Fixing up my leer shell suggestions

I got a leer shell for $200 that fit my dclb. The deal was amazing because the shell is still decent shape but it’s not insulated and has some exposed wires for the brake lights

what material should I use to insulate it?

I like sleeping in the bed a lot for camping if that makes a difference on what material to use etc

 

I've been using caps for 40 years. Never seen one that was insulated. Even if it were you're going to lose more heat from the bed of the truck. It isn't insulated either. Put a sleeping pad down and that is about as good as you're going to do.

 

.... I mean the majority of caps I’ve seen don’t have exposed fiberglass, they’re usually lined with felt or something right?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plug-and-play-brake-light-taps.707529/page-12#post-25369915

 

This isn't true at all really. Especially for a Leer cab that's probably 10+ years old. The "insulation" you mention is generally just Marine carpet and is about 2/32 of an inch thick. So not exactly insulated.. I've had a few shells now and have seen them both ways. You can line it yourself, the carpeting is generally available at Home Depot. Not a super easy or short job, but it's pretty strait forward and can help with condensation when sleeping.

 

My ARE has that marine carpet liner and I can tell you it makes quite a noticeable difference vs a bare FRP cap if nothing else it cuts down on condensation considerably.

As for sleeping set up I use just the OE bed mat, a "camping pad" made of reflextix then a normal ground pad, some doubled up sleeping bags then wear my cold weather gear if it's colder than that for insulation I have slept comfortably at -7°F this way. The front and rear cap glass were completely iced over from breath condensation the cap carpet was a little crystaly too.

The worst part is your breath freezes around you on your pillow and when you move you're met with the cold side of the pillow equivalent of chewing mint gum and drinking ice water it will startle you awake everytime you move so obviously more insulation ventilation or a heater is needed.

For OP.

If you're serious about setting up a camping cap would layer your cap with reflectix 3M spray 90 and foil tape at least two layers then spray 90 and adhere marine carpet to that shoul help considerably.

You can also look into "tiny homes" or "van dwelling" builds for how to insulate a vehicle and or give your bed the same treatment.

My truck bed is a truck bed for 99% of the year so I haven't insulated it at all.

 

This is what I was looking for thank you!

I have a nice bed platform I made I just wanted to make the cap a bit warmer and more water tight. I’m re doing the seal around the door and will spray etc as well

 

That is a great Pro-Tip about the Reflectix 3M spray and foil tape! I wonder if this would help keep the cold temps and condensation in check a little better. It seems like most of the cold comes in around the tailgate, as it's almost impossible to seal this area 100%. I would love to see what folks here are doing for that as well!

 

I have a plan for my tailgate seal I’m gunna do soon