Camper Shell for truck camping

I'm kind of interested in doing some truck camping, but I need a good shell.
What do you recomend or use? Also, I haven't had much luck getting a price, so about how much do these cost?

 

I've been in the market for a shell myself. I personally like the Snugtop and Leer Shells the best.

Especially the ones with windoors. Depending on your options - roof rack, windoors, carpet liner, folding down front windows, extra storage, frameless back glass, electric locking options etc. . .you can easily get up to $2K - $2.5K or more.

They're not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

 

Yeah I had been looking into leer because that was the only brand I was familiar with, but I like the sungtop.

 

I love my A.R.E. They are a bit pricey but the options they offer are great. I love having the windoors. I can open the window "door" completely to get stuff out of the bed or install my foam mattress and sleeping bag and I can just open the window "slider" for ventilation while sleeping. See here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/96312-08-A-R-E-CX-series-topper

 

Those are exactly the kind of pictures I want to see. That's exactly what I want. I would like to be able to open the side windows and install a matress and some storage in the back.

 

I have an A.R.E Cx series with vented windoors. I recently went on a three day camping trip and found the windoors really helpful. Super glad I went with these.
I also have a carpet interior. I got it with the free promotion.
You're looking at at least 2-3k if you get it new with some good features. Another helpful feature is the sliding-tiltdown front window. This makes cleaning the window on the cap and truck super easy. Not sure if you need roof racks but that feature cost about $500 cdn.

Another pic of vented windoors


I also got an led bulb and light strip. It's bright but was pretty expensive. The key has to be in the ignition and the running light have to be turn on the truck in order to get this to work. For this reason I think a battery powered light would be more helpful for sleeping inside the cap.

 

I'm pretty happy with my snugtop rebel. I camp in it when I do MTB trips to Utah and Colorado. I used scrapwood to build a sleeping platform on one side (my bike rides on the other side).

In this pic my bike is out of the bed and I'm chillin' after a day of riding.



It has sliding side windows with screens which is great to let some air in. The front window folds down. Sorry I don't have a bunch of pics.



Here's a pic with the sleeping platform removed so you can see how I secure my bike.

 

Leer is running an anniversary special now. I was quoted $1700. out the door with carpet kit, flip down front window, slider/screen windows and basic light kit. Add $180. per windoor.

Snugtop is running a 10% discount now. I haven't priced one out. But I suspect about the same as a Leer

I'm going to SLC next week to spec and purchase either the Leer 100XR or the Snugtop Rebel. I'm leaning towards the Leer with a windoor or the drivers side and screened window on the passenger side.

My dealer carries both so I can see them side by side.

 

If you plan on sleeping in the back look at a mid rise like the Leer 180 , if you plan on hauling lots of heavy gear on the cap roof racks look at the Leer 180RCC commercial version with the reinforced roof

 

like OZ-T said, get one like the Leer 180 for a bit more room.

 

I have a snugtop xtr and love it. The bars on top that are already molded in are really nice. Got mine with every option and it was just about $2500. I have heard nothing but good things about A.R.E, but i have heard the Leer shells have had problems with leaky windows and the fiberglass falling apart.

 

This. I had a "cab high" model and I couldn't sit on the tailgate without hitting my head in the roof. Next time I'm going for a mid rise like the MX or 180

 

I bought a leer and only spent $1500 and am very happy with it. I like the flip up windows on the a.r.e. That would be nice to not have to crawl in to get to the front of the bed.

 

I've had my leer for 3 years now and not one leak or problem and I am not the easiest on my camper shell it has brushed a few trees.

 

For camping or hauling stuff, the mid-high shells are the way to go. Much more headroom when you wake up in the morning. Big difference compared to a cab high.

I am selling my Leer 180 as I am selling my truck (which won't do you much good, seeing as you are in Louisiana and I am in California). It is a great shell. I had no issues at all with it. I would definitely buy another 180 in the future.

 

Well thats good to hear. Must just but luck of the draw for those who have bad luck.

 

5 years , no leaks or issues with my Leer 100RCC

 

Buy used, save lots of $$.

 

I got my snug top hi liner for $320 on Craig's list. I wish I had windoors, but other wise it's pretty sweet. I have a sleeping platform in the bed.

 

I have had a 180CC for the last year, and have had no issues with it. Well other than the piss poor installation by Campways, which is all corrected now. The extra height is great when I have to climb in to get some tools. Truck is empty right now, all tools and storage removed for a quick trip to the body shop to have some rear end accident damage repaired.

I also upgraded my locks to the newer Bolt Locks so my ignition key also unlocks my shell. These are apparently an option on the newer Leer shells, though you may have to ask.