Shell / Canopy Camper
A lightweight topper or cap that covers the truck bed, creating an enclosed sleeping and storage space. Shell campers are the lightest and most affordable truck camper option, typically weighing 300-800 lbs. They don't have built-in kitchens or bathrooms (though many owners add portable setups), but they preserve nearly all of your truck's payload and driving dynamics. Popular with overlanders and minimalist campers.
Related Terms
A low-profile truck camper with an aerodynamic shape that angles from a taller rear wall down toward the cab.
Camping without any hookups — no shore power, no water, no sewer connections.
The 1500-series pickup truck class — Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan.
Self-reliant, vehicle-based travel where the journey is the destination.