I am thinking of installing a tonneau cover on my 2000 F-150. What do you recommend? Is it hard to do for someone of average skill? Auto Discount want $200 to buy the kit. Will I recoup the expense in better gas mileage?

 

Don’t know about the Auto Discount brand, but I installed my Truxedo brand soft tonneau cover in about 15 minutes. Installation was easy. Buy a tonneau for looks or to keep things in your bed out of sight, but do not buy it if you are only looking for improved gas mileage. I check my mileage at every fill-up and I get the identical mpg with or without the tonneau.

 

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. Has anyone else had experience with tonneau covers?

 

Gas milage, you wont see much of a gain. The weight on the back end will help with handling.

-'s have to take off to haul items. limit's space in bed

+'s lockable security for goods, looks.

There's probably more, but I'm brian farting. I have one on mine at the moment, I switch back and fourth between that and a toolbox.

 

Thanks. The fabric cover costs $200, so I don't think it will save enough gas to justify the investment.

 

A cover will save you an average of 5% over all and 10% on the highway. Go to www.truckgadgets.com and they have a report from ford aerospace div. that ran wind tunnel test on a 97 f150. it looks like it pays off pretty fast at todays gas prices.

 

is it possible to install a cover on a shortbox if i have a bed mounted tool box? I would like one for security reasons as my tool box is full. and so stuff doesnt blow away on the highway as i only have a reg cab with a limited amount of space.

95 f150 4x4

 

With a T-cover on, you'll find the truck is a lot more enjoyable to drive - I'm talking about a lot less "buffeting" from cross-wind and passing vehicles. Take it off and you'll notice a distinct difference. I'd have to say it's worth the $200 if you have it to spend.

 

Anyone have a toox box tht sits beneath the rails and the tonneau over the tops of it, I'm thinking about that set up eventually.

 

You should check out www.undercoverinfo.com. Sweet cover and about half the cost of any other hard cover.

Jon

 

Fuel mileage will probably increase a bit. I used to have a 96 dodge and the mileage increased by 1 - 2 mpg. The ford I have now has one as well and it is hard to tell a difference (because it burns so damn much anyways!!). These covers were/are 'low rider' tonneau covers and requires 2 people to remove.

 

I bought an Extang from here:

http://www.truckxpressions.com/truck...fftonnoIII.htm

Great looks, easy install. Had a problem with the fit initial and Extang went WAY above and beyond with helping. They shipped a new cover and side rails at NO charge and did not even ask for the old ones back.

Only thing is when new the fit is TIGHT and I had to loosen the rails to get it on. Over time though with driving and wind it lossens up just enough to make taking on and off easy.

 

I talked my wife into getting me one for Father's Day, now I just have to talk her into letting me put it on early. It's been sitting on the carport for a week now.

 

THE BEST cover i've seen by far-http://www.accesscover.com/

My step-dad has one of those soft tonneau covers on his '03 S-crew that snaps onto these rails and it sucks *** to put on. its not bad once it's worn in and you figure out the best orders to snap the snaps in. And then you have to worry about putting those braces somewhere.

the link i posted i saw on a TV show one saterday, Trucks! mabey. the only problem i see with that is how far those side rails stick out, might be a problem if yo haul big things, like a fourwheeler or something like that.