GMC Sierra Camper Shell | A.R.E. Truck Caps
Our CX Series camper shell transforms your GMC Sierra bed into a fully enclosed, secure cargo area. This model fits Sierra 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD trucks with 5'8", 6'6", or 8' beds, delivering year-round protection against weather, theft, and road debris.
The CX shell features our signature one-piece reinforced fiberglass construction with integrated roof rails and flush-mounted LED lighting. We designed it to match your truck's factory contours while adding 200+ pounds of secure storage capacity. Every shell includes our lifetime structural warranty and comes pre-wired for interior work lights.
What you're getting with this shell
Fiberglass Construction & Finish Options
We build every gmc sierra camper shell from a single piece of hand-laid fiberglass composite. This eliminates seams where water and dust infiltrate cheaper multi-panel designs. Our UV-resistant gelcoat finish bonds directly to the fiberglass during molding, so the color won’t fade or separate like painted aluminum caps.
The shell arrives ready for OEM paint-matching at our nationwide dealer network. We stock templates for all Sierra factory colors from 2014 forward, including Onyx Black, Summit White, and Quicksilver Metallic. The fiberglass accepts PPG or DuPont automotive basecoat/clearcoat systems without additional primer preparation.
Bed Length Compatibility & Installation
The CX Series fits GMC Sierra trucks in three bed configurations: 5’8″ short bed (69″ interior length), 6’6″ standard bed (78.7″ interior), and 8′ long bed (96″ interior). We engineer each size to match the Sierra’s stamped bed rails and stake pocket positions exactly.
Installation takes 45-60 minutes at any A.R.E. dealer. Our mounting system clamps to the bed rails with adjustable stainless steel C-channels—no drilling into your truck bed. The front bulkhead sits flush against the cab with a closed-cell foam seal that blocks wind noise and water intrusion. We include all hardware and a detailed torque specification sheet with every shell.
Locking Systems & Security Features
The rear door uses a three-point rotary latch that engages the shell frame at the top and both bottom corners. This distributes closing force across the entire door perimeter and prevents pry-bar attacks at a single point. The lock cylinder keys to your truck’s factory ignition key when we know the key code during order.
We seal the door opening with EPDM rubber weatherstripping compressed against an aluminum strike plate. This creates a continuous barrier against dust, rain, and highway spray. The stripping stays flexible in temperatures from -40°F to 140°F without cracking.
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Common Questions About GMC Sierra Camper Shells
The CX Series shell fits GMC Sierra 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD trucks from 2014 through 2024 model years. We manufacture separate molds for each generation to match the bed rail contours exactly.
You'll need to provide your truck's year, model, cab configuration (regular/double/crew), and bed length when ordering. Sierra bed dimensions changed slightly between 2014-2018 and 2019-2024 generations, so the shell must match your specific generation. Our dealers can confirm fitment with your VIN number during the quote process.
The CX Series shell weighs between 180-220 pounds depending on bed length. A 6'6" standard bed shell weighs approximately 195 pounds installed.
This weight counts against your Sierra's total payload capacity. For reference, a 2023 Sierra 1500 crew cab has a payload capacity of 1,740-2,280 pounds depending on engine and options. The shell uses roughly 10-12% of that capacity. We recommend weighing your typical cargo load to ensure you stay within payload limits after adding the shell.
We strongly recommend professional installation at an authorized A.R.E. dealer. The shell weighs 180-220 pounds and requires precise alignment to the bed rails and cab. Improper installation can damage the weatherstripping or create stress points in the fiberglass.
Installation takes 45-60 minutes with two people and specialized clamping tools. The dealer will torque all mounting hardware to specification and verify the door seals properly before you leave. Most dealers include installation in the shell purchase price. DIY installation voids certain warranty coverage.
Every CX Series shell includes the fiberglass shell body, all stainless steel mounting hardware, front bulkhead foam seal, door weatherstripping, three-point locking rear door, front sliding window with screen, tinted side windows with screens, two LED light assemblies, wiring harness with relay, and detailed installation instructions.
You'll also receive a lifetime structural warranty card and care manual. Optional accessories like roof racks, ladder systems, carpet kits, and upgraded locking systems are available at additional cost during order.
The shell ships in white gelcoat finish. Your A.R.E. dealer will send the shell to a professional paint shop that specializes in OEM color matching. The painter uses your truck's paint code to mix the exact color.
Paint matching typically adds 5-7 business days to delivery and costs $500-$800 depending on color complexity and your local market. Tri-coat colors like Quicksilver Metallic require additional process steps. Some dealers include paint matching in package pricing. The painted finish is indistinguishable from your truck's factory paint.
Our CX shell uses EPDM rubber weatherstripping compressed against aluminum strike plates to create a watertight seal. The one-piece fiberglass construction eliminates panel seams where most leaks occur in aluminum shells.
Proper installation is critical for leak prevention. The dealer must align the shell correctly to the bed rails and torque the clamps evenly. The door weatherstripping should compress 30-40% when closed. We've tested the seal system in 80 mph rain simulations without any water intrusion. If you experience leaks, contact your dealer for seal adjustment under warranty.
The CX shell is fully removable without tools beyond a socket wrench. The clamp system attaches to your bed rails with eight bolts that you can loosen and remove in 20-30 minutes. We designed it for easy on/off if you want an open bed during summer.
The shell weighs 180-220 pounds, so you'll need two people to lift it off the truck safely. Store it on padded sawhorses or a dedicated shell rack to prevent stress on the fiberglass. The mounting clamps stay on the truck bed rails—simply lift the shell back on and retighten the bolts for reinstallation.