Question regarding camper shell

Good afternoon.

I never thought in a million years that I’ll be in the market for a camper shell. I always thought they made your truck look ugly or look like an old man is driving the vehicle. But now that I’m the old man with a growing family, going camping, ski trips etc. I need a camper shell to secure all of our items.

So my question is, do I need heavy duty leaf springs? My current set up is king 2.5 with OME Dakar medium and timbren bump stops. I was looking at Deavers stage II? Or would I be fine with my current set up?

I own a DCSB. I don’t know jack squat about camper shells so any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys and girls!

 

Night bump

 

I dont think its necessary really. I have heavy duty AllPro expo springs with my camper shell, but i got them before i has the shell. They supported the previous setup which was a steel rack with CVT roof top tent. I still have a dual swing rear bumper with oversized spare and a roof rack and other gear so i have at least 500lbs in the back unloaded. So i still need the springs. But id say with a shell alone your setup seems more than sufficient

 

Still stock on mine with all my gear on multiple long distance trips. Shell just adds the weight of a good sized adult. Now if you start building/adding wood/metal shelving then you might consider it. But only after. No need to overpurchase/overthink things. Just throw your gear in there and go. This is quite a capable truck.

 

thank you for the reply sir.

 

thank you for your input. Now gotta do my homework on which camper to go with and model.

 

I'm all stock with a Snugtop rebel. Like anything else you'll find opinions all over the place on the various manufacturers. I'd just find a good reputable dealer and make sure to inspect well on delivery.

 

Anyone in the Los Angeles area have a good recommendation on where to purchase a camper shell?

 

I had an ARE on my tundra that I traded for my Tacoma, loved it. Had the DECKED system in it with the shell on top and the drawers loaded up and the truck sat just about level.

 

Figure out how much weight you are adding, then figure out suspension.

I got an AT habitat (340 lbs) this spring and ran it on factory suspension for a while. Eventually I swapped the rear springs to icon RXT. I’m currently running option 2 and if I add a bunch more weight I can add the additional leaf. It’s worked out very well.

 

I have medium Dakar’s with a long bed snug top hardshell. 2 inches of lift in back. Have some sides shots in my media.

 

Most fiberglass caps weight 150-200 lbs. That much weight by itself doesn't require any suspension modification. But most of us tend to carry a lot more cargo than just the cap. Add another 200-300 lbs of gear and you'll be sagging. If I were you I'd get the cap first and see where you sit.

 

I love my LEER. Agree with the comments. It all depends on how much you add. I’ve added a bunch of weight and I haven’t added any heavy duty springs. Just have fox 2.5 shocks, that’s before the shell. I also go off-roading with the thing.

 

Obviously depends on the shell model. I didn't notice any drop when I added my topper.

 

I'm on stock suspension with a camper shell and a whole bunch of gear that lives in the back.... probably around 200lbs..... plus the 200lbs of camper shell. Rides and drives fine. I do think that much more weight and I'll be looking at new suspension.

 

Good idea. Thx

 

Looks great!

 

I've had 3 campers on various gen tacoma's and never had a problem. I didn't notice any sag. You would probably only notice anything if you have a leveling kit and then filled up the bed. But even then it's not a big deal. I've done an add-a-leaf for a 3" lift and it ruined the ride. Not worth it for a camper IMO. I'm in Dallas so no help on suppliers. Find them used, a couple times when I tried to sell the trucks themselves, people would message me just wanting the camper. I suppose you could check the classifieds and do that. They are too expensive new, minimum around $1,500. Used roughly around $500 and it's easy to tell if they are in good shape.

 

Size of my tires i have a query about. I have a 91 Chevy s-10 small bed I want to know if P225/7R15 tires would well this.

 

Keep in mind most canopies (for tacomas) weigh about 140 lbs. So you can simulate that added weight by adding a few sandbags to your bed if you really want to test it.

I had a ARE Canopy on my access cab (6 ft bed) and it weighed about 160. Also have stock OR shocks. I regularly added another 100-200 lbs of gear in the back for camping skiing ect and never had any squatting or load issues. I feel like if you went another 200lbs past that you'd want heavy duty springs.



Most guys that just add a canopy don't need any suspension modifications. Keep in mind trucks are heavy up front and light in the rear, they're designed with the idea of hauling in mind.

Hope this helps,
Luke