2519392
Introduction to Canvas Camper Shells
A canvas camper shell is an add-on to a truck, car, or SUV that adds insulation, storage and protection from the elements. It is made with a lightweight canvas fabric and attaches to the roof of vehicles with clamps on the roof rails and frames. Canvas camper shells provide many benefits that make life easier on outdoor adventures.
Overview: Canvas camper shells come in sizes to fit full-size truck beds of all shapes and sizes as well as smaller cars and SUVs with detachable frames for easy transportation and set up. They are designed to keep heat in your vehicle and guard against strong winds, rain, snow, dust, bird droppings, road debris and other hazards. They are also designed for maximum air flow for improved ventilation and air conditioning.
Purpose: Canvas camper shells offer more privacy than some other types of covers, since their fabric allows light but restricts visibility from the outside. The lightweight canvas is incredibly durable, yet weighs less than aluminum or plastic covers. Plus they provide ample space for camping gear including fishing poles, tents or even sleeping bags.
Benefits: The greatest benefits of having a canvas camper shell include increased protection from Mother Nature’s worst weather conditions; enhanced fuel economy thanks to improved aerodynamics created by the sleek shape; security from possible vandalism; improved resale value when compared to uncovered models; as well as greater levels of comfort when spending time outdoors overnight or simply travelling long distances during peak summer heat waves (or cold spells during winter months).
Popular Styles and Shapes of Canvas Camper Shells
Canvas camper shells are a great way to get the camping experience when you do not have the money or space for a large RV. Different styles and shapes of camper shells are available depending on your needs, budget and personal preferences. Many camper shells are available with either curved or straight sides as well as sloping roofs. This makes them ideal for different purposes such as providing extra storage space or an additional living space. Curved-sided canvas camper shells are especially popular in areas with snowy weather, since the curvature helps keep the snow off the tent without compromising headroom inside the tent. Some canvas camper shells even come with removable windows and doors, making it easy to open up the tent for more ventilation or extra access points when needed. Doors will also provide protection from wind and rain as well as better security for your belongings when away from camp. Additionally, some canvas camper shells are designed with built-in shelves and cupboards creating even larger spaces of organization and comfort inside your shell while allowing you to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer outside!
What to Look for When Buying a Canvas Camper Shell
When looking for a canvas camper shell, there are several features you should consider:
1. Size and Shape: Canvas camper shells come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the specific make and model of your truck or SUV. It’s important to measure the length, width, height and weight capacity of your vehicle to ensure you get a shell that fits correctly. Be sure to choose one with enough room for all the gear, supplies and people that you might need on your adventures!
2. Ventilation: Make sure the canvas camper has adequate ventilation to keep comfortable during hot days on your camping trip. Check if it is well-ventilated with plenty of vents in strategic locations.
3. Weatherproofing: High-quality canvas camper shells are typically made from 100 percent waterproof material such as PVC or polyester-coated fabrics. The seams are sealed for waterproofing too, so check for watertight zippers and gaskets as well as UV-resistant windows to shield from harsh sunlight.
4. Comfort Features: Look for features such as soft padding on the edges, shades or curtains for privacy when sleeping in your camper van or trailer tent,tassel strings or bungee cords at doors/walls/windows etc., additional storage pockets or clothslines attached inside the shell too. All these features make camping more enjoyable!
Tips and Tricks for Installing and Maintaining a Canvas Camper Shell
1. Choose a sturdy spot on the roof of your vehicle to install the shell and make sure it is lined up in the correct spot with all parts in place.
2. Before begin installing, double check that all necessary components are included and line them up in order of installation (this will make things easier and faster).
3. Check that the mounting screws are correctly sized to fit your vehicle’s mounting pattern.
4. Use waterproof sealant to prevent any water or moisture from entering into the interior, and use electrical tape on any exposed wires in order to properly secure them and keep crud out.
5. Make sure to tighten all nuts and bolts securely, as loose edges can result in rattling noises while driving or even damage from heavy winds.
6. Be sure to routinely inspect your canvas camper shell for rips or tears, especially after heavy rains or extended trips; repair any holes immediately using an appropriate patch material as leaving such a hole could decrease its lifetime drastically by allowing water exposure which can result in warping or rusting of metal components inside the structure itself.
7. Weatherproofing is always recommended annually and should be noted especially during weeks of heavy use (e.g., holiday trips) so that when you return home you can still boasts about your pristine camper shell exterior!
Ideas for Upgrading and Personalizing Your Canvas Camper Shell
1. Invest in Weatherproof Tarps: If you plan on using your camper shell in wet or cold conditions, consider investing in weatherproof tarps to keep the inside of your shell dry and warm.
2. Upgrade Your Seating: You can swap out your existing seating for cushioned bench seats flats and folding chairs to provide more comfortable and functional seating solutions.
3. Add Some Flexible Storage Solutions: Container boxes, bins, bags with compartments and flexible storage solutions can create accessible spaces for clothing, camping gear, food, cozy blankets and other items you use during camping trips.
4. Invest In Roof Racks & Carriers: Installing roof racks on top of the camper shell will give you extra space to transport large items (like kayaks) as well as keep precious cargo safe from rain and road debris while traveling from one destination to another.
5. Add a Lighting System To Your Shell: Install a lighting system inside the shell so you can easily prepare meals without relying on flashlights or car headlights when it’s dark outside.
6. Insulate The Inside Of Your Shell: You can install insulation to help keep cool air out during warmer months as well as hold onto warm air during colder months — thus making your campers shell a much more comfortable place to hang out!
Common Questions About Canvas Camper Shells
Q: What is a canvas camper shell?
A: A canvas camper shell is a removable shelter that fits onto the bed of a pickup truck. It typically provides weather-proofed storage, complete with sides and an often flexible roof to protect from rain, wind, snow, and more. Most also feature multiple screened windows for ventilation.
Q: How durable are canvas camper shells?
A: Canvas camper shells are designed to be relatively lightweight, but also highly durable. Many canvas shells are made from heavy-duty fabrics such as polyester or cotton duck to give them excellent tear & abrasion resistance as well as water repellency characteristics. Additionally, most come with aluminum framing for additional strength and durability; some may even feature reinforced panels for added support at weak points in the structure.
Q: Are canvas camper shells waterproof?
A: The degree to which they may be waterproof will depend on the specific model being used, however most are constructed with either water-resistant or waterproof materials throughout their construction. Finally, many come with specialized seals or other weatherproofing elements around windows or doors to keep moisture out as much as possible when traveling or camping in wet conditions.
Benefits Summed Up
A canvas camper shell can provide a range of benefits to those who invest in one. They offer a versatile and more economical alternative to many hard-sided camper shells, while alsoproviding protection from wind, rain, snow, and UV rays and insulating you from heat and cold. Canvas camper shells are also lightweight enough to be mounted onto the back of a pickup truck or SUV without reducing its performance on the road. The fact that they are made of canvas material makes them easy to repair and allows for customization if desired. Additionally, due to their light weight construction, canvas camper shells allow for improved fuel economy compared to typical full-sized hard-sided campers. Whatever your needs might be, investing in a canvas camper shell is an affordable option providing helpful features such as privacy from onlookers, faster installation than other camper options and convenience as it can be folded up when not in use.
