers are tall enough to be comfortable. And outfitting it myself would be both cheaper and better adapted to me (and I wouldn't loose any weight to things I don't want or need). I did search for this, but so far, I've only found the normal toppers that are too short, or complete camping units.

Stillwater · Aug 8, 2011

Oohh! Ooohhh! http://www.belairshells.com/generic.tpl?PageName=43 C6 and C8 look cool. Also, check below. http://www.callencamper.com/new_page_41.htm

Guest · Aug 8, 2011

Hi Gipsyweaver.... The ones Paddlingman linked to all look pretty good... Here are some that are all pretty high end cabins but are definitely worth the money in my view and they offer a shell....with any level of customization you want. http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/ http://www.six-pac.com/camper_utility.htm https://www.allterraincampers.com/ These are all made individually for the customer usually unless you buy one from the lot or another owner... Bri

dragonflyinthesky · Aug 8, 2011

Those are really nice but I'm so darn cheap aka poor that I would consider getting a 300.00 camper off craigslist and tearing the cabinets out if possible. Might be to hard on the structure though. Has anyone torn out a truck camper?  I am considering getting a flush with the top of my Silverado shell, used of course to store extra stuff.

4x4tour · Aug 8, 2011

My friend had a fourwheelcamper top.  All aluminum framed, nice and easy to pop the top up, and it was empty.  They are more expensive (even a well used plain jane one is like 2500 on Craigslist), but it would be my choice.

stevensknk · Aug 8, 2011

Here are some light weight fiberglass options   <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"> <A href="http://www.tufport.com/utility_overview.htm" target=_blank>http://www.tufport.com/utility_overview.htm</A>

gipsyweaver · Aug 8, 2011

Wow, thank you all! I think C8 of the Belairshells that Paddling Man found is probably closest to what I have in mind, especially with price, though they're all really appealing. At that price, I could spend a bit extra finishing out the interior, though, and possibly install a small solar setup. Stripping an old one down to redo is an option, but if I can afford to, I'd prefer to start with a new one. Fewer hidden problems and usually has a warranty. Oddly, I don't actually plan to use the over cab area for sleeping, I plan to use it as storage space for light, bulky items---any unused blankets, quilts, towels, off-season clothes, and craft supplies. I'd put a bed across the truck bed just behind the cab that would double as my daytime couch. My understanding is heavier items should be low and relatively evenly distributed, at least while driving? I am learning so much from ya'll, thank you!