Report: Tonneau vs. MPG
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
Report: Tonneau vs. MPG
I did some searching on MPG impacts before I got my tonneau, so I figured I'd give my report. Wasn't sure if this was an "accessory" or "engine" thread, so I'm putting it here.
My truck details are in my sig. My mpg test was as follows:
My MPG basically averaged 15.5 for the "no tonneau" and 15.6 with the tonneau. This is easily within the margin of error since I couldn't keep the cruise control on for the entire trip on any test due to traffic.
I didn't think a tonneau would improve MPG and my "test" seems to support that guess. I might be able to see a bigger difference if I drove 100+ miles, but I'd be willing to bet it wouldn't be that much.
My truck details are in my sig. My mpg test was as follows:
- Consisted of my 17.8 mile commute to work in the morning. There are a few mild hills on the drive, but probably an overall elevation drop of 100ft max.
- Freeway speeds with cruise control set to 60mph. Test was started at the same point on the freeway (at 60mph) and concluded at the same point on the offramp. No street driving or heavy acceleration was done during the testing.
- MPG numbers were from the truck's computer
- Two tests with the tonneau, two without
- Similar weather and traffic conditions
My MPG basically averaged 15.5 for the "no tonneau" and 15.6 with the tonneau. This is easily within the margin of error since I couldn't keep the cruise control on for the entire trip on any test due to traffic.
I didn't think a tonneau would improve MPG and my "test" seems to support that guess. I might be able to see a bigger difference if I drove 100+ miles, but I'd be willing to bet it wouldn't be that much.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I've been looking at getting a cover for a couple months now, problem is I can't figure out which one. I am torn between a soft Truxedo or the Bakflip. I've researched both and they both seem great. The problem is its hard to get real world reviews. What kind do you have? What are the pros and cons of yours?? These things are costly, so I'm trying not to get something I'll regret later.
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: St louis
im in my 3rd truck with a cover and like you said... no change in mpg
ive got a leer fiberglass cover, i leave it on most of the time, i have the stuff to build a lift in my garage to lift it off when i need a bed, but havent... its not hard to remove, just four bolts, and a frend... it keeps the stuff in my safe... someone tried to pry it off in west memphis, but didnt make it, just destroyed my cover... overall i love it
I've been looking at getting a cover for a couple months now, problem is I can't figure out which one. I am torn between a soft Truxedo or the Bakflip. I've researched both and they both seem great. The problem is its hard to get real world reviews. What kind do you have? What are the pros and cons of yours?? These things are costly, so I'm trying not to get something I'll regret later.
ive got a leer fiberglass cover, i leave it on most of the time, i have the stuff to build a lift in my garage to lift it off when i need a bed, but havent... its not hard to remove, just four bolts, and a frend... it keeps the stuff in my safe... someone tried to pry it off in west memphis, but didnt make it, just destroyed my cover... overall i love it
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Esko, Minnesota
Ditto the no change in mileage with my access rollup cover on my v10. Regardless of the mileage I would suggest looking at the access brand have held up very well on our work trucks and my personal truck as well, affordable too.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
The soft Truxedo IMO is the way to go, at least for me. Makes the bed more versatile, quickly. They are very well made, hold up to heavy snow loads and they seal well. I have had mine for three years now with not one issue and with very little if any fading.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: NH
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
I saw a .5 mpg increase, but only on long highway trips. Best I ever got on a long trip (1000 miles or more) without the cover was 17.5 mpg. With the cover, I hit 18 mpg's on a few trips. These were all hand calculated. My overhead display is not accurate by any means, thanks to having a chip.
Driving in town.... no difference.
Your experience may vary.
Driving in town.... no difference.
Your experience may vary.
Hangin 10 bra
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 0
From: Bartlett TN
Mythbusters did a test on what works and what doesnt. I think they did a pretty good job.
YouTube - Insert from MythBusters - Tailgate Up or Down 2 (from More Myths Revisited) fuel consumption test
YouTube - Insert from MythBusters - Tailgate Up or Down 2 (from More Myths Revisited) fuel consumption test
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
From what I remember, no I don't have time to watch the clip again, they didn't test a tonneau and they didn't test with tail gate removed.
Anyway I got just over 1mpg increase with an access soft tonneau and over 200K miles of mileage record keeping. I also wouldn't trust the computer as every one of them I have actually checked is off by 1-2mpg.
Anyway I got just over 1mpg increase with an access soft tonneau and over 200K miles of mileage record keeping. I also wouldn't trust the computer as every one of them I have actually checked is off by 1-2mpg.
Hangin 10 bra
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 0
From: Bartlett TN
Actually they did test it on this video. They actually said that tailgate down got the worse and the tailgate removed with net got the best....however it could be cuz of the weight of tailgate gone.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Empty my Undercover may make a very slight difference at highway speeds. When pulling either of the boats I pull it royally screws me. Throws all the air off the tonneu and right into the bow of the boat creating drag. My dad can pull better mpg in his CC with flush top leer topper and his truck is at least 600lbs heavier. Its not as bad with my utility trailer because its a pipe trailer.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
You're thinking of a different test. They tested normal, open tailgate, mesh tailgate, no tailgate and tonneau cover in the above linked video.