Does my shell weigh down my SR5?

Hey everyone,

Does anyone know if camper shells lower the overall ground clearance by way of weighing down the truck? Or is that impossible? Forgive me if this is a dumb question to ask, but I haven’t been able to find an answer anywhere. I ask because I currently have a Leer midrise shell on my SR5 and I swear it looks lower. I’m also about to lift it, so the amount I lift will be partly based on whether or not the truck has been lowered by the shell. Thanks in advance!

 

Yes you will for sure have sag with how heavy they are. Meaning your rear bumper will be lower to the ground for less clearance. You can tell in these 2 pics of my 2015 SR5. Look at the difference in space from rear tire to fender.

 

Oh yeah, it’s quite noticeable in that picture comparison. Good to know. Sick truck btw

 

Thanks man. I miss it but am loving building my new 2021. So this time right at the beginning I just did the HeadStrong progressive aal for that 1.5” to make up the weight difference in the back. And when I get new coilovers up front, I’m going to add the 1/2” shim to the aal to get the full 2” in the rear. So if you’re planning on leaving a shell on, for sure do a new leaf pack or aal at minimum if you don’t wanna see sag.

 

Dayuumm! New rig is fire for sure dude.

 

My cap weighs 180 lbs. Has zero effect on how the truck sits or performs. The weight is offset by better aerodynamics. The lowest point on any vehicle are the axles, having the body sit 1/2" lower has no effect on ground clearance.

 

Agree. Just had my 100XR installed yesterday.

 

I didn't notice any sag when my canopy was installed. But, when I added my 50-75 lb tool box, roof racks, and miscellaneous gear it got worse. I'd say I regularly have 300-400 lbs (including the cap) in the bed. That was enough to cause the rear end to sag and suspension bottomed out off road. It got even worse when towing. So, I got a Roadmaster Active Suspension which solved the problem.

Bottom line, the cap alone isn't the problem. It's everything you will put in it that will cause your truck to ride lower in the back.