I wanted to start a dedicated thread for SmartCap owners to share photos and advice. There aren’t many of us out there, so I figured I’d share my setup to help others know what to expect before they pull the trigger.
I picked up my cap used for $3,000 - basically brand new and included the platform rack. Even with a 9-hour drive to get it, it was a total steal. However, the "real" cost started after the install. On stock rear suspension, the truck immediately dropped about an inch and was sagging hard. I had the "bro lean" ripping in full force.
To fix it, I first tried Dobinsons 817V rear springs, hoping the weight would settle them down to just above stock height. I was dead wrong; they didn't sag nearly enough. I ended up switching to Icon Triple Rate coils to get a .5-inch lift. Now the truck finally sits level, but I’m still planning to upgrade to Bilstein 5100s all around—I’ll likely run them an inch higher in the rear, and run the front at about 1.3 inches
The big takeaway: If you’re planning on a SmartCap, you have to factor in the suspension before you make the plunge. If you’re running a cheap leveling kit up front, the weight of this cap will make your rear end sag below the nose. I wish I would’ve just bought quality shocks out of the gate instead of wasting money on trial-and-error with levels and cheaper parts.
Overall, I'm super stoked on the stance now. The winter build list for the platform rack is next: a 270° awning, solar, Rotopax (water, fuel, and premix), and a propane mount.
If you’re interested in following the build, check me out on IG: @ADV_within.
I picked up my cap used for $3,000 - basically brand new and included the platform rack. Even with a 9-hour drive to get it, it was a total steal. However, the "real" cost started after the install. On stock rear suspension, the truck immediately dropped about an inch and was sagging hard. I had the "bro lean" ripping in full force.
To fix it, I first tried Dobinsons 817V rear springs, hoping the weight would settle them down to just above stock height. I was dead wrong; they didn't sag nearly enough. I ended up switching to Icon Triple Rate coils to get a .5-inch lift. Now the truck finally sits level, but I’m still planning to upgrade to Bilstein 5100s all around—I’ll likely run them an inch higher in the rear, and run the front at about 1.3 inches
The big takeaway: If you’re planning on a SmartCap, you have to factor in the suspension before you make the plunge. If you’re running a cheap leveling kit up front, the weight of this cap will make your rear end sag below the nose. I wish I would’ve just bought quality shocks out of the gate instead of wasting money on trial-and-error with levels and cheaper parts.
Overall, I'm super stoked on the stance now. The winter build list for the platform rack is next: a 270° awning, solar, Rotopax (water, fuel, and premix), and a propane mount.
If you’re interested in following the build, check me out on IG: @ADV_within.
