Increase weight capacity of shell roof

I currently have a Leer 100xq (qx?) and eventually would like a Prinsu rack for the cab and shell. I would then like to do a roof top tent a little farther down the road.

The problem I am running in to is that Leer states that the weight capacity of their shells is something tiny like 150lbs.

Has anyone build a sub-frame inside their shell to increase the load capacity of a rack mounted up top? Or is the load limit leer claims completely underrated and they just say that to cover themselves?

 

I have a Leer 100R with a prinsu and a RTT.

Make sure you understand the difference between static and dynamic ratings.

I've had no issues. 2 adults and an RTT. I wouldn't necessarily stand up and jump up and down but sleeping is not an issue.

 

Very good to know!
The only number I’ve been able to find comes from leer and they describe it as “a maximum load capacity” of 165 lbs.

 

That's the dynamic rating

 

So no jumping jacks in the tent, got it!

On a somewhat separate note, looking at the pic you posted, your RTT doesn’t seem very long, front to back. Any particular reason people put the tent over the shell vs over the cab (which I’d imagine has a much higher static and dynamic rating?)

Personal preference? Heavy loads that need to go over the cab? Room for a wind deflector in front of the tent?

 

Personal preference I guess. I like the tent over the bed; cap, bed rack or bed rails. Tent over the cab just looks funky to me.

 

Also, putting weight on the bedsides can cause some alignment issues; hence why they make bed bracing kits.

 

So do you have a 2nd tent you put on the ground to have sex in?

 

Suppose that’s a valid question lol

 

Isn’t the cap sitting on the bedsides?

 

Yes but with the composite bed they are a little weak, if you have the tailgate down they are really weak. You can get bed stiffeners that will add all the support you will need for around $100.

 

Oh so you’re saying get bed stiffeners if you do a RTT. Good tip

 

Well the credit goes to @geekhouse23 but thanks. These are the ones I have. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs.476123/

These.

 

The 165 lb load capacity means you can put 165 lb on the roof, assuming the load is somewhat distributed through the rack tracks (ie no point load of 165 lb on a single spot in the middle of the cap), and the cap will withstand that load with the vehicle in motion. Realistically, off road at low speed is probably less dynamic load than potholed or expansion jointed freeways at 80 mph, but the ratings are pretty vague. Your Prinsu and RTT should weigh less than 165. When the vehicle is stationary, 2 or 3 people in the tent, or even one person doing jumping jacks, should be OK. At least, that was my experience with my ARE shell and Tepui. Bed wall spread is probably a bigger risk over time.

 

Depends on the type of activities and how crazy you get I suppose.

On longer trips, it is..

Yes.

This. I would definitely trust the cap lasting longer than the composite bed.

I got them after I noticed the weight of the cap alone, no RTT, was causing some issues.

I went with Total Chaos personally.

 

Yeah OP pretty much any of the bed braces will get the job done. This guy just happened to be 20 min from me so I was trying to support a local guy and save myself some shipping. Nothing wrong with the TC braces or any of them for that matter I suppose. I recommend everyone install the braces.

 

Helpful thread, thanks folks!

These upgrades are probably a ways off but I like to know my plans as far in advance as I can! Knowing the final product I want makes it easier to get pieces that work better together.

 

I like that yours have the bottle opener on them. BUT, that means you have to open the tailgate. To avoid this, I bolted a wall mount bottle opener to both the front and rear bumpers. Always available and ready to serve it's purpose!

 

Great minds... Just remembered the winch hook on the front has one too!! I need to use that.