Chevy Silverado Truck Cap – Premium Camper Shells for Full-Size Pickups

★★★★★4.8/5· thousands of reviews

We built the CX Classic specifically for Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 owners who need reliable weather protection and secure cargo storage. This model uses a custom mold for each Silverado generation, ensuring factory-flush fitment along the bed rails and tailgate.

The CX combines commercial-grade fiberglass construction with OEM-style painted finish options that match your truck’s factory color code. Three side windows and a sliding front window provide ventilation and visibility, while dual gas struts make opening the rear door effortless even when fully loaded.

  • Custom-molded for Silverado bed lengths: 5’8″, 6’6″, and 8′ models
  • Full perimeter weather seal with bulb gasket technology
  • Carpeted headliner and LED dome light pre-wired
  • Dual compression latches with keyed cylinder locks
  • Painted gelcoat finish in OEM color match or standard white/black
Custom-molded for Silverado bed lengths: 5’8″, 6’6″, and 8′ modelsFull perimeter weather seal with bulb gasket technologyCarpeted headliner and LED dome light pre-wiredDual compression latches with keyed cylinder locksPainted gelcoat finish in OEM color match or standard white/black
Build quality
Everyday use
Value
Durability
Style

Why Silverado Owners Choose Custom-Fit Camper Shells

Why Silverado Owners Choose Custom-Fit Camper Shells

Your Silverado’s bed dimensions change between the 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD platforms — and even within model years, rail heights and stake pocket placement vary. We mold every chevy silverado camper shell to match your specific generation and trim, using CAD-scanned bed profiles from GM’s own production tooling.

Generic universal-fit caps leave gaps along the bed rails that let dust, rain, and road spray seep into your cargo area. Our rail clamps compress a continuous bulb gasket around the entire bed perimeter, creating a weatherproof seal that holds up through highway speeds and car washes. The front bulkhead sits flush against your cab, eliminating the wind whistle you hear with poorly fitted alternatives.


Fiberglass Construction and Paint Process

Fiberglass Construction and Paint Process

We hand-lay each shell using marine-grade fiberglass matting and polyester resin, building up thickness in stress zones like the rear door frame and roof rack mount points. This layup process creates a structural panel that resists flex and maintains its shape under load — critical when you’re mounting roof racks or driving on rough terrain.

Gelcoat Finish and Color Matching

Our paint shop applies gelcoat in your Silverado’s factory color using GM paint codes. Common matches include Summit White, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, and Cajun Red Tintcoat. We spray gelcoat into the mold before layup, so the color is embedded in the fiberglass rather than applied as a topcoat that can chip or peel.


Window Configuration and Ventilation

Window Configuration and Ventilation

The CX Classic includes three side windows and a front slider as standard equipment. All glass is DOT-approved automotive safety glass with factory tint, matching the privacy level of your Silverado’s rear cab glass.

The front slider opens 12 inches, pulling fresh air through the cap while you drive. This cross-ventilation prevents moisture buildup and keeps the interior comfortable when you’re using the cap as a sleeping platform or mobile workshop. Screens clip into the window tracks to keep bugs out during camping trips.


Other Full-Size Truck Caps We Build

ARE CX Classic Ram 1500 Truck Cap
ARE CX Classic Ram 1500 Truck Cap
Custom-fit fiberglass cap for Ram 1500 with OEM color matching and weatherproof rail seal
View Ram Cap Details →
ARE CX Classic F-150 Truck Cap
ARE CX Classic F-150 Truck Cap
Hand-laid fiberglass cap molded for Ford F-150 bed dimensions with LED lighting and dual gas struts
See F-150 Options →
ARE Z-Series Commercial Silverado Cap
ARE Z-Series Commercial Silverado Cap
Heavy-duty aluminum-framed cap with bulkhead window and reinforced rear door for contractors
Explore Z-Series Specs →
ARE MX-Series Silverado Cap with Side Doors
ARE MX-Series Silverado Cap with Side Doors
Premium cap with dual side access doors and full walk-in height for tradespeople
Learn About MX-Series →
ARE DCU Silverado Work Cap
ARE DCU Silverado Work Cap
Streamlined commercial cap with ladder rack integration and tool bin compatibility
View DCU Features →
ARE Overland Silverado Adventure Cap
ARE Overland Silverado Adventure Cap
Expedition-ready cap with roof rack system, auxiliary lighting mounts, and MaxxAir vent prep
Check Overland Build →

What people are saying

4.8
★★★★★
Based on verified reviews
M
Mike T.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Perfect fit on my 2019 2500HD
I measured twice and ordered the 6’6″ model for my Crew Cab. The rail clamps lined up exactly with the stake pockets, and the front bulkhead sits completely flush against the cab. No wind noise at 75 mph on the highway. The Summit White paint match is spot-on — you can’t tell where the truck ends and the cap begins.
J
Jennifer K.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Great for camping and jobsite storage
I use this cap for weekend camping trips and to secure tools during the week. The gas struts make it easy to open even when I’ve got a bed full of gear. The carpet headliner keeps condensation from dripping on my sleeping bag in cold weather, and the dome light is bright enough to find things at night.
C
Carlos R.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Install took 30 minutes by myself
The instructions were clear, and I had it mounted solo in half an hour. The clamps have enough adjustment to compensate for minor bed rail variations. I added a Yakima roof rack the next day using the pre-drilled mounting points — no measuring or guessing required.
D
David M.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Holds up to New England winters
I’ve had this cap on my 2020 Silverado for two winters now. No leaks around the windows or door seal, even during heavy snow and freezing rain. The keyed locks work smoothly in cold weather, and the fiberglass hasn’t cracked despite ice buildup on the roof.
A
Amanda S.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Better quality than the previous brand I tried
My old cap from another manufacturer started leaking within a year. This ARE cap has a thicker fiberglass layup and a much better seal around the bed rails. The paint finish also seems more durable — my last cap’s gelcoat was already fading after 18 months in the Arizona sun.
B
Brian L.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Worth every penny for the custom fit
I looked at cheaper universal-fit options, but I’m glad I spent the extra money on a cap molded specifically for the Silverado. The gaps and rattles I dealt with on my previous truck are completely gone. Everything about this cap feels like an OEM-quality part.

Common Questions About Silverado Camper Shells

Yes, the CX Classic works with most spray-in liners including LineX, Rhino Linings, and Herculiner. The rail clamps adjust to accommodate the additional thickness — typically 1/8″ to 1/4″ per side. Before ordering, measure your bed width at the top of the rails after the liner is installed to confirm fitment.

If you’re planning to add a bed liner after installing the cap, we recommend removing the cap first. Most spray-in liner applicators need access to the full bed rail surface for proper adhesion.

Measure from the inside of the cab bulkhead to the inside of the closed tailgate. The three standard sizes are 5’8″ (69.3″ measured), 6’6″ (78.7″ measured), and 8′ (97.6″ measured). Don’t rely on trim names like ‘short bed’ or ‘standard bed’ — confirm the actual measurement to ensure proper fitment.

Your truck’s door jamb sticker may list bed length, but measuring directly is the most reliable method. If your measurement falls between sizes, contact our dealer network for guidance before ordering.

We don’t recommend painting over the factory gelcoat. The gelcoat is chemically bonded to the fiberglass during manufacturing, and topcoat paint can peel or chip over time, especially around high-flex areas like the door frame. If you need a custom color, order the cap in white or black and have a professional body shop apply automotive-grade paint with proper surface prep and clear coat.

For minor color corrections or touch-ups, we can provide OEM paint code references that match GM’s factory colors for Silverado models.

The cap includes eight reinforced mounting points for aftermarket roof racks, but crossbars and racks are sold separately. We provide the M8 mounting hardware needed to attach Yakima, Thule, or Rhino-Rack systems. Our dealer network can help you select a rack that fits your cargo needs and install it at the same time as the cap.

The terms are interchangeable — both refer to a hard-top enclosure that covers your truck bed. Some people use ‘camper shell’ to describe caps with side windows and features suited for camping, while ‘truck cap’ or ‘topper’ might refer to more basic work-oriented models. Our CX Classic works equally well for recreational use and daily cargo hauling.

Wash the cap with car wash soap and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, just like you would wash your truck. Avoid abrasive cleaners or brushes that can scratch the gelcoat. For stubborn stains or oxidation, use a fiberglass-safe cleaner or marine gelcoat polish.

Clean the windows with automotive glass cleaner. The rubber seals benefit from an occasional application of silicone spray or rubber conditioner to prevent drying and cracking. Inspect the door gasket and window seals twice a year and replace them if you notice wear or compression set.

The CX Classic weighs approximately 180-220 lbs depending on bed length and window configuration. We recommend having at least one other person help you lift the cap on and off. The rail clamps unbolt in minutes, but the cap is bulky and awkward to handle solo without risking damage to the fiberglass or your truck’s paint.

If you plan to remove the cap seasonally, consider installing a hoist system in your garage. Several aftermarket companies make ceiling-mounted lifts designed specifically for truck caps.

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