Aluminum Camper Shell

Anyone running with a light weight aluminum camper shell or utility cap?

I'll be camping out of my 2012 AC for about 3-4 weeks as we drive across the country in April and am looking for a lightweight shell to provide a bit more shelter for both me and my belongings when not camping in the tent.

I love the fiberglass shells however I'm not keen on spending the $1600-$2000 dollars associated with a brand new Shell when I'll be using it sparingly after this trip.

Any idea on the weight difference between a standard Leer or Snugtop fiberglass shell (135-185 lbs) and an aluminum cap?

Any advice, or pictures would be much appreciated.

Thanks All,

Pete

 

Check Craiglist and ebay for used shells; sellers either let them go cheap or they somehow get the idea that the thing is worth what they paid (avoid those guys). One of the good thing about the aluminum shells is that you can easily mount a roof rack to them that'll support more than most of the fiberglass shells. They're easier to put insulation and paneling in as well. Of course you'll look like an old guy or a contractor....

 

I really dislike fiberglass shells. Aluminum shells are tougher, lighter and cheaper, a win-win-win scenario. Here's my former 2nd gen Tacoma with a Leer aluminum shell that I ordered with tinted glass, sliding front window and a roof rack. It cost $1100.00 new and weighed about 110 lbs. I could take it off by myself but needed assistance to reinstall it, more because of the width than the weight:

At the time I had also shopped fiberglass shells and they were more than double the cost and weight.

Here is my current 2003 Tacoma with an aluminum shell I got from local online classifieds for $100.00, plus another $50.00 for new struts, tape, paint and primer for a color change from silver to white. It weighs 60 lbs. and I can easily remove or install it by myself:


For sleeping in an aluminum shell, I'd strongly recommend a carpeted liner on the inside. Either order it that way or DIY it. It will be MUCH quieter during a rain storm and cut down on condensation. Whatever you get, we're going to need to see some photos...

 

Thanks guys,
The pictures are much appreciated. I will most likely move forward with the aluminum shell as i'll mostly only be using it from time to time. If i were planning on leaving it on the truck indefinitely i'd probably lean more towards the fiberglass for looks but i think aluminum will be a better fit for this purpose both monetarily speaking and weight wise I feel as thought the lighter option will be best as the truck will be packed up for the journey too.

Were you happy with the A.R.E. Product? @DJB1

I'll be sure to post photos!

 

I love the fact this comes with a "roof rack" already.

 

I was happy with it, it was very sturdy.

 

Definitely check out Craigslist. I see the aluminum toppers with ladder racks available for under $300 quite often. If I didn't have the fiberglass one (I can't complain. $50 off of CL), I would go the aluminum route. I also like the toppers that you see on commercial vehicles. They usually have shelves inside the side doors.
Like this:
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/pts/5818011645.html

 

I paid $900 for my Leer Fiberglass Cap new 10 years ago. Paid $1400 new for the same cap new in May for one to fit an F-150. Didn't price one for a Tacoma at the time, but know it would have been less than for a Ford. The cap on the F-150 weighs just over 200 lbs, the one on the Tacoma is about 170lbs. I don't see a huge savings in either weight or price. I've been using caps on my trucks since the 1970's when aluminum was the only choice so I've had several of both. Durability and toughness goes to the fiberglass by a wide margin.

That small difference in weight does make it possible to install or take off with no help. I've done so, but I don't advise it. The risk of a small mis step can lead to scratched paint.

I put mine on and leave them on. But for occasional use, especially if you don't care if the color matches fiberglass caps pop up frequently on the used market. Keep your eyes open. Aluminum will work, but used aluminum caps are just not out there anymore. Almost no one buys them. You'll likely find a used fiberglass for a lot less than special ordering a new aluminum cap. Many car dealerships take caps off trade ins and set them in the back. It doesn't hurt to ask. I found a used fiberglass cap at a Chevy dealership for $200 several years ago that would also fit the Dodge I was driving. The truck was green with silver accents, the cap was silver but I thought it looked pretty good together.

 

on my 2015 tacoma i have a ARE fiberglass shell i love it but never remove it, on my work truck which is a 2012 gmc canyon i have an aluminum shell with roof rack. the thing i do not like about the aluminum shell is when its hot out and the sun is beating down on the aluminum shell it gets very very hot to touch on the inside.
i picked up shell for my tacoma for $400 and $50 for new lock

 

@DJB1 Where did you order your black aluminum shell for your 2nd gen? I just searched the ARE Website and wasn't able to find one to fit. Anyone know if they are still manufacturing them?

I am in SoCal and am now in the market for a used camper shell, the lighter the better for my 2012 AC - color isn't super important however the closer the better.

Any and all insight or knowledge would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

 

Hi @Pjf1119, I just double checked my old paperwork for that black aluminum shell and it is a LEER, not an ARE. I am so sorry if I sent you on a wild goose chase. That shell is called a "LEER Challenger C15 Radius Side Slider." Any Leer dealer should be able to order one for you.

 

@DJB1 Perfect, thanks my friend! No wild goose chase at all, there's a dealer not far from me. I don't think they advertise these ones as heavily but i feel this is exactly what i am looking for.

Thanks again I'll keep you posted.

 

They don't advertise them or stock them. Mine had to be built to order but it still only took a few weeks, even with the dealer making a mistake and ordering for a Tundra the first time around. Which reminds me, the part number for Tundras is only one letter different than the part number for Tacomas so make sure they get it right the first time.

 

Sounds great,
Thanks very much, I will certainly make sure to emphasize that when I speak with the dealer.

Thanks very much for the insight, trying to do this all on a budget but researching as best I can.

 

Just got off the phone with my local Leer dealer who stated they don't make aluminum caps for Tacomas. Kind of unfortunate so I may have to drive there to better explain what I am looking for (language barrier) However there are a large amount of cap dealers in this area so perhaps a few more phone calls with find me one - SoCal craigslist has been pretty stagnant lately in this area. May have to just go used Fiberglass.

If anyone knows anyone selling an aluminum CabHi shell in the San Diego area please let me know!

Thanks all,

 

Bumping for myself!

 

Went with the Lifetime Super Sport Camper Shell - durable, light weight and plenty of headroom for camping.

 

Nice to see something a little different. I dig it! Easy on/off is a big plus.

 

I scoured Google Images and TW and didn't find too much. I agree, aluminum has its benifits. I was in a toss up with my 1st Gen: Get a new shell or get a new truck and a new shell. I went with the latter

 

Check out the Torrance Shell center. You should be able to find something decent there. I picked up my shell for $1,000 "installed". I've still got to wire the 3rd brake light. I got the shell a week after the truck, installed an awning, tinted the windows, outfitted the locking tool box on the left side, and added a rear view camera to the top rear cross bar. Wiring up a second battery (badass thread out there), installing security screens, carpeting the inside, and building a sleeping platform soon!