Tonneau Covers and Better MPG?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Tonneau Covers and Better MPG?
Does anyone have experience putting a tonneau cover on and getting better MPG from their diesel SuperDuty? Just trying to squeak out every MPG I can and the dealer said the "better aerodynamics" of the truck (with a tonneau cover) will give me an extra 1-2 MPG. Is he just trying to sell me a cover or is there any truth to this?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
I get about a half a mpg better with the tonneau cover on in my v10. But that's only on long higher speed trips. Does nothing at lower speed. My buddy with a 2wd s10, saw 4mpg improvement, but its a matchbox car.
If you're trying to justify it on fuel economy...don't. But it's nice to have the extra dry storage space.
I want a camper top...just not near enough room at only bed rail level.
If you're trying to justify it on fuel economy...don't. But it's nice to have the extra dry storage space.
I want a camper top...just not near enough room at only bed rail level.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
I suggest you look at the studies conducted on tonneau covers. The aerodynamics of a bed actually work with trucks in a good way. Place a empty coke can bake there and see if it fly's out.
I personally have a cover installed on my truck and never noticed anything better. I do like it for the keep peoples eyes out and keeping my stuff dry.
I personally have a cover installed on my truck and never noticed anything better. I do like it for the keep peoples eyes out and keeping my stuff dry.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 2
doesn't do a thing except keep the bed of the truck dry. Running with the bed empty and the tailgate up will get you about the best fuel mileage you are going to get, the empty bed creates a bubble of air that is tear-drop shaped and the air flows over the top. A cab height topper will reduce mileage due to increase drag at the rear of the truck. We are talking tenth's here, anyway, never 1 - 2 mgp. If you think about it, 2 mpg is close to 15% for most of us in normal daily driving.
Brian
Brian
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Mythbusters did a show on using A/C vs. driving with windows open.
I recall the A/C went farther on a gallon in their test.
The "trouble" with doing anything (tonneau cover, tail gate down, topper, etc) and comparing is the real world always changes.. wind direction/speed, humidity level, air temp (effects tire pressure too), etc.
I've watched my inst MPG and watch it jump when I get behind a semi - even NOT tailgating him. Figured out we had a big headwind. On the reverse trip home that afternoon wind changed direction and didn't see a big difference behind a semi..
You'd really need a controlled experiment to make any "real" conclusion. I would go with what look you like the most..
I recall the A/C went farther on a gallon in their test.
The "trouble" with doing anything (tonneau cover, tail gate down, topper, etc) and comparing is the real world always changes.. wind direction/speed, humidity level, air temp (effects tire pressure too), etc.
I've watched my inst MPG and watch it jump when I get behind a semi - even NOT tailgating him. Figured out we had a big headwind. On the reverse trip home that afternoon wind changed direction and didn't see a big difference behind a semi..
You'd really need a controlled experiment to make any "real" conclusion. I would go with what look you like the most..
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,210
Likes: 2,170
a hard shell fiberglass will give you just short of a .5 mpg improve. soft covers wont do anything.
you will never recoupe the cost of the cover with movey saved in MPG.
if you want to lower your drag....lower the truck...install ground effects kit...
you will never recoupe the cost of the cover with movey saved in MPG.
if you want to lower your drag....lower the truck...install ground effects kit...
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,446
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
Mythbusters did this a few years back...... they found no difference in mpg. They also did a/c on vs off and found a difference of under less than 1/2 a gallon
galaxy S4 using IB AutoGroup
galaxy S4 using IB AutoGroup
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
From: Wartrace, TN
went today and got the bed shot with line-x, had to wait so had a chance to look at the stock. saw the extang express. nice to keep things out of the rain but like said...keep other eyes off my stuff.
never thought about mpg though.
never thought about mpg though.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Thanks!
Thanks to all for the replies! I'll probably end up getting a cover just for the security aspect....had more than one person tell me my tailgate will be appealing to thieves. Won't be getting it for the fuel economy. Appreciate the input.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 999
Likes: 6
i have a Pace-Edwards electric roll up and love it
have had hard, soft and now this and way cool
saw an article in Consumer Reports about MPG and covers
said slight diff in sort bed, worse on long bed, and worse w/o tail gate on both if i recall
but the improvement was very minor
have had hard, soft and now this and way cool
saw an article in Consumer Reports about MPG and covers
said slight diff in sort bed, worse on long bed, and worse w/o tail gate on both if i recall
but the improvement was very minor
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
danocross
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Aug 25, 2008 09:55 PM