To Topper or Not

Tundra Boy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 01:33 PM

Hello everyone.. I need some guidence...I have a Leer (XL100?) topper on my '05 DC Ltd. which I am guessing is around 250 lbs. The question is, if I am that much (250lbs.) over on my truck GVWR should I take the Topper off to gain some capacity OR does the aerodynamics of the topper when towing make it a non-issue OR OR.. just not worry about it!
I scaled the truck the other day w/full fuel and driver (200lbs) and weighted 5700 lbs.. I think I need to go on a diet!?
I do have "E" rated tires, super springs(on hold if needed) and WD w/SC hitch.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

tomhole · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 02:18 PM

It counts against GVWR and GCWR. You have 900 lbs of payload capacity remaining. Removing the cap will help, but only by 250 lbs. What are you towing?

Tom

Bakemono · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 02:18 PM

IMO, 250 pounds is not going to make a difference. I wouldnt worry about it.

chinaloy · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 10:39 PM

I just removed a Leer xl100r from my 05DC. I lifted it myself by bending over and lifting up with my shoulders and back. There was no it was 250 lbs, more like 100lbs.

curling_coach · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 07:05 PM

hey Rob, when I seen your post I went looking for all the weights that I performed. I couldn't find them, yet, but I am pretty sure my AC, full fuel, all 215lbs of me and whatever my tonneau cover actually is was no more than in that 4900-5000lb range. A remote possibility at stretching to 5100lbs but for sure no more than that. I had nothing in the box either.
Could your DC and topper be another 600-800 lbs more? Wow. I would leave it on for that security feature and make any necessary adjustments to whatever payload you might have.

jmo · #6 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

should I take the Topper off to gain some capacity OR does the aerodynamics of the topper when towing make it a non-issue OR OR.. just not worry about it!

When towing my boat with my old 2001 Tundra that had a leer cap on it I found it helped with fuel economy because the slipstream coming off the back of the rig goes right over the windshield of the boat (I know since the boat cover isn't being ruffled or put under tension from the wind).

With my 2006 that does not have a cap on it I can the front of the boat is inducing more drag given the cover is definitely getting pummeled by the wind.

I'm pretty confident the cap for my towing application was giving back at least 1 mpg, possibly a little more.