How to Stop Wind Noise on a Camper Shell

lake mead national recreation area 14 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com

A camper shell and trailer are a great way of seeing the nation's parks and heritage. When driving, it is not uncommon to hear wind noise sheering off the roof of the camper trailer. Noise reduction is possible by using wind fairings on the roof of the camper shell. As an additional bonus, gas mileage can be increased when towing the camper, or on a truck using a camper shell, due to the decrease in wind resistance from the wind fairing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Measure and Buy

Things You’ll Need:

Camper trailer
Tape measure
Marker
Wind fairing
Installation kit for fairing
Power drill
Epoxy
Step ladder

Step 1

Measure the top of the camper shell, going from the passenger side of the rig to the driver side. Purchase a wind fairing of the appropriate size for the camper shell roof. Use the step ladder if you cannot reach the roof.

Step 2

Take the installation kit of the fairing and measure out the distance for the screw attachments on the fairing. Mark the attachments points with the marker. Position the fairing according to the makers instructions. Fairings go on the forward section of the roof, where the camper shell meets the truck cab, or if a tent trailer shell, on the top front section of the roof. Drill the holes for the screw attachments on the camper shell roof where the markings are.

Step 3

Place the fairing and attachments to the holes and align. Take one screw and washer from the installation kit and position them into the holes. Drill them into position with the drill. Repeat this on all holes drilled. Place two the three dabs of epoxy on each drilled hole to waterproof the drilled areas. Let the epoxy dry.

Step 4

Bring the fairing into position and attach according to the installation manual. Position the fairing for maximum wind sheering by adjusting the angle so it is as flush the truck cab as possible. If on a tent trailer shell, position the fairing to a 45 degree angle from the roof.

Tips & Warnings

Test the fairings angle by driving at speed with your driver window rolled down. Listen for noise reduction. If noise reduction is not present, adjust the fairing angle until noise is reduced.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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