Camper shells that will support Maggiolina RTT?

[treadstone]

I'm still in the planning phase of building my Tacoma. I am interested in having a shell on the truck, one that will accommodate a Maggiolina RTT. Does anyone know of shells that have rack systems built in that will carry one of these RTTs? I don't want something too high profile…sort of Snug-topish. Also, what suspension mods would be necessary for a stock 2000 Tacoma 4X4 extra cab to carry a shell/RTT, ARB front bumper, and still have a smooth level riding truck?

 

[hornytoad]

treadstone - The tent weight is the minor concern most roof racks will support that, it's the tent, the person's weight, and the gear in teh truck pushing down on the suspension.

The Snugtop Pro line has a 500lb weight capacity using their commercial roof rack. I have my Snug Pro set up with three Thule crossbars and have a Rhino Rack platform I can comfortably stand on.

For all the weight that you want to put on the truck I would look at a Old Man Emu HD suspension and add Timbren bump stops so you don't break anything when you do bottom out.

If your going to carry a lot of gear (500lbs including the topper, racks and tent) you should think about air bags for the rear.

Good luck with the build - Hornytoad

 

[fredgoodsell]

Snugtop also offers a "sportsman's" package on their regular fiberglass caps. It includes a burlier roof that's rated for up to 500 lbs. I have a XV model on my truck that I found used, and wish I had the option.

 

[yedi]

Treadstone, I went through the same process myself. I'm running a medium AirTop on an ARE CX shell with an internal frame and a couple of custom bars on top to make the tent more low profile. I've been really happy with the set-up I've got. Check out this thread (post #4 and #8) for more details on my set-up. You might also check out this thread for more discussion on mounting RTTs more generally. I definitely know people run Maggiolinas on standard toppers without issue.

Having said all that, if I had it to do over again, and knew I would be getting a RTT, I'd just get one of the reinforced toppers to begin with, like the SnugTop Sportsman or the Leer RCC.

ETA: As far as suspension, I went with OME all the way around and added the extra leaf (D29XL) to the Dakar pack. I've been mostly pleased with the results so far. Even fully loaded for a three-month trip, the truck rode and handled well. It's got a bit of a rake when unloaded, but I like that stance. My only two issues have been the leaf pack squeaking like a mother and the infamous Taco driver's side lean. I've added trim packers on the front, but they don't seem to make a difference for my fat @ss. And I've tried almost every lube known to man and can't get rid of the squeak. Not sure how to get rid of that problem. Also, I only got 885s up front since I have the stock bumper. If you're looking at the ARB, you'd want 886s, I think.

 

[cs0430]

I'm very happy with my Snug Top Rebel with the sportsman's package to support my RTT.

I also went with OME. My dakars squeak, but I haven't tried this solution yet: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/su...ars-any-advice-others-dakars.html#post3157270

 

[montypower]

You might also consider getting some custom leafs made by Deaver Spring. My OME HD springs couldn't carry all the expo weight. Add up how much weight you will be hauling; you may be surprised. Airbags are another option. SnugPro is a nice canopy option.