Skeleton Rack vs Camper Shell

[fyrmanswanny]

Forgive me if this is a repeat topic. I went back several months in the threads and did not see anything like this addressed.

I have a 2019 Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 Quad Cab with the Short bed. Going to build it out for Overlanding. Anyone out there used both a skeleton rack and camper shell for overlanding. Which did you like better and why? I have an idea as to the Pros and Cons of each. Skeleton rack is cheaper, lighter more tie down options, easier access to some mounted equipment. Camper shell is more secure, keep equipment dryer, less dusty, have a little more bed cargo capacity. I'm sure there are more of each but that is the general idea. If anyone can che in with their opinion and or experience with either of these options I would appreciate it.

 

[MMc]

I have both. I have a rack that fits around my shell. It looks like a contractors rack that sits over the shell. Mine is custom super long 12 1/2 ft with 5 cross members, the 10' long 6" EMT tube holder for long skinny stuff adds to the look. I carry a kayak, surfboards, fuels, on the rack. I also bungie a 10" X 12" trap to it. I drive a RAM 2500 long bed 4 door cab. Space isn't a issue, Crawling isn't my program, nothing bigger than knee high.

 

[fyrmanswanny]

I have both. I have a rack that fits around my shell. It looks like a contractors rack that sits over the shell. Mine is custom super long 12 1/2 ft with 5 cross members, the 10' long 6" EMT tube holder for long skinny stuff adds to the look. I carry a kayak, surfboards, fuels, on the rack. I also bungie a 10" X 12" trap to it. I drive a RAM 2500 long bed 4 door cab. Space isn't a issue, Crawling isn't my program, nothing bigger than knee high.

Not sure going with both would be something I want to do. I won't exactly be rock crawling either but would like to keep the profile down for some of the narrowed trails I know I will end up on based on where I intend to camp, fish and hunt. Appreciate the input tho. Do you have a picture of your set up? Interested in what it looks like.

 

[MMc]

Here you go! The tube sits on the drivers side, I just added it.I am far more interested in function over appearance,

 

[grubworm]

the wife and i have tried several options and eventually liked this one. we have a camper shell with a decked drawer set up that we sleep on and have the long pullout drawers for a good bit of storage. we have a cargo basket on top for extra totes and an 11 pound propane tank. we also went with a swing out cargo basket for the rear hitch. as you can see in the pic, we have our cooler on the swing out and then we just swing it out to access the rear and it works great. for cooking, i set up on the tailgate and have the cooler right there next to me. really nothing to set up or take down. i can break camp and be on the road in under 5 minutes.

i also have a 50w panel on top that is permanent and it charges a 35ah battery dedicated for lights, pump, etc in the shell.

when were not traveling, i take out the mattress and i have the pull out drawers for tool storage and plenty of dry space in back for groceries and stuff. i'm retired, but still work and do stuff and the camper shell is nice because i have all that covered and protected bed area for tools and stuff and i dont have to worry about theft or exposure to rain, etc its just a great setup for me overall

 

[Pretzel]

I wrestled with this decision a couple years ago. Ultimately I decided the camper shell with load bars on top was the way to go for our needs. I learned their weight rating was far less than I expected but since having them I realized just how little I use them.

The racks look amazing and have decent utility but unless you're using them frequently I don't see the benefits out weighing the usefulness of a camper shell. I keep moving blankets, a box of tiedowns/tools and frequently have miscellaneous stuff in my truck bed that I can leave back there without worry of getting rained on or lifted by sticky fingers. I made a drop-in padded/insulated floor that we can also sleep on if we want to keep our camp fast and light by not setting up tent. If tie-down locations are a fetish for you, there's a company that makes grid panels that bolt onto the inside walls of truck beds. They look really cool and can support the sort of things you would brace on an external rack.

If I had a quad or dirtbikes that would obviously impact the decision, but I have a trailer I could load them up on also.

 

[CMac]

Here you go! The tube sits on the drivers side, I just added it.I am far more interested in function over appearance,
View attachment 230155View attachment 230157

Where was that beach pic taken? I wanna go there and surf the fins off my board.

 

[MMc]

Where was that beach pic taken? I wanna go there and surf the fins off my board.

It's In Baja, very good right point. The rule in Baja is never name a surf spot on the internet.

 

[CMac]

It's In Baja, very good right point. The rule in Baja is never name a surf spot on the internet.

Ya, I know that rule....after a few years in San Diego and road trips down toward Ensenada.