Curious about camper shells and their gas mileage benefits? Here’s what you need to know!
Adding a camper shell to your vehicle is an easy way to improve your gas mileage.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a camper shell can improve fuel economy by up to 10%. That’s because the extra weight on top of your car makes it more difficult for the engine to work so it has to use more fuel to move the car.
Additionally, a camper shell can keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer reducing the need for air conditioning or heat. If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your fuel costs, adding a camper shell is worth considering!
What is a camper shell and what are its benefits?
A camper shell is a type of cover or “topper” that can be added to the bed of a pickup truck. It typically has four sides and a front and rear door and is used to provide extra protection and storage for camping gear, sports equipment or other belongings.
Benefits of using a camper shell
There are many benefits of adding a camper shell to your vehicle:
1. Improved gas mileage: As mentioned above, a camper shell can improve your fuel economy by up to 10%.
2. Protection from the elements: A camper shell will protect your belongings from rain, snow and dirt when you’re on the road.
3. Extra storage: A camper shell provides extra storage space for camping gear, sports equipment or other belongings.
4. Better climate control: A camper shell can keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning or heat.
Drawbacks of using a camper shell
There are a few potential drawbacks to using a camper shell including:
1. Increased weight: The extra weight of a camper shell can negatively impact your gas mileage by adding to the overall weight of your vehicle.
2. Decreased visibility: Camper shells can also make it more difficult to see out of your vehicle, which can be dangerous in certain situations.
3. Less protection in a crash: Camper shells also offer less protection than a traditional vehicle in the event of a crash or accident.
4. Increased wind noise: The added wind resistance of a camper shell can also create more noise while you’re driving, which can be annoying for some people.
5. Added cost: Camper shells can also be more expensive than other types of aftermarket car accessories.
Despite these potential drawbacks camper shells offer several benefits that outweigh the negatives for many people.
How does a camper shell improve gas mileage and what are the specific benefits of doing so?
As mentioned above, a camper shell can improve your gas mileage by up to 10% because it adds extra weight to the car which makes it more difficult for the engine to work. These factors combined can have a significant impact on your fuel costs over time.
Some other benefits of adding a camper shell:
1. Reduced drag: A camper shell can help reduce drag on your vehicle making it more aerodynamic and improving fuel efficiency.
2. Increased stability: The extra weight of a camper shell can also help improve stability making it easier to drive on windy days or in other adverse conditions.
3. Protection from the elements: A camper shell will also protect your belongings from rain, snow and dirt when you’re on the road.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on fuel costs and improve your gas mileage, adding a camper shell is worth considering!
5 Major Types of Camper Shells
There are a variety of different types of camper shells available on the market today ranging from simple and functional to luxurious and feature-packed. Some of the most popular types of camper shells include:
1. Hard-sided: Hard-sided camper shells are typically made from fiberglass or aluminum and offer the most protection from the elements. They are also the most expensive type of camper shell.
2. Soft-sided: Soft-sided camper shells are usually made from canvas or vinyl and are less expensive than hard-sided shells. They offer moderate protection from the elements but are not as durable as hard-sided shells.
3. Pop-up: Pop-up camper shells are a hybrid of hard-sided and soft-sided shells, offering the best of both worlds in terms of protection and price. They are typically made from fiberglass or aluminum and have canvas or vinyl walls that can be raised or lowered as needed.
4. Truck bed tents: Truck bed tents are a less expensive alternative to camper shells that offer many of the same benefits. They are typically made from canvas or nylon and can be set up and taken down as needed.
5. Slide-in campers: Slide-in campers are a type of RV that can be added to the bed of a pickup truck. They are typically made from fiberglass or aluminum and offer many of the same features and benefits as a camper shell.
When deciding which type of camper shell is right for you it’s important to consider your budget, needs and preferences. If you plan on using your camper shell for extended periods or in extreme weather conditions, a hard-sided shell is probably the best option.
If you’re looking for something less expensive or more versatile, a soft-sided or pop-up camper shell might be a better choice.
And if you’re just looking for a simple way to add extra storage or protection to your truck bed, a truck bed tent might be the perfect solution.
How much does a camper shell cost and where can you buy one?
Camper shells typically range in price from $500 to $2000, depending on the size, style and features. You can purchase camper shells from a variety of different retailers including auto parts stores, RV dealerships and online retailers.
When shopping for a camper shell, it’s important to compare prices and features to find the best deal. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and durability of different brands and models.
FAQs – Does a topper improve gas mileage?
How can I make my RV pull better gas mileage?
There are many ways to improve your RV’s gas mileage, including:
- Using a lighter-weight camper shell
- Adding aerodynamic features to your RV
- Switching to low-rolling resistance tires
- Keeping your RV well-maintained
- Planning your route ahead of time to avoid hills and mountains
Does a truck topper improve gas mileage while towing?
A truck topper can improve your gas mileage while towing by reducing wind resistance and improving aerodynamics.
It is important to note that a truck topper will add weight to your vehicle, which may slightly decrease your gas mileage.
How much does a camper shell weigh?
A camper shell typically weighs between 100 and 200 pounds. The weight will vary depending on the size and style of the shell.
Wrap Up
So, what have we learned? Camper shells improve gas mileage by a significant amount. Not only does this mean that you can save money on your fuel costs but it also means that you’re doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your camper more environmentally friendly, adding a camper shell is the way to go!