Can You Ride in the Bed of a Truck With a Camper Shell?

With the rise of trucks with camper shells in recent years, many drivers are asking themselves if they can ride in the bed of a truck with a camper shell. The answer is yes, but not without certain precautions and considerations.

In most states, it is actually illegal to ride in the bed of a truck with a camper shell. This is primarily due to the fact that, although camper shells are designed to protect cargo and passengers from wind, rain and other elements, they do not provide enough protection from potential impact and injury from a collision or rollover. Additionally, passengers in the bed of a truck with a camper shell may be injured if the camper shell were to open in an accident.

In some states, these laws may be relaxed if certain conditions are met. For example, some states allow passengers over 18 years of age to ride in the back of trucks with camper shells provided they are wearing seatbelts and/or adhere to any other safety regulations specified by law. In addition, some states may allow children under 18 years old to ride in the back provided they are wearing approved helmets or other protective gear.

However, even if riding in the bed of a truck with a camper shell is legal where you live or drive it’s important to remember that such riding comes with its own risks. Without proper seatbelts and/or other protective gear, passengers can suffer serious injury if there is an accident or sudden stop. It’s also important to consider weather conditions when deciding whether or not it’s safe to ride in the bed of a truck with a camper shell; windy roads can cause debris and other objects to fly up into the open bed.

Conclusion:

Can You Ride in the Bed of a Truck With a Camper Shell? The answer is yes but only under certain conditions such as being over 18 years old and wearing seatbelts or helmets for added protection. It’s important for people who choose this option to understand that riding in an open bed increases their risk for injury due to sudden stops or accidents as well as windy roads which could cause objects to fly into the open bed.

Photo of author

James Gardner