What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I heard somewhere that bed covers would reduce mpgs because they actually create more drag. Something about most of the air in an open bed stays in the bed, kinda just swirls around. Air on air is less drag than air going over the tonneau?
I don't know if it's true, or even if it makes any sense.

 

Yup. Shore can.

 

There's two hardcover tonneau covers I'm evaluating...

BakFlip MX4
Armor Flex

Have you bought bed stiffeners to help with the weak bed sides? Or were you being facetious in your comment? lol

I'm for discouraging would-be thieves with anti-theft contraptions on my Taco. I also bought the Talon CAT plate...did I mention I bought alloy wheel locks too with those bed lights?

My wife thinks I have an obsession with my Taco...I think we both agree to disagree with my motives/intentions...lol!

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Any excuse to piss money away on these trucks is a good excuse, in my opinion.









I may have a problem...

 

Good to know, thanks. I ask because I'm not a big fan of the soft OEM tri-fold that came on my truck. Looking for possible options on a low profile hard tonneau, or I may possibly go with a shell. Kinda weighing out my needs/wants..

 

Don't really have a need for bed stiffeners. The sides aren't really that weak. I suppose if you have a heavy topper of a rack loaded with goodies the extra suppose gives you piece of mind but I have neither. The only time I stand on the tonneau is when I was the top and the whole thing is solid as a rock.

 

I would love to spend the least amount for a hardcover tonneau cover...and the least expensive (based on a quick search) is about $699.

Quality features get my attention and I'm preparing to spend at least $700-$900...obviously, spending less is the goal.

Do I wanna wait until next year's sales in late fall? Probably not...but I bought some other add-ons during this year's sales so I'll probably buy within the first six months of 2022.

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Yea, that's always tough to do. Especially if you ain't rich.

 

Lol!

You and my wife would get along great!

I'm joking of course!

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I ain't rich but I like shit.

 

SEMA did a mostly scientific test years ago that showed a 5-8% reduction in aerodynamic drag when using a tonneau cover. One thing to be careful with though is that fiberglass covers are rather heavy, and directly counteract the possible drag savings by increasing weight. If fuel economy is important, get the soft cover. If security is more important, get the hard cover.

 

Me too.

 

A heavy cover helps hold the ass end down so you get better traction.

 

Here, here!

The bed mat weighs about 26lbs...the tonneau cover weighs about 125lbs. Adding some sandbags would help in the traction department when snow starts to fall here on the east coast.

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EDIT: I totally misread this. So yea.. cover should help MPG. Found this interesting article also..

https://sawtootht.com/blogs/news/do-tonneau-covers-really-save-gas

 

The Lomax tri-fold or Backflip MX4 seem to be the most popular choice. Check with vendors on here for the best deals.

 

I just researched and saw the Rough Country hardcover tri-fold for $699.

It all boils down to design...and of course budget.

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That's about what the Lomax was going for on here and it keeps the rails at the stock height. I like the MX4, but refuse to pay $1000 for it and it lowers the rails a bit. I don't think the rough country folds up the last piece, like the Lomax/MX4, but I could be wrong.

 

I watched the video just now...there is no small section at the front like the MX4.

Yeah, I don't wanna spend $1K either but if I can set aside $350 per month, I would buy it in April 2022.

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I went with the lomax. No changes to the rails and easy off and on. Look up Lucas Kyle at TruckAlterations and ask for a quote. He takes care of the TW folks.