Ammar Mullins
The weight of a camper shell for a Toyota Tacoma varies depending on the model of the car and the type of camper shell. The weight of a camper shell can range from 100 lbs to 300 lbs. The weight of the camper shell will also depend on the type of glass used, with thinner tailgate glass weighing less than one-piece glass. The weight of the camper shell can also affect the truck's suspension, with some users reporting that their truck sagged due to the weight of the camper shell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average camper shell weight | 180 pounds (82 kg) |
| Typical truck cap weight | 175 to 190 pounds |
| Tonneau weight | 95 pounds |
| Tacoma camper shell weight | 100-200 pounds |
What You'll Learn
The weight depends on the type of glass used
The weight of a camper shell depends on a variety of factors, including the type of glass used. Thinner tailgate glass will result in a lighter shell compared to a one-piece glass design.
The weight of a camper shell can range from 100 lbs to over 300 lbs, with most falling between 150 lbs and 200 lbs. The type of glass used can account for a significant portion of this weight variation. For example, a camper shell with thinner tailgate glass may weigh closer to 150 lbs, while one with a one-piece glass design may weigh 200 lbs or more.
The weight of a camper shell is an important consideration when purchasing one for your vehicle. Heavier shells can place more strain on the engine, resulting in reduced fuel economy. Additionally, it is essential to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle's suspension and the towing capacity when choosing a camper shell.
The weight of a camper shell can also be affected by factors such as size, bed length, add-ons, additional windows, and wipers. Commercial toppers, for instance, tend to be heavier due to their larger size and the inclusion of additional features.
When selecting a camper shell, it is crucial to refer to your vehicle's payload capacity and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to ensure your vehicle can safely handle the additional weight. Additionally, considering the weight of the shell can be essential when storing it, as most hoists are rated for weights below the average weight of a truck cap.
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The weight will affect fuel economy
The weight of a camper shell will have a direct impact on the fuel economy of your Tacoma. Generally, the heavier the camper shell, the lower your miles per gallon (mpg). This is because the more weight you add to your vehicle, the more strain you place on the engine, which results in reduced fuel efficiency.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for every 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of additional weight, you can expect your gas mileage to decrease by approximately 1%. So, for example, if your camper shell weighs 200 pounds, you can expect a 2% reduction in fuel economy.
The weight of camper shells can vary depending on the brand, model, size, and materials used. For instance, the weight of a Leer 100R camper shell is estimated to be around 180 to 200 pounds. On the other hand, some users have reported that their Leer camper shells weigh significantly less, with one user stating that their Leer 100LE weighed no more than 120 pounds. Another user with a Leer camper shell reported a weight of around 100 pounds.
Other brands, such as ARE, tend to have slightly lower weights. ARE camper shells are estimated to weigh around 150 pounds, plus or minus 20 pounds, depending on the specific model and features. Some users have reported weights of around 130 to 140 pounds for their ARE camper shells.
It's important to note that the weight of a camper shell is just one factor that affects fuel economy. Other factors include the size of the truck bed, additional accessories or modifications, and the overall weight of your vehicle, including any cargo you may be carrying. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to your vehicle's payload capacity and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to ensure you don't overload your Tacoma and further impact its fuel efficiency.
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The weight varies by size and manufacturer
The weight of a camper shell varies depending on the size of the truck bed and the manufacturer. Typically, camper shells weigh between 170 and 200 pounds, with shorter beds falling on the lower end and longer beds on the higher end. The weight of a camper shell can also depend on the type of glass used, with thinner tailgate glass weighing less than one-piece glass.
For example, a cab-high Leer topper for a 2003 Tacoma is estimated to weigh around 120 pounds, while a high-rise topper for the same truck would weigh more. Another source estimates the weight of a Leer 100R to be just under 200 pounds.
The weight of a camper shell can also depend on the manufacturer. For instance, ARE camper shells typically weigh around 130 pounds, while Century shells weigh in at around 150 pounds.
It's important to consider the weight of a camper shell when choosing one for your truck, as adding weight can affect fuel economy and engine strain. Additionally, the weight of the camper shell can impact the suspension and levelling of the truck, with some users reporting sag in their trucks due to the weight of the camper shell.
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The weight will be listed as the approximate gross weight
When looking at the specifications for different truck caps, toppers, and camper shells, the weight will be listed as the approximate gross weight. The weight of a truck cap, topper, or camper shell will depend on the make, model, and size.
The average truck topper weight is about 180 pounds (82 kg). Toppers typically weigh between 170 to 200 lbs, with shorter beds being on the low end and longer beds on the upper range. Smaller caps weigh a bit less, typically around 95 pounds, while larger caps weigh a bit more.
The weight of a camper shell will also depend on the type of glass used. For example, the thinner tailgate glass will weigh less than a one-piece glass window.
The weight of a truck topper or camper shell is important to consider, as it will affect the fuel economy of the vehicle. Lighter toppers will generally result in better fuel economy. The more weight that is added, the more strain is placed on the engine, resulting in lower miles per gallon. According to the EPA, for every 100 lbs (45 kg), gas mileage can be expected to reduce by about 1%.
It is important to check your vehicle's towing capacity and payload capacity before adding a topper or camper shell. This information can be found in the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website.
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The weight will affect the truck's handling
The weight of a camper shell will affect the handling of your truck. The weight added by a camper shell can cause the truck to sag and affect its centre of gravity, which will impact the handling and ride quality.
The weight of a camper shell can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Some sources state that camper shells typically weigh between 170 and 200 lbs, while others state that they can weigh between 175 and 190 lbs. However, there are some outliers, with one source stating that their camper shell weighed 300 lbs. The weight of a camper shell will depend on the size of the truck bed, the materials used, and any additional features such as windows or wipers.
The weight of the camper shell can also affect the truck's fuel economy. A heavier camper shell will place more strain on the engine, resulting in lower miles per gallon. According to the EPA, for every 100 lbs, you can expect a reduction in gas mileage of about 1%. Therefore, it is important to consider the weight of the camper shell when purchasing one and to ensure that your truck can handle the additional weight.
The weight of a camper shell can also impact the truck's suspension. Some truck owners have reported that their trucks sagged significantly after installing a camper shell, while others have reported only a slight sag. The impact on suspension will depend on the weight of the camper shell and the condition of the truck's springs. If you are concerned about sag, it may be necessary to upgrade your truck's suspension or consider a lighter-weight camper shell.
Overall, the weight of a camper shell is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. It can affect the truck's handling, fuel economy, and suspension. It is important to research the weight of different camper shells and choose one that is suitable for your truck's specifications and your intended use.
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Frequently asked questions
The weight of a Tacoma camper shell depends on the model and the materials used. The weight typically ranges from 100 lbs to 200 lbs.
The weight of a Tacoma camper shell depends on the size of the truck bed, the type of glass used, and any additional features such as extra windows or wipers.
Adding more weight to your vehicle will strain the engine and reduce fuel efficiency. For every 100 lbs of additional weight, you can expect a reduction of about 1% in gas mileage.
You can refer to the manufacturer's website or specifications sheet to find the approximate weight of a particular model.
It is important to consider the payload capacity of your vehicle, which can be found in the owner's manual or manufacturer's website. Most truck beds can support weights ranging from 150 lbs to 200 lbs, but this may vary depending on the specific model.
