Sluggish Performance after adding Camper Shell

Has anyone else noticed sluggish performance after adding a camper shell.

Truck is 2015 DCSB TRD Off Road 4x4.

EDIT: more details. Mine seems less responsive at take off and when passing at highway speeds with the same throttle position as before adding shell. Just seems to require a heavier foot on the go pedal now.

As others have pointed out, the ride does feel better, smoother, I suppose because of the extra weight which probably makes the truck feel slower.

The shell is an ARE with carpeted interior and a Bed Rug. Not sure how much total weight added but guessing no more than 180 lbs.

Have confirmed that tire pressure is at specs so that is not the problem.

 

i added a shell and then proceeded to put a couple hundred pounds of tools back there and a sleeping platform that weighs around a hundred pounds. No real difference, except I installed Firestone air bags to keep the ass end off the ground.

It's the load E 33" tires that I notice...but I'm not complaining. I still average 18 mpg.

 

I thought the same when I bought an ARE MX with the walk-in door.I noticed 0 difference,and hwy MPG went up a tad.I believe the weight of the rear hatch exceeds that of the tailgate+regular rear window?The ass end dropped some,but not much.

 

I haven't noticed sluggish performance but it does ride nicer with the extra weight. I also have airbags so I can control ride height. Going from highway tires to all terrain tires created hands down the most "sluggish performance" in my truck.

 

I feel mine rides smoother with the weight in the back, I got new leaf packs to support it too as the back end started sagging a little right away

 

I only put the cap on after I installed the airbags and I always keep 9 to 12 psi so I don't really know how the cap rides without the airbags.

 

It should have read it DOES drive smoother. In my opinion a lot smoother. Im still drunk

 

All good brother we all have been there.

 

I think we all agree that adding a cap makes the ride smoother, so am I the only person who felt like acceleration suffered after adding the cap? Doesn't seem logical as the weight increase is only about the weight of 1 average adult.

 

Does your shell extend above the top of your roof? And the more weight you add the slower it will accelerate but at highway speeds I can't tell much of a difference between me and me with a extra occupant. I noticed you said you keep your tire pressure at spec... I change my tires at 7000 miles to Nitto Terra Grapplers by Toyota and they installed to factory psi. After I few months I put 35 psi in all my tires because it felt like I was towing an anchor. At 35 it rides slightly rougher but it rolls much easier now maybe you should look into that.

 

My shell is flush with the roof.

I think that I will try running about 35 psi in the tires and see if that helps.

My previous truck was a 2008 Sierra Z71 4x4 with the 5.3 V8. Tire pressure spec called for 35# and I ran 38# and could get 20.3/20.4 mpg on the highway with it. Get approx the same with my Tacoma lighter truck smaller engine less power but at least it should last longer.

 

It is really as simple as this...you added 200+ lbs to your truck

 

it's the weight

if nothing sticks above roof line, and you have 1.5 inch gap or less from [cab to front of shell],
and shell sides are smooth

it's the weight.

I have a softopper and it weighs nothing (35 lbs) but has same aerodynamic footprint as a cap, and it
did not affect my mpg [or if anything, it improved]


gotta be the fact caps weigh a ton

 

Did not realize 160-180 lbs would make a difference. Before installing the cap I never noticed a difference when driving by myself or adding one adult passenger which is about the same weight increase as adding my cap. The cap is quite aerodynamic with a very small gap between it and truck and smooth sides, top, and rear glass. Not a deal breaker with reduced acceleration because I will not be removing cap to return to previous level of performance.

I do appreciate everyone's input even though I do not feel I have a definitive reason for the change.

Still love my Taco and the shell so all is good.

 

Have the local fuel stations changed over to winter blend since you installed the shell?

 

No. Had almost a full tank when shell installed and immediately noticed slower response with same tank of fuel.

I do know that summer/winter blends are different and you are the first to suggest that as a contributing factor. But as stated above I did not add fuel upon installing shell but immediately noticed difference. In other words whether summer or winter it was the same blend in the tank before and after.

I do appreciate the input as multiple heads are better than one.

My only conclusion so far is these 4.0 V6 engines are marginal in power to weight ratio if 200 lbs. or less makes a noticeable difference. If this was the 2.7 L four cyl. I would not have been surprised.

 

Is it possible that your butt-o-meter is deceiving you? I can't tell any difference between when I'm by myself in my truck and when my wife and son are with me and that would be about 200 lbs.

In fact, the only time I really notice a difference in drivability is when I'm towing my boat. Can't say as though I've ever noticed any difference when it's just passengers or "normal" gear.

 

Based on the replies so far it would seem that my "butt meter" needs to be re calibrated. While I am at it I need to get my vision checked too because my truck looks much larger than before adding the shell.
Seriously, the DCSB looks kind of small normally but now looks larger with the shell. I like the shell and so does my wife, so it stays in place.

 

For what it's worth, there are times where I think my truck feels faster after I wash it and it's nice and shiny, LOL

I'd like to find a nice shell for mine, I think it would be great for camping and keeping fishing rods dry. Just not sure I want to give up easy access to the box.

 

A shell can be removed rather quickly with two guys. You would probably need to replace the weather stripping seal though.