Pickup trucks are extremely versatile, and many accessories can expand the way you use your truck. Truck bed shells offer a way to cover the truck's bed and still allow you to carry cargo while protecting the things you have in the bed. 

Truck Bed Shells

Truck bed shells are made from several different materials and in many different styles. The most common shells are made from aluminum or fiberglass, the latter of which is dominant in most markets. 

Fiberglass truck bed shells are lightweight and durable and come in many different styles. Most of the fiberglass shells on the market are gel coated on the outside with colors that match most factory paint colors, so finding one that will look good on your truck is often not too difficult. The shells may have lights inside, a third taillight on the outside, windows that open and have screens, and many other options, depending on your needs.

Aluminum truck bed shells may not offer as many color options. Still, the cost is often lower on them. They usually come in more utilitarian styles, with side panels that open to access the bed, and some even have accessible toolboxes inside. 

Buying A Truck Shell

Before you choose a design for your truck, it is a good idea to go check out the options at a dealer that sells truck bed shells. The dealer can show you many different shells and go over the options for your truck with you. Take your truck to the dealer so they can verify the make, model, and bed size because there are some variations in truck beds in some models, depending on trim and option packages that came on the truck when it was new.

If you find a truck bed shell that you like, but you want different features on it, you can have the dealer order one for you. Ordering the cover can take a few days to a few weeks to get. Talk with the dealer about the wait time on custom truck bed shells to decide if you want to wait or find one with the essential features you need. 

If the dealer does not have the shell that you want in stock, they may be able to call a few other dealers to locate one and have it transferred faster than ordering a new one from the manufacturer. If you need the truck bed shell right away, this may be one option to consider.