2.7 Tacoma handle a truck cap/camper shell?

can my 2018 2.7 AUTO trans 4x4 handle a camper shell? Do they weigh you down a lot and make it feel sluggish? Do they cause any sag?
I want one but don’t want to lose any power or have any weight issues. I drive from CA to WA a couple times a year, and the 2.7 is already a dog on the steep grades in the siskiyous and grants pass. Will I notice any power loss from a shell/cap? Photos would be appreciated too. I have the access cab

 

Here you go.... all the answers you’re going to get all in one post:

Yep, nope, sure, not a problem, no way, go for it..

Sorry, but you’re gonna get all possible answers. FWIW, my old pre Tacoma 22RE had a shell. I towed a 2k trailer regularly. I just accepted that it wasn’t a speed demon and worked that skinny pedal. Oh, 4x4 and a manual.

 

Throw a couple hundred pounds of crap in the back of your truck and drive it around to see.

 

Very true representation of what usually happens with questions like these lol. But also, the exact answers you mentioned are also running through my head

I just wish I could get some answers from somebody who experienced it with my same motor/truck.

Your 22re was a 2.4 right? After putting the cap on, did you notice any negative effects? (Other than it already being slow as a 4cyl like mine)

 

True dangle. I’ve had a couple hundred pounds back there before. (Camping gear) and didn’t notice much. But also that was all dense material that did not distribute weight evenly. Where as the camper would be hollow and evenly distributed. Gah I don’t know what to do but all I know is I want it. But don’t want to dog my little 4cyl even more than it already is.

 

I have a cap, but am V6 and noticed no difference in performance. My trd did sag with it though. I'd imagine after a week or so of being on, you will forget what it was like without it.

 

Came with it used, so I couldn’t say. My attitude with that truck is that it was just “the little engine that could”. It didn’t do anything fast, but it did everything I asked it to. I just set my expectations appropriately and I was perfectly happpy with that truck.

Sometimes it’s actually more fun to drive a lower powered vehicle. The 22RE was legendary bulletproof I think. On heavy grade I would have to work down through the gears, but that was ok.... I was just taking life in the slow lane.

I’m sure the 2.7 has more power than I did, so I wouldn’t think it would feel a huge hit with a shell, they are what.... 400lbs max?

Wait for others to provide a real response, what they say as the impact they felt, probably isn’t too far off. Most have differing opinions of their vehicles performance, so that’s a bad metric.... but change in performance is probably a more accurate metric.

 

What do you need it for? Just security of stuff, clean lines and look, massive storage, truck camping? What I’m getting after is what style are you looking for. A cab height with aero back end will have the least impact. High rise with heavy glass and support will be heavy and impact highway manners.

 

I got a softopper for the best of both worlds. Doesn't slow down my 2.7 and I can take it off to haul regular stuff if needed

 

What he said.... looks great on desert.

 

Mostly lockable storage. Heading up to the shooting range tends to be a scary drive here in CA when you’re supposed to have your firearms and ammo separate. I refuse to put either of those items in an unsecured bed. Also, my lady and I camp a lot and it would be cool to go in the winter. Obviously because I mostly drive the truck for daily use and camping is a not-so-often scenario I would get the cab height. I believe cab height plus our small blow up mattress would be sufficient enough for us to crash for a couple nights.

Looks are the least of my worries, but I do like the look of the shell so it’s a win win

 

Once you go cap you can’t go back

 

Shell was minor as far as driving goes.

You will get sag, but you can address that after the fact.

 

It will be fine and you would notice a difference. I pulled my TT with my 2.7 auto and it handled that with the cap.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cnc-billet-interior-ceiling-rack.504911/

And

https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-235-toyota-tacoma-bed-security-lockbox.aspx
Or
http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/storage-door/

 

That interior rack is sweeeeet! I can see the AR’s hanging now

 

Go to the end of thread, I think production run #1 has happened, able to order.