Camper shell discussion

Getting a camper shell is going to be the first major expense. My question, will having that static weight force me to do an AAL or leaf replacement pack?

How much, if any, sag are y’all seeing in trucks with shells? Looking to replace bumpers and maybe armor or skids. I can’t afford it all at once and don’t want to have to keep changing suspension as I go.

Any advice is welcome.

 

Would you supply more info... A cap or an actual camper with accessories? What is the weight?
When I added my Leer cap it did cause my rear to lower about an inch, and it effected my mileage by approx. 10%.

 

Just looking at caps. Havnt narrowed down a make or model. Happy with your leer? And did u see the sag as even worth compensating for? If so how?

 

The sag is minor with most fiberglass caps .5"-1"

 

The weight of a fiberglass shell is less than one adult passenger. I don't see sag as an issue.

 

Sounds like y’all are in the buy it, put it on and go from there. Time to start researching caps.

Thanks

 

I had one on a 1st gen. No AAL or lift. It snagged pretty bad after a couple of years. If I were to get one, I’d go ahead with an AAL for sure.

 

Added a leaf before having my Leer MX180 installed 2 years ago. Very happy with outcome. Really didn't notice any mpg difference.

 

Yeah, they weigh about 250-300 pounds. I got a Snugtop Rebel with the sportsman’s package so I think that made it sag a little, not sure how much but I notice it.

I would absolutely get windoors, OP. IMO, they are essential to have and I would have been bummed if I didn’t get them.

 

Didnt notice much sag on my 17 OR. I have the ARE with windoors as well. I use those ALL the damn time. I bought used and got lucky I suppose. I have HD Dakar leaf pack now and it's great.
Stock suspension vs modified

 

Win doors

Where do y’all stand on frameless vs frames windows

 

Windows that you can open if you plan to use it for camping or anything. Also make a point to add some grease or anti corrosion to the bolts about once a year. Had a snugtop on my gen2 for about 10 years and never did, the bolts got pretty bad. During the time I was in WA, NJ and HI so humidity and location was def a factor.

 

Frameless looks nice, very clean/suv like. However they suck if you’re hoping to have any bed side access and they provide less ventilation. Or at least that’s what I’ve seen with my leer xq100. Looks sharp but the windows only flange out like an old school minivan rear window. Got mine for a steal $400 for a $2k + shell. Craigslist is your friend.

 

Damn, that’s a great price! Got mine for $1700 back in 09’. Wife thought it would be great for our move from WA to NJ and I had been wanting one. When time came, she started making a pile of stuff for us to take... we rented a trailer by the time she was done.

 

A cap by itself isn't heavy enough to cause significant sag. But everything you'll put in it, plus bumpers, armor, and skids will cause sag. So definitely budget a suspension upgrade eventually. I have a Windoor one side and sliding window on the other side of my Rebel.

 

As stated, I’m in the early stages of research. I’ll start looking into AALs. Windoors sound like the way to go so far but chime in if you guys think of any other regrets or suggestions.

This is all much appreciated.

 

I’d skip the AAL and just replace the spring pack with something adjustable like the icon RXT. Then you can just adjust the leafs as you add additional weight.

 

IMO you should hold off on that AAL, my truck is still on the factory suspension in that picture as I'm saving for my lift kit. Yes its got a bit of a sag right now but Ive got a good 700# of armor, tent, shell, and spare hanging off the back. The shell alone wont affect the truck terribly. Buy the shell, then do some math to figure out the weight of what else you're going to be carrying (bumper, tent, gear inside the camper shell, etc.) and how you want the truck to sit height wise and then invest in a full leaf pack rated for your needs.

 

It’s hard to know how far down the rabbit hole you’ll go.

I started with a tonneau cover and Toytec 2.0 Boss suspension. Then as you can see it has progressed... first I added a leaf, more mods, changed out leafs to Dakars, more mods, added a leaf to the Dakars, more mods, changed out to custom valved 2.5 Kings, more mods, and recently swapped out Dakars for a custom Deaver leaf pack based on the actual weight of my truck.

So like others have said, think about how much you’ll be adding in weight and do it right from the beginning.

 

Agreed. Hard to know where you'll end up but better to buy once cry once (within reason) than having to keep upgrading after every new mod. That's a sharp camper you've got there man!