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Introduction Benefits of Convertible Camper Shells
A camper shell, also known as a topper, is essentially a structure that covers the cargo area of a pickup truck. Originating from the United States in the mid-20th century, they have become popular due to their ability to extend living space in an affordable way. Many people enjoy purchasing used camper shells as they are typically inexpensive and easy to install on any truck with minimal effort.
One of the more modern takes on this classic design is the convertible camper shell. These shells allow one to easily switch between a shelters and an open-bed setup without the need of heavy tools. This provides added versatility when adventuring on the road while keeping items secure while you sleep or just take time away from your vehicle.
Their versatility isn’t their only strength: convertible camper shells are tough and well insulated against both noise and weather conditions. Furthermore, by being well sealed from dust, moisture or debris outside, these structures help keep everything inside clean and undamaged for long journeys. Because of this detail, many people will buy them for extra storage space if going on vacation rather than for camping purposes; saving even more money!
Moreover, when compared with regular tarpaulins or cheap dry bags often used for camping adventures; these bad boys come with built-in frames that require less assembly time when set up and dismembered quickly and easily if needed. Taking into account all its positive attributes — low cost, practical use of space, sturdiness — it’s understandable why so many people prefer purchasing Convertible Camper Shells over other alternatives..
Types of Convertible Camper Shells
Pop-up camper shell: A pop-up camper shell is an excellent option for those looking to convert their vehicle into an instant camper. These shells are ideal because they don’t require major modifications, as they simply attach to existing exterior frame components on the vehicle. They usually consist of a hinged roof and walls which fold up (or ‘pop-up’) in order to create living space inside the vehicle. These shells provide plenty of sleeping and storage space, and can easily be moved from one vehicle to another with few tools required. One downside is that pop-up camper shells may be a bit noisy compared to other options due to their construction being more lightweight and flexible.
Hardtop camper shell: Hardtop camper shells provide more insulation than pop-ups, and are also less prone to wind noise. They can also be much larger in size than pop-ups, providing lots of room for living space inside the truck bed itself. One downside is that hardtops require more modification when installing them onto vehicles, since they typically must be bolted into place rather than just attached like with a pop-up. Additionally, hardtops generally cost much more than Pop-ups due to their robust construction materials.
Soft top or Tarp/Canvas Camper Shell: Soft tops or tarp/canvas camper shells are a great choice if you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to install without any modifications required. They install similarly to a canopy or tent by extending the corners, fastened by straps or tie downs around all four sides of the truck bed exterior. While these provide adequate shelter from rain or sun exposure, their insulation may not protect against colder temperatures as well as other types of truck campers do so this is something that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing this type of shell.
Finding the Right One
When looking for the right convertible camper shell for your needs, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, you will want to focus on size. How big does the camper shell need to be in order to accommodate all of your passengers? The more passengers you will have, the larger the camper will need to be. Additionally, you want to make sure that the size is proportional based on the size of your vehicle. Once you have determined an appropriate size, you should also factor in weight. You don’t want a camper shell that is too heavy because it could damage your vehicle quickly over time.
Next, installation is a major factor when selecting a camper shell. You don’t want one that is overly complicated or time-consuming to install as that can create plenty of frustration down the road. Fortunately, there are ample options out with great installation instructions and tutorials online as well as in-store technicians who can help guide you through the process if needed! Additionally, price is another important consideration – convertibles come in a variety of prices depending on features and quality so it’s important to shop around for something that fits within your budget but doesn’t sacrifice quality or features that might be important for your uses case (e.g., insulation).
Finally, choosing the best convertible camper shell deals requires research and comparison shopping. Many experts recommend doing extensive research online first before setting foot into stores – this way you can narrow down options according to size/weight/measures/features and then compare prices within vendors as well as across third party listings (eBay/Amazon) for added potential savings opportunities!
Accessories and Upgrades
One of the great features of a convertible camper shell is the ability to customize and upgrade it with accessories and upgrades. If you want to get the most out of your truck-bed camping experience, here are some useful accessories and upgrades you should consider:
1. Camper Shell Upgrades: Camper shell components such as windows and doors can be upgraded with higher quality materials for improved insulation, durability, and weather protection. Additionally, custom fabricated aluminum panels can be added to enhance the appearance of your camper shell while also providing superior insulation and strength.
2. Awnings: Portable awnings are an excellent way to maximize your living space when using the back of your truck as a camper. The right type of portable awning will shelter you from rain or intense sun while simultaneously providing additional living space outside the truck’s cab.
3. Electrical Upgrades: If you plan on using electrical devices inside your camper shell, then installing an onboard power system would be necessary so that you can use devices without having to run extension cords or an external power outlet every time you set up camp. This system includes wiring and outlets for lights, refrigerators, heaters, etc.. A solar panel setup with batteries may provide enough energy for long-term camping out in nature away from external sources of electricity.
4. Rooftop Storage Solutions: Truck bed extenders are often used for increasing ground clearance when traveling off-road trails but they also offer additional storage flexibility since much gear can be stored overhead in addition to items stored within the cab area itself. Rooftop carriers add more room without having to install taller lift kits by offering convenient ways to transport regular gear safely with relative ease thanks to their enhanced aerodynamics compared to other solutions that hang off either side of a vehicle’s bed rails or bumper mounts
Maintenance and Care
It’s important to keep your convertible camper shell in good shape so that you can enjoy the many pleasures and the quality of life that comes with camping. Following these steps can help ensure that your camper shell is maintained and kept in top condition:
1. Cleaning: Regularly clean your camper shell according to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying special attention to all areas where dirt might accumulate. Use special cleaners designed for fiberglass surfaces, vinyl, aluminum and plastic sections as necessary. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
2. Waxing: Apply a high-quality car wax over the entire surface of your camper shell using a lint-free cloth or specialized buffer machine. Reapply the wax every two months (or whenever there are noticeable changes in the vehicle’s appearance) and buff off for protection against dirt, rain and UV radiation.
3. Windshield Wiper Blades: Inspect windshield wiper blades regularly for wear or fraying and replace them every six months or when needed. Maintaining wiper blades helps to ensure clear visibility during wet weather conditions as well as season changing rain showers. Use OEM parts for best fitting windshield wipers available in various sizes connected by respective adaptors depending upon size of windshield cutouts provided on new vehicles or those already fitted into side window glass frames
4. Rubber Seals: Check around vent openings, door seals and other openings at least once every six months for signs of cracking, hardening or shrinking rubber seals which indicate dry rot due to over exposure to sun light/UV radiation/ extreme weather condition damages caused by stretchable rubber turning hard & brittles over time needing an urgent replacement often associated with water leakage issues
5. Vent Screens: Clean metal window screen frames periodically using mild soap and water solution followed by its rinse off with clean water soft bristled brush on any dirt accumulation around frames associated with direct contact made between metal frame vibrations against rear end covering surface layers such as fiber glass gel coatings etc… remove old screens – if necessary – while purchasing exact size new screens from local auto parts stores
6. Spray Paint Touch Up: If you get dings or scratches on your camper shell it may be possible to repair them with Automotive Grade Spray Paint available in custom colors based upon make & model matching factory paint dealerships color choices restocking shelves with proper grade paint types having highest level durability consisting of rust proof coatings helping increase lasting life still further!!!
Final Thoughts
A convertible camper shell is a great option to enjoy the outdoors while having the benefits of an enclosed, secure space. It allows you to explore new places and take your vacation with you wherever you go. Not only will it provide shelter while camping or hiking, but can also give much needed storage space for all of your outdoor activities such as fishing or biking. Additionally, depending on the size of the vehicle and desired size of the camper shell, there are an array of different options that will fit any budget and lifestyle.
No matter what reason you invested in a convertible camper shell, the benefits make them worth every penny. You’ll be able to extend your camping trips without having to worry about bad weather, save money by enjoying nature away from expensive campgrounds or hotels, and even get extra room inside so that your passengers aren’t sitting on top of each other.
To ensure that your experience using a convertible camper shell is as good as possible, we recommend maintaining and properly caring for it; this includes regularly checking seals to make sure they are still in good condition and securely fastened, making sure rustproof paint is used when possible along with cleaning off dirt after lengthy trips and usage around saltwater. Additionally, research attractions nearby where you plan to park before selecting a destination—especially if there are no protected clamming areas provided by national parks—to determine if any prohibited activities exist in that area so that fines are avoided due to unknowing infractions. Finally, purchase accessories like sunshades and bedding tailored specifically for your camper type to maximize comfortability while at campgrounds or during driving periods between destinations.
In conclusion – whether it’s exploring far away locations or just hanging out around town – investing into a convertible camper shell has great rewards. With all its versatility and convenience, their capabilities will allow many more family adventures without missing a beat!
