ARE CX HD camper shell

Hello everyone, I am here to share with you my experience with owning the camper shell that I recently purchased.

The total price was $3,750.00 and managed to get a generous discount due to the lengthy wait ( 4.5 months !!)

There is currently glass shortages which are lengthening the already long wait times to have these shells made and delivered.

I bought the ARE CX HD camper shell with:

- vented windoors on both sides ( windoors have sliding window at center and also open up like a birds wings in flight)
- carpet insulation
- roof racks ( 550 pound capacity )
- 2 LED light strips with automatic or manual ignition options

The 3 primary reasons why I purchased a camper shell are:

1) I own a sheet metal contracting business and often need to lug around expensive welders, tools, and materials so having the shell with lockable doors allows for protection against the lowest members of society- Thiefs, liars. Also the integrated roof racks maks hauling large ladders and lengthy building materials simple.

2) I enjoy outdoor activities such as off-roading, camping, and road trips, surfing,so having the shell gives a nice shelter and place to store extra gear, goods, etc. I have already slept inside the shell ( I have the six foot bed ) and it was very comfortable and it did not get wet inside thanks to the insulative carpeting on the soffit and side walls. I also have a roof top tent but have not tried it out yet.
It is also really nice to be able to keep a couple surfboards in the back and go check the waves after a busy day taking care of business.

3) I have a German Shepard that sheds so much hair that I can make sweaters for the needy with it all; there is no way that I am going to put her in the cab of my $35,000.00 truck

Well, there you have it, the main reasons I got the shell and why I like it.
At first I was skeptical about getting the shell being that I feared that the limited vertical space now present would impinge on being able to transport building materials and other larger loads but have yet to have any issues with that and I load up some pretty big sheets of metal and tubing.

It is imperative that you get the integrated roof racks for larger loads and gear.

It is imperative that you get the vented windoors for easy access to the items in the middle / back of the bed!!! Or you can opt for the all aluminum panel doors if you do not plan on having dogs back there or sleeping in it.


Another great feature to the CX HD models is the internal aluminum skeleton which you can use to hang things on.

I am, as a metal craftsman, going to design some kind of hooks or brackets to hang larger things up on the frame for expanded cargo space.

Notice in one of the photos how easily my girlfriend stands on the shell without any bending of the top of shell.

Lastly, I will add that I really prefer the appearance of the already gorgeous 3rd gen tacoma's with the shell. Some may disagree but I find that the shell gives the truck a militant look.

Feel free to ask about anything I may have missed or that you want to know.

 

Nice shell, they are so handy, well worth the price and wait.

 

Also makes a good hang out spot at lunchtime or if you need to have some privacy with your lover

 

Good looking set up! Let's see shepherd pictures!

 

very nice. I like the side opening windows

 

Hopefully I didn’t miss this in your write up, but did you do any bed rail prep prior to installing the cap? As in removal of the plastic bed rail caps entirely or applying sealant underneath them and reinstalling them?