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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
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!
- Host Mammoth 11.6
- Hallmark Milner 6.5
- Northern Lite 8-11EX WET
- Lance 825
- Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5
- NuCamp Cirrus 920
- Alaskan 7 Cabover
- Arctic Fox 811
- Four-wheel camper Flatbed Hawk
- Bundutec Wild
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.
Given the numerous models available on the market, selecting the best shell can be daunting. This guide provides 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 help you decide when selecting your truck camper shell.
Truck camper shells are cheaper but lightweight and don’t use as much fuel as RVs. Their smaller size and low center of gravity allow you to take them to various environments.
Are you 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 buying a truck camper shell, you must ensure your truck can haul it.
Before investing in a camper shell, you must check your truck’s payload rating. 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 exceed this rating.
You can quickly determine the payload rating by checking the side door pillar sticker. Alternatively, you can weigh your truck and subtract the weight from its 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
- 10-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 32 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 penny.
2. Hallmark Milner 6.5
Have you ever heard the phrase Old is Gold? Well, it 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 1,212 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
- 5.3-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 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 with the Hallmark Milner, which makes it one of the best models available on 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. This camper is super sturdy, and you won’t have any leakage issues.
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 two-way 6.3-cubic foot refrigerator, a 6-gallon DSI water heater, a dual battery compartment, and a 600-watt solar power system, among other things.
This 2,900 lbs camper also offers great tank holding capacity:
- 33-gallons of fresh water tank capacity
- 24-gallon 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 has a 6-year structural warranty.
4. Lance 825
The Lance 825 truck camper shell is durable yet lightweight and is manufactured by one of the best truck camper companies.
This short-bed camper has a dry weight of 1795 lbs, which makes it perfect for quarter-ton trucks.
Suppose the attractive cherry-stained interior of this 8-foot 6-inch camper doesn’t reel you in. In that case, I’m sure Lance’s new Easy Charge exterior, which allows you to attach a portable solar panel or a generator for battery charging, will win you over.
This Lance camper includes:
- Queen-sized bed
- Full-sized dinette
- Kitchenette
- Spacious wardrobe
- Wet-bath shower
This camper is also generous regarding tank size, including a 30-gallon freshwater tank, a 13-gallon grey water tank, and a 14-gallon black water tank.
This truck camper shell includes a 3-cubic-foot refrigerator, a two-burner stainless steel cooktop, and a water heater.
The Lance 825 has a removable carpet kit and a roof rack system, making it perfect for camping trips. You can 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 950 lbs, this Outfitter camper shell is the lightest on this list. However, this does not mean it lacks quality.
The vacuum-bound composite walls, walk-on roof, and fully welded aluminum frame make this camper 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 rigid walls
- Weblon three-layer soft insulation for the soft walls
This camper shell will surely keep you warm during chilly winter camping trips.
Other features include a full-sized queen bed, a 5-gallon cassette toilet, an outside shower, a 2.0 cu. ft. 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 its lifetime structural warranty.
6. NuCamp Cirrus 920
The NuCamp Cirrus 920 is another model that doesn’t come short regarding space.
What makes this camper shell so popular? This model features a hydronic heating system, a soundless water heater furnace, and 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, an 8-cubic-foot refrigerator, and 930 Watts of Solar.
The highlight of this model is the custom diamond-plated bumper, which comes with hose storage.
This 4,419-lb NuCamp truck camper shell doesn’t disappoint regarding tank capacity. It comes with a 43-gallon freshwater tank, a 35-gallon grey water tank, and a 25-gallon black water tank.
You also have a wide range of color options. You can choose between a white or silver exterior with ten accents to match your truck’s color.
7. Alaskan 7 Cabover
The Alaska 7 Cabover is a hard-side and pop-up hybrid. Its construction includes a sturdy wall with a hydraulic and mechanical design. The latter lets you lower or raise the camper’s top by pressing a button.
This model gives you the space to stand up entirely, lowers wind resistance, and is fuel-efficient.
Trust me, you’ll be pleased seeing this camper’s interior. The retro interior, with a leather dinette, wooden ceiling, and maple ceiling, adds to the camper’s beauty.
It also gives you ample space to store all your camping equipment and other necessities.
This 1,985-pound camper has a refrigerator, a 20-lb propane tank, and a 27-gallon freshwater tank. It also has a full-length door, so you don’t have to bend when entering or exiting the camper.
Whether you have a short- or long-bed truck, this truck camper shell will fit on both.
8. Arctic Fox 811
The Arctic Fox 811 is a hefty camper built like a Sherman tank. The official company website states it weighs around 2,873 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 much 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 on this list. It features a 50-gallon freshwater tank, a 38-gallon grey water tank, and a 23-gallon black water tank.
This camper was initially designed for short-bed or one-ton trucks; however, given its additional weight, it would be best to haul it on a DRW truck.
If you’re looking for a truck camper shell that offers the best value in terms of quality and price, then this model is meant for you.
9. Four-wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk
The Four Wheel Camper Flatbed Hawk is a sturdy pop-up camper. Its narrow girth and unique rear kickback make it perfect for extreme off-road adventures.
This truck camper shell weighs 1,325 lbs dry and is 59 inches high when the pop-up is pulled down. The durable, long-lasting aluminum roof is also long-lasting and waterproof. The camper has a 72 x 77-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 small. It only holds up to 20 gallons of freshwater. However, installing another tank in the tray can quickly solve this issue.
Made to last, this camper shell is perfect for full-size trucks. With this camper, you can travel through various environments without much trouble.
Moreover, you can find this camper in various colors, either smooth or ribbed aluminum.
10. Bundutec Wild
The last truck camper on this list, Bundutec Camper, has a rugged wooden frame, one-piece fiberglass, and an aluminum roof.
This Bundutec camper includes a wet bath, an 11-gallon grey water tank, and a 20-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 produces no noise and allows you to use warm water whenever needed.
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 1,630 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 diverse 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 efficiently.
The Lance 825 and Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 offer excellent value for those on a budget because they combine practical features with 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 an outstanding 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 various needs and preferences, ensuring every truck owner can find the perfect shell for their vehicle.
Also, when buying a truck camper shell, remember your truck’s payload rating and the camper’s full-load weight. It can be dangerous if the camper’s full-load weight exceeds your truck’s.
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