Fixing Up Your Car

Truck bed shells are an excellent way to cover the cargo area of your pickup truck, adding security, weather protection, and protecting the interior of the bed from damage. Truck shells are not all the same, though, so it is vital that you get the right shell for your truck and your needs to ensure it will do the job you need it to. 

Body Styles

When considering truck bed shells for your truck, it is essential that you get the one that fits the bed on your make and model of truck. Not every truck bed is the same size, and the style options can affect how truck shells fit on the truck. A standard fleetside bed may look the same on several truck models, but the length and width can vary between the models and the brands. 

If you have a step-side bed, the width of the bed is significantly narrower than a standard bed, and they are also often very short. Because of the differences, manufacturers of truck shells often make one model for each truck bed size and style, so it is critical to check the dimensions before making your purchase.

Shell Materials

Another significant difference you may find between truck shells is the material they are made from. Truck shells can be aluminum or fiberglass, and each offers different advantages. 

The fiberglass truck shells are some of the most commonly available for modern trucks and are a good option for anyone looking for strength and security with good looks. Most manufacturers offer fiberglass shells molded in factory colors to match your truck and look great. These shells are also very strong and offer many variations so that you can choose one with the right design for your needs. 

Aluminum truck shells are among one of the oldest designs, but they are strong and light, so they are often still used by contractors or companies that have commercially used pickup trucks. The aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant and will last for years in the weather without paint, but if you want the shell to match the truck, you can have it painted. Aluminum truck shells work well for owners that want to add ladder or cargo racks to the top of the shell and can be painted or left bare.

Mounting Systems

Most modern truck shells are installed using aluminum mounting clamps designed to fit on the truck's bed rail and the rail on the inside of the shell. The clamps are easily installed, and when tightened down evenly, they will securely hold the shell in place without scratching or damaging the truck or the shell. 

The shell clamps require a socket or wrench to install or remove, so theft of the shell would take some pre-planning, and if the rear access door is secured, the thief would not be able to access the clamps. 

Keep these tips in mind when looking for truck shells near you.