You can expect an average truck topper weight to be about 180 pounds (82 kg).
When looking at the specs for different truck caps, toppers, and camper shells the weight will be typically listed as the approximate gross weight. How much does a truck cap weigh? Toppers typically weigh between 170 to 200 lbs, with shorter beds being on the low end and longer beds on the upper range.
Generally, the lighter the topper, the better the fuel economy. The more weight you add, the heavier it will be and the more strain you place on the engine, resulting in a lower mpg. According to the EPA, for every 100 lbs (45 kg), you can expect to reduce gas mileage by about 1%.
Make sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. This can be found in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website as your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
7 Example Truck Topper Weights
The following chart features example truck topper weights of specific fiberglass models ranging from the lightest to the heaviest used on trucks. The weight of your cap will vary depending on the truck and bed size. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer’s websites. Here’s the truck topper weight chart:
| Truck Cap Model | Truck Size | Bed Size | Height | Approximate Weight |
| A.R.E. CX Classic | Mini | Step Side Bed | 20″ | 120 lbs (54 kg) |
| A.R.E. Z | Mini | Extra Short Bed | 20″ | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| A.R.E. V Series | Mini | Long Bed | 20″ | 140 lbs (64 kg) |
| A.R.E. CX Classic | Full and Mid | Short Bed | 23″ | 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| A.R.E. MX Series | Full and Mid | Extra Short Bed | 28.5″ | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| A.R.E. TW Series | Full and Mid | Short Bed | 31″ | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| A.R.E. TW Series | Full and Mid | Long Bed | 31″ | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
Source: A.R.E.
Additional Weight and Things to Consider
The additional weight you will encounter with a topper will come from a few areas. Those areas being size (bed length), add-ons, additional windows, and wipers. This creates an additional weight to consider when storing, towing, or traveling with a truck.
Most hoists are rated up to 200 lbs which would be below the average weight of a truck cap or topper.
Make sure to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and read the section on payload capacity. It’s always safer to leave some extra wiggle room to not damage your engine.
Truck caps also range in materials used for construction. The most common materials for a truck cap are:
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum
- Canvas
- Composite/Plastic
Some commercial toppers can weigh upwards of 300 to 400 lbs depending on the design and manufacturer.
To Conclude
Toppers can provide a great means of coverage out in your truck, whether that’s for regular road driving or an off-road buildout. Each make, model, and size comes along with its own weight based on use and if any mods are installed. The key factors to consider the weight of a truck topper come down to:
- Length (short or long bed)
- Height
- Construction/material
- Design
It’s important to know the correct weight when looking to store the topper for your truck, most people use a truck cap hoist. Depending on how heavy your topper is, you may need to build your own DIY hoist. If you’re unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacturer’s website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight of your entire truck.