Understanding Vehicle Maintenance

Entertainment can be hard to come by, especially if you're trying to remain safe and socially distant. Fortunately, camping is always a great option. Getting out into the great outdoors can be a fun and rewarding way to pass the time. While there are plenty of ways to enjoy a camping adventure, truck owners have one excellent option: camper shells.

Truck shells serve many purposes, including more practical ones such as cargo protection. When it comes to camping, however, they can perform double-duty as both shelter and storage space. Picking the right shell can make all the difference for any camping trip, so here are three tips to help you choose one for your needs.

1. Choose the Right Material

Modern shell manufacturers typically use two materials: aluminum and fiberglass. Aluminum tends to be cheaper, but it may not be the right fit if you plan to use it for shelter. Thin aluminum walls provide little insulation and can be noisy in the rain. Additionally, aluminum may leak near the seams.

While aluminum shells are useful for many purposes, fiberglass is often the better choice for camping. Fiberglass shells offer superior thermal insulation and soundproofing, as well as a lower likelihood of springing leaks. Since man manufacturers custom-build fiberglass shells to fit specific truck models, they offer a tight, leakproof fit against your truck's cab and bed.

2. Pay Attention to Headroom

Truck shells come in many shapes and sizes, from tall and ungainly to low and sleek. Contractors who only need to protect their gear typically choose lower, commercial-style toppers, but camping requires different considerations. Shells that line up with the roof of your cab may feel tight and claustrophobic, even if you only intend to sleep in them.

However, tall shells have other properties to be aware of as well. The more your shell protrudes above the cab, the greater its impact on your truck's aerodynamics. As a result, tall toppers may impact your fuel economy. The best way to select the right size is to consider your usage. If you're spending a lot of time in the shell, then a taller option may be worth the trade-offs.

3. Consider Visibility

Finally, don't ignore how a camper shell can impact your visibility on the road. A cap without windows may offer better insulating qualities, but it may limit your rearward visibility from inside the cab. This impact can be particularly crucial to keep in mind if you do a lot of off-roading, where it's imperative to maintain a good awareness of your surroundings.

Ultimately, camping in your truck is a unique and personal experience without any one-size-fits-all answers. Keep these tips in mind, but remember to choose a camping shell that fits your particular needs and expectations. Contact a company that provides truck shells for more information.