10 Best Truck Camper Shells
Are you tired of camping in tents? Don’t have the budget to invest in an RV?
Don’t fret! A truck camper shell is just what you need to make camping trips more comfortable and fun!
Truck camper shells offer a versatile, compact solution for those who love outdoor adventures. They transform your truck into a mobile camping unit, providing comfort and protection against weather elements.
Selecting the best shell can be a daunting task given the numerous models available on the market. This guide is designed to provide you with comprehensive details about the 10 Best Truck Camper Shells available today.
Each product has been meticulously evaluated based on its durability, functionality, installation process, and user reviews. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the scene, this guide will aid you in making an informed decision when selecting your truck camper shell.
Truck camper shells are cheaper, but they’re also lightweight and don’t use as much fuel as RVs. In addition, the smaller size paired with the low center of gravity allows you to take your truck camper shell to all sorts of environments.
Curious to see some of the best truck camper shells in the market? Well, keep reading!
Can Your Truck Bear the Weight of a Camper Shell?
Just hold up a minute.
Before you decide to buy a truck camper shell, you need to make sure your truck can haul it.
You need to check your truck’s payload rating before you decide on investing in a camper shell. Usually, for half-ton trucks, the rating can range from 1000 lbs to 3200 lbs. The total weight – camper shell, gear, and passengers – should not be higher than this rating.
You can easily determine the payload rating by checking the side door pillar sticker. Alternatively, you can also get your truck weighed and subtract the weight from the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
As long as you don’t go over the payload rating, you’ll be fine. However, you may need to upgrade your tires to improve the weight-bearing capacity of your truck.
10 Best Truck Camper Shells
Let’s take a look at some of the nest truck camper shells in the market and their features:
1. Host Mammoth 11.6
First up on this list is the Host Mammoth 11.6. This is not only the largest but also the most luxurious camper on this list.
As the name indicates, this camper shell is big. At 11 foot 6 inches, the floor plan of this camper features:
- A dinette
- Dry bath
- Fireplace
- Love seat
- Queen-sized bed
- 8-cubic foot fridge
- A 6-gallon DSI water heater
- A 1000-watt inverter
You won’t have to worry about water storage capacity with this camper. It comes with aluminum-framed holding tanks featuring a storage capacity of 65 gallons for fresh water, 51 gallons for greywater, and 31 gallons for black water.
To haul this giant beast of a camper shell, you’ll need at least 3500/F-350 dual rear wheel trucks with 5500 lbs of payload.
This truck camper shell also comes with a three-year structural warranty.
While the Host Mammoth is a bit pricey, the features on this camper make it worth every single penny.
2. Hallmark Milner 6.5
Ever heard the phrase Old is Gold? Well, it definitely applies to the Hallmark Milner 6.5 truck camper shell.
The fiberglass exterior of this classic model makes it durable and attractive. Despite its robust construction, the dry weight of this camper is 1212 lbs.
This camper includes a 60 x 80-inch bed with storage space underneath, molded one-piece countertops, and a 3.8 cubic foot three-way fridge.
In addition, this camper has:
- 12-gallon gray water tank
- 5-gallon black water tank
- 30-gallon freshwater tank
So you don’t have to worry about running out of water while you’re on a camping trip.
Hallmark gives you a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to cabinet interiors.
The standard options include Oak or Amber Bamboo cabinets. For an additional cost, you can also choose from Cherry, Blond, Bamboo, Maple, and Hickory cabinetry.
An additional bonus is the 5-year structural warranty that comes with the Hallmark Milner. This makes it one of the best models available in the market.
3. Northern Lite 8-11EX WET
Are you looking for a high-quality truck camper shell? Then, you can’t go wrong with the Northern Lite 8-11EX WET.
Northern Lite’s fiberglass clam-shell exterior makes it one of the best truck camper shells. Not only is this camper super sturdy, but you won’t have any issues with leakages either.
With a 9-foot floor plan, this truck camper shell includes a queen-sized bed, a wet bath, a dinette, and a kitchenette. Space is something you definitely won’t be complaining about with this camper.
Other features include a three-way 6.3-cubic foot refrigerator, a 6-gallon DSI water heater, a dual battery compartment, and a 95-watt solar power system, among other things.
This 2650 lbs camper also offers great tank holding capacity:
- 33-gallons of fresh water tank capacity
- 24-gallon of grey water tank capacity
- 13-gallons of black water capacity.
So, you can enjoy your trips without worrying about filling up your waste tank sizes.
Besides, you don’t have to worry about repairs as this truck camper shell comes with a 6-year structural warranty.
4. Lance 825
Manufactured by one of the best truck camper companies, the Lance 825 truck camper shell is durable yet lightweight.
This short-bed camper has a dry weight of 1823 lbs, which makes it perfect for quarter-ton trucks.
If the attractive cherry-stained interior of this 8-foot 6-inch camper doesn’t reel you in, then I’m sure Lance’s new Easy Charge exterior allows you to attach a portable solar panel or a generator for battery charging, and will definitely win you over.
This Lance camper includes:
- Queen-sized bed
- Full-sized dinette
- Kitchenette
- Spacious wardrobe
- Wet-bath shower
In terms of tank size, this camper is also generous as it includes a 30-gallon freshwater tank, a 13-gallon grey water tank, and a 14-gallon black water tank.
You’ll also find on this truck camper shell a 3-cubic foot refrigerator, a two-burner stainless steel cooktop, and a 6-gallon water heater.
The Lance 825 comes with a removable carpet kit and a roof rack system, which makes it perfect for camping trips. You can simply lay out the carpet, pull open the roof rack, and settle under, enjoying nature’s beauty.
5. Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5
If your truck cannot haul a large, heavy, camper shell, then the Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 is what you’re looking for.
At 850 lbs, this Outfitter camper is the lightest camper shell on this list. This, however, does not mean it lacks in terms of quality.
The vacuum-bound composite walls combined with the walk-on roof and the fully welded aluminum frame make this camper quite sturdy.
One feature that sets it apart from most of the models in this list is the wall insulation;
- Owen Corning block foam insulation for the hard walls
- Weblon three-layer soft insulation for the soft walls
During chilly winter camping trips, this camper shell will surely keep you warm.
Other features include a full-sized queen bed, a 5-gallon cassette toilet, an outside shower, a 3.8-cubic foot fridge, and a long list of features that don’t end.
This model could easily be one of the best truck camper shells in the industry, especially with the lifetime structural warranty that it comes with.
6. NuCamp Cirrus 920
The NuCamp Cirrus 920 is another model that doesn’t come short when it comes to space.
What makes this camper shell so popular? This model features a hydronic heating system and soundless water heater furnace combined with a Froli modular sleep system.
Moreover, the 10-foot 1-inch spacious floor plan, the second largest in this list, includes a queen-sized bed, a dinette, and a large wardrobe. The kitchenette includes a two-burner cooktop and a three-way 5-cubic foot refrigerator.
The highlight of this model is the custom diamond-plated bumper, which comes with hose storage.
This 3530 lbs NuCamp truck camper shell doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the tank capacity. It comes with a 38-gallon freshwater tank, a 32-gallon grey water tank, and an 18-gallon black water tank.
In terms of color options, you have a wide range to choose from as well. To match your truck’s color, you can also choose between a white or silver exterior with ten different accents.
7. Alaskan 7 Cabover
The Alaska 7 Cabover is a hard-side and a pop-up hybrid. The construction of this model includes a sturdy wall with a hydraulic, and mechanical design. The latter of which allows you to lower or raise the top of the camper by merely pressing a button.
This model gives you the space to stand up entirely gives you lower wind resistance and is fuel-efficient.
Trust me; you’ll be pleased when you see the interior of this camper. The retro interior with a leather dinette, wooden ceiling, and maple ceiling surely adds to the camper’s beauty.
It also gives you ample space to store all your camping equipment and other necessities.
In this 1560 lbs camper, you’ll find a refrigerator, a 5-gallon propane tank, and a 27-gallon freshwater tank. Moreover, it has a full-length door, which means you don’t have to bend when entering or exiting the camper.
Whether you have a short-bed truck or a long-bed truck, this truck camper shell will fit on both.
8. Arctic Fox 811
Built like a Sherman tank, the Arctic Fox 811 is a hefty camper. The official company website states it weighs around 2873 lbs. Add the weight of the mandatory Fox Package; when fully loaded, this camper probably weighs around 4500 lbs in total.
The Arctic Fox comes with a walk on the ceiling with a cathedral arch, a large basement, heavily insulated walls, a 6-gallon DSI water heater, and a lot more.
At 9 feet, the floor plan gives you a lot of space to utilize. In addition, this camper has one of the largest tank capacities in this list. It features a 50-gallon freshwater tank, a 38-gallon grey water tank, and a 23-gallon black water tank.
This camper is originally designed for short-bed or one-ton trucks; however, given the additional weight, it would be best to haul this camper on a DRW truck.
If you’re looking for a truck camper shell that offers the best value in terms of both quality and price, then this model is meant for you.
9. Four-wheel camper Flatbed Hawk
The Four Wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk is one of the most sturdy pop-up campers in the market. The narrow girth and unique rear kickback make it perfect for extreme off-road adventures.
This truck camper shell weighs 1325 lbs dry and has a height of 59 inches when the pop-up is pulled down. The durable, long-lasting aluminum roof is long-lasting and waterproof. On this camper, you’ll find a 72 x 78-inch bed, a small kitchenette, a 1.7 cubic foot fridge, and a dinette.
One drawback of this model is that the freshwater tank is a bit small. It only holds up to 20 gallons of freshwater. However, this issue can easily be solved by installing another tank in the tray.
Made to last, this camper shell is perfect for full-size trucks. With this camper, you can travel through all sorts of environments without much trouble.
Moreover, you can find this camper in a variety of colors in either smooth or ribbed aluminum.
10. Bundutec Wild
The last truck camper on this list, Bundutec Camper, has a rugged wooden frame with one-piece fiberglass and an aluminum roof.
This Bundutec camper not only includes a wet bath but also has a 17-gallon grey water tank and a 21-gallon freshwater tank. These features allow you to enjoy the luxury of a bath while on an outdoor adventure.
Besides, the Truma Combi water heater furnace doesn’t produce any noise and allows you to use warm water whenever you need it.
With a 7-foot floor plan, this camper includes a 56 x 74-inch mattress with storage space underneath, a kitchen, a wet bath, a refrigerator, and a dinette.
Weighing only 1610 lbs, Bundutec Wild is made for half-ton trucks. If you’re on a budget, this camper offers excellent features at a reasonable cost.
Wrapping Up
Finding the right truck camper shell may seem like a daunting task initially. However, after reading through this review, I hope you’ll be able to find the right camper for yourself!
The 10 Best Truck Camper Shells offer a diverse range of options for every kind of truck owner. At the high end of the spectrum, the Host Mammoth 11.6 provides unrivaled luxury and comfort with its spacious interior and upscale amenities. The Hallmark Milner 6.5 and Northern Lite 8-11EX WET also provide superior quality and durability, designed to handle tough weather conditions with ease.
For those on a budget, the Lance 825 and Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 offer excellent value with their combination of practical features and affordability. The NuCamp Cirrus 920 stands out for its innovative design and high-tech features, while the Alaskan 7 Cabover is renowned for its classic, sturdy design. The Arctic Fox 811, on the other hand, offers a great balance between comfort, utility, and price.
Lastly, the Four-Wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk and Bundutec Wild are known for their ruggedness and off-road capabilities. Together, these 10 Best Truck Camper Shells cater to a wide variety of needs and preferences, ensuring that every truck owner can find the perfect shell for their vehicle.
Also, keep in mind the payload rating of your truck and the full-load weight of the camper when going to buy a truck camper shell. It can be dangerous if the full-load weight of the camper is more than what your truck can handle.
