The Truck Camper Hybrid shell system is the union of the fiberglass truck cap to the slide-in truck camper. Fiberglass truck caps are known for being lightweight, inexpensive, and aerodynamic. However they present some challenges for camping, especially for families with children. Slide-in truck campers have been the go to for camping but they come at a cost. Not only are they expensive, they are heavy as well and often require a more expensive heavy duty truck. Many of the hard sided options decrease fuel efficiency and are not fun to drive in cross winds or off-road. Most slide-in truck campers are designed for 2 adults and a child leading many bigger families towards towable trailers or large drivable RVs.
Updates
9/13/2022- The patent behind the Truck Camper Hybrid is issued! US 11,440,387.
3/13/2023- We have engineered a wooden frame kit version of the Truck Camper Hybrid geared towards the makers/DIY market. We are in the process of finding a contract manufacturer for cutting the parts but will let you know the price/availability as soon as we get that figured out. Check out the sneak peek video below of how easy it will be to put this together.
The concept video below shows how the shell system can be expanded over the lowered tailgate, but keep in mind that this is more than just an expansion of space. The slide out over the tailgate is providing structural support from the bed of the truck to the outer grey shell so it can be wider and taller with straighter walls. All very important features for a truck camper. The video features a Ford Raptor with a 5.5 foot bed. This system will work for any truck bed length or width. This system still makes sense for a truck with an 8 foot bed which I currently own. Every bit of space in a truck camper counts, especially when you have a family of (now 8!) like myself.