Currently on my truck i have a truxport, soft tonneau cover, in hopes to get slightly better mpg. I bought this instead of a tool box which im not really sure why because now im realizing how much more useful a tool box could be (for myself).

Basically, do any of you with tonneau covers notice any increase in mpg? Im asking because i never took any big trips with it off so i do not know if there is a difference. If its minuscule then i will definitely be storing the tonneau cover as soon as i find a tool box. Thanks

 

Gained just over 1mpg with my F150, I do have to drive 20 miles @ 65+ to get to town and back so that helps. Obviously I wouldn't expect any gains in a in town situation or low speeds.

 

I have one, dont really think the difference is big enough to measure. I run mine both open and closed....

 

I noticed no difference on my short bed ranger. You probably won't either. Only truck I can see it maybe making a difference on is a long bed 1/2 ton. I got it more for the extra storage space. If you have tools or other more valuable stuff then a tool box with a lock may be better. Only reason I don't have a toolbox on my ranger anymore is cuz a 4 foot bed is pretty much useless

 

I have one too, no measurable difference.

 

I've had three on three different trucks and have noticed very little, if any, difference.

 

there is NO difference..

in fact awhile back Mythbusters did a whole show on various way of covering or uncovering (tailgate up/down) on a truck for MPG and the results were pretty plain..

no difference.. something to do with the way the air moves over the cab, makes what the box is doing have no effect.

 

Great show! I saw that episode and if I recall, didn't they find that the only thing that offered any improvement was one of the tailgate nets?

 

if you want to keep a cover on your bed they make ones to work with having a tool box on your truck, ive even seen where they will sell you a tool box with it as a package I believe the company is called extang

 

I recall being shocked that one of the tailgate "net" type units increased gas mileage by roughly 1/2 mile per gallon - not much, but it adds up....

 

An open bed with the tailgate UP should result in greater fuel mileage. Opening the tailgate will drop the mileage.

The reason - there is a vortex that builds up in the back of the truck going down the road. It is a circulation of air. If you paid any attention to the Mythbusters show you would have seen exactly this with the oatmeal in the water trough test they did. Simple, childish "test" but it still prooved the concept.

When you open the tailgate the air rushing over the roof of the truck SLAMS in to the bed. Tailgate UP and the vortex is developed - lets air flow smoother over the rear of the truck = less drag = better fuel mileage.

My truck, with the cap on there, won't get as good of mileage as an un-covered truck - the big block back end is not aerodynamic and creates a lot of drag. I need the cap on there though so thats the way its going to have to be.

 

2004 F350 DRW V10 Crew Cab 8' bed with a tonneau..

Cost of tonneau. 200.00
Fuel Savings to date. .09

Wife not bitching about luggage in the bed getting wet on a long trip. Priceless..


Glenn

 

yes, i agree no improvement in mileage.

 

Thats just about the best way to put it!

 

Wow, thanks for all the input guys. Just about the only reason i have to keep the cover is so items in my bed will stay dry, but other than that its probably useless. I wish i had known about those tonneau covers that you can still put on with a tool box but its too late now. I will probably buy a tool box after winter and store the tonneau in the garage, its not that hard to put back on if i need it. And i have seen the Mythbusters show (one of my favorite shows) but that was a while ago, hopefully it comes on TV again soon

Have a great christmas/holidays