camper shells

[egalitarian]

I'm looking for advice on purchasing a cab flush fiberglass camper shell for my 2022 4x4 Ranger to go truck camping. Which camper shell is the most lightweight while well built & strong? Which one having openable windows is the most secure? Does it matter which shell I purchase given I want to install an interior bed frame including storage? Thank you in advance!

 

[Blmpkn]

What's your budget? There are some AWESOME purpose built caps on the market designed exactly for what you want.. pricey though. That being said.. even an extremely 'base' fiberglass cap will run you 3-4k dollars brand new these days so..

 

[Fast Eddie]

Might want to think about how and where you'll be camping. There's some great ideas on this forum and you might reach out to (@sgtsandman?) who's known to do a little overlanding from time to time.

Also this: https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/top-10-truck-camper-rigs-of-the-2023-overland-expo-west/

 

[egalitarian]

What's your budget? There are some AWESOME purpose built caps on the market designed exactly for what you want.. pricey though. That being said.. even an extremely 'base' fiberglass cap will run you 3-4k dollars brand new these days so..

I don't really have a spending cap per se. I don't want the Ferrari but I'm looking to get most of what I' like to have for a decent price.

 

[egalitarian]

Might want to think about how and where you'll be camping. There's some great ideas on this forum and you might reach out to (@sgtsandman?) who's known to do a little overlanding from time to time.

Also this: https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/top-10-truck-camper-rigs-of-the-2023-overland-expo-west/

Thanks!

 

[Blmpkn]

I don't really have a spending cap per se. I don't want the Ferrari but I'm looking to get most of what I' like to have for a decent price.

HOME | SmartCap (ROW)

www.sa.rsismartcap.com

The prices on these can seemingly go to the moon... but there are plenty of affordable configurations when keeping in mind the price of a basic fiberglass unit.

 

[sgtsandman]

Might want to think about how and where you'll be camping. There's some great ideas on this forum and you might reach out to (@sgtsandman?) who's known to do a little overlanding from time to time.

Also this: https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/top-10-truck-camper-rigs-of-the-2023-overland-expo-west/

I really don’t have a good setup yet. But I’m happy to give advise. I have the knowledge, just too many irons in the fire and that project is lower on the list. Most of my truck adventures are still using my pack load out and a one man tent.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm looking for advice on purchasing a cab flush fiberglass camper shell for my 2022 4x4 Ranger to go truck camping. Which camper shell is the most lightweight while well built & strong? Which one having openable windows is the most secure? Does it matter which shell I purchase given I want to install an interior bed frame including storage? Thank you in advance!

I just got home from a 10 hour drive from the meet. Remind me to address this by responding to this post. I’ll be less tired and more inclined to write you the abbreviated book that will be required to provide a proper response.

 

[gaz]

@egalitarian,
From my era, the two (2) best made canopy manufacturers were:
- Leer
- Brahma

I have aspired to but never owned either; I have been very satisfied with both the weight and strength incorporated in canopies produced by "SPORTSMAN" by E.D. Industries of Riderville MO.. Even aquired used, I have enjoyed 25+ years from mine, with only one discrepancy; the rear hatch struts fail and require replacement to perform as intended

 

[egalitarian]

I just got home from a 10 hour drive from the meet. Remind me to address this by responding to this post. I’ll be less tired and more inclined to write you the abbreviated book that will be required to provide a proper response.

Thanks! Looking forward to your insight and wisdom.

 

[egalitarian]

@egalitarian,
From my era, the two (2) best made canopy manufacturers were:
- Leer
- Brahma

I have aspired to but never owned either; I have been very satisfied with both the weight and strength incorporated in canopies produced by "SPORTSMAN" by E.D. Industries of Riderville MO.. Even aquired used, I have enjoyed 25+ years from mine, with only one discrepancy; the rear hatch struts fail and require replacement to perform as intended

Thanks Gaz!

 

[BroncLander]

I think what really matters isn't the cap, but how well the door seals. And the tailgate lets in a surprising amount of road dust.

 

[bobbywalter]

Define use. I had a cap, so I could sleep in the back of the truck.. glass tops can limit that ability on the shorty mcshort short bed.

Snoranger has a soft top and it is extendable to make it a closed space with the tailgate down if you buy that upgrade... I assume there are kits to extend a glass topper the same way. I don't like sleeping on the ground unless I know it will remain dry.

 

[Snoranger]

This is what Bobby is talking about:

It’s made to go with the Softopper, but I bet you could adapt it to any cap; soft, fiberglass, or aluminum.

 

[Fast Eddie]

And if you really want to take a walk on the upper east side, there's ideas like this
youtube.com/watch?v=szQinWneTOQ