Reinforcment for a Camper Shell

Newbie here - I'm wondering what kinds of reinforcement are recommended for adding a camper shell and preparing to carry more weight on the truck. Is it recommended to somehow reinforce the shocks, springs, or other changes to prepare to place more weight on the truck? Also I have about a 2-3" lift on the truck. Does this affect anything I should be aware of? Thanks!

 

Just how much Extra weight are you planning to carry ? All the time 1000 to 1500 pounds ??

You need some idea of what the added weight is and with your lift how the truck sits and handles.

Then go about adding extra spring capacity if needed All kinds of different options you can explore.

 

Bed stiffeners.

 

I'd say I need to be able to carry 1000-1500 pounds on long trips.

 

OK thanks - what kind of bed stiffeners do you recommend?

 

bed stiffeners for the cap, I don't have them and my cap is definitely spreading the top of the tailgate open. That kind of weight for long trips tells me you either need heavier springs if the load is always there, or airbags if it's variable. She's gonna squat hard with the stockers and shoot your headlights into the sky.

 

ok thanks - is there a certain brand of bed stiffeners to get? Can I buy them off of Amazon? Are they easy to install?

 

I see several brands on Amazon staring at $100 ish. Since I don’t have them, I can’t recommend, but there’s threads here if you search. Think I’ve seen total chaos recommended.
Sounds easy to install. Heard you put a ratchet strap around the bed to suck it in than bolt them down.

 

I went with the Total Chaos bed stiffeners. They're definitely not the cheapest, though -- ended up costing me $225 including shipping. I like them because they go up higher than most others, and also don't interfere with the OEM bed mat.

Here's what they look like: