How to Mount an F-150 Camper Shell

Having a camper shell on top of a pickup truck bed provides for dry storage, and can also serve as a shelter for camping in cold or wet weather. Truck owners who take extended road or camping trips often use the camper shell as a means to store gear or to bed down for the night where campsites aren't available. Mount a camper shell to your Ford F-150 in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of the bed using a tape measure. When measuring the length of the bed, measure from the cab to the tailgate seam. When measuring the width, measure from the outer edges of the bed. Measure again from the truck bed to the top of the cab to get the height.

    • 2

      Order a camper shell for your F-150 corresponding to your measurements. Note that most camper shell manufacturers make camper shells to suit specific models.

    • 3

      Remove the tailgate. Clean the side rails of the bed thoroughly. Ensure no dirt or debris is present.

    • 4

      Apply the adhesive strip and weather strip (if applicable) to the bedside rails. Note that some camper shells use a rubber gasket or foam weather strip, other models do not have this feature. Consult your camper shell manufacturer's instructions for details.

    • 5

      Gather a few friends together to help lift the camper shell on top of the truck bed. Set the camper shell on top of the truck bed. Ensure that the camper shell is positioned evenly on both sides. Check to ensure that the front of the camper shell (the side closest to the cab) is in spaced apart from the cab, in line with the beginning of the truck bed.

    • 6

      Clamp the inside of the camper shell to the truck side rails using the proper bracket system. As all camper shell models vary, this could include using metal C-clamps, nylon buckle straps or bolts. Re-attach the tailgate.

    • 7

      Apply provided weather stripping to the top edge of the tailgate (if applicable). Secure the rear window (camper shell door) to the camper shell. Close the tailgate. Open and close the door to ensure proper operation.