How to remove a camper shell?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to remove a camper shell?” We will discuss the steps for removing a camper shell and also discuss the technique for how to remove a camper shell alone. Additionally, we will list out a couple of camper shell storage options to keep the shell safe.

How to remove a camper shell?

By following a few steps you can successfully remove a camper shell. Removing a camper shell is an easy process but you might need a couple of people to help you. Most of these camper shells are made up of fiberglass and can be removed when necessary. Despite the easy technique to remove a camper shell, it is best to seek help from a professional.

Some of the camper shells can be a bit heavy to handle alone. The typical weight of a camper shell can be 170 to 200 pounds. The longer the bed, the heavier the shell. Lighter camper shells are also said to have better fuel economy. Truck camper shells are mostly removable. Below are the steps to follow while removing a camper shell.

Steps to remove a camper shell

While the steps to removing a camper shell might be easy, you will still need to have some equipment to smoothen the process. Always remember that the camper shell is heavy and it can be impossible for one person to lift it alone. You will also need a couple of racks to place the camper shell once removed. Unless you want to keep it down on the ground.

It is advised to have two or three people while removing the camper shell. It can be hard to carry the entire camper shell alone. Remember to wear a pair of gloves and take safety measures while removing the camper shell. Do not hesitate to contact a professional to get the job done if you find it difficult to do so.

Disconnect the wiring

• You will need to open the rear cap window and the tailgate of the truck. 
• The next thing to do is disconnect the wire connections to the third brake light. 
• In some cases, there will be a wire connection to the doom light, be sure to remove it if applicable. 
• Most of the connections will be in a plug form and you will be able to remove them with ease.

Marking the inside

You will need a pair of wire cutters to cut the wires if there is no plug. Marking the inside of the bed rail truck is also important to cap the joints in various locations. This can be done with the help of a marker in case you plan on replacing the cap. It will also be helpful when reinstalling the cap later on.

Removing the clamps

• The next step is to remove the clamps at each corner of the truck. 
• Locate the clamps that are used to hold the camper shell to the trailer. 
• Once these clamps are removed you are already done with the process. 
• It is not too hard to remove a camper shell, but the biggest challenge is taking it off the vehicle. 
• You will need to lift the camper shell off the bed rails of the truck.

How to remove a camper shell alone?

To remove a camper shell alone, you will need to follow the same instructions listed above. This is where the racks come in place. Racks are nothing but a pair of sawhorses placed at the same height as the pickup slides. With a pair of racks, you will be able to remove the shell of the camper alone. 

• With the tailgate up, you will need to crouch below in the bed of the truck and slowly lift the camper shell off the rails. When lifting the camper shell be sure to lift the part that is towards the front of the truck. 
• Lift the camper shell at the front and let it slant towards the back by providing support with a wooden stick. Make sure it is nice and sturdy. 
• You will need a pair of two-by-four cross braces. This can also be two long wooden reapers.
• Slide the first cross brace at the elevated part of the camper shell. The camper shell should not be touching the cross brace. 
• Once this is done, bring in the sawhorses on either side. Place the cross brace on the sawhorses and drop the camper shell slowly. The rack should now hold all the weight of the front of the camper shell.
• The second step is to lift the back of the camper shell by using the same technique. You will need to place the support at the back this time. 
• The camper shell should now be resting towards the front with the back part elevated. 
• Slide in the second brace on the sawhorses and then remove the support that is holding the back of the camper shell.
• Now you will be able to see that the rack is fully supporting the weight of the camper shell. The rack will be completely off of the vehicle and only resting on the seahorses. 
• The final step is to slowly drive forward with the vehicle and the rack will be holding the camper shell. Before setting up the rack on the side of the camper shell make sure there is enough clearance for the vehicle.

With just a few materials and a couple of seahorses or racks, you can easily remove a camper shell from a vehicle. It is not too hard to remove a camper shell alone, but make sure that the racks are a couple of inches higher where the camper shell meets the truck bed. That said, you can easily remove a camper shell on your own with this technique.

Camper shell storage options

You will also need a proper space to store the camper shell. You only remove a camper shell when you are not going to use it for a long time. Hence, it is good to have a proper place to store it. A camper shell is huge and it cannot be stored anywhere and everywhere. Most people use the garage to store their camp shell, but you will also need a stand to keep it on top.

Storage Racks 

Camper shell storage options are common and there are many ways to store your camper shell safely. The easiest way is to construct a wooden truck topper storage rack cart. There are places where you could purchase this product. Truck topper storage racks are made up of wood and screws and some have a steel sheet covering on the top.

Truck topper storage kit

It is good to invest in a truck topper storage kit, but the better way is to make it on your own. Making a truck camper storage rack is not too difficult. You will need around 16 to 18 reapers of wood to get this constructed. Just be sure to build the storage rack at least three feet higher from the ground. Another option and the easy way out is to use the seahorse itself to store the camper shell.

Removing a camper shell is not too difficult after all and it can be done alone with the right equipment. A camper shell can typically be removed in three to four hours or even a shorter period. If you do not have the manpower or the materials, some professionals can get the job done with ease.

Likewise, you will need to replace the camper shell on the truck when required. Replacing the camper shell can be done by using the same technique. However, you will need more time, and be sure to get the connections in the right place. Fixing a camper shell might be a little tricky or harder than removing it.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to remove a camper shell?” We have discussed the steps for removing a camper shell and also discussed the technique on how to remove a camper shell alone. Additionally, we have listed a couple of camper shell storage options to keep the shell safe.

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