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better gas mileage?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by sbg2014, Dec 16, 2011.

  1. Dec 16, 2011 at 10:56 AM
    #1
    sbg2014

    sbg2014 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Does a topper get you better gas mileage?
     
  2. Dec 16, 2011 at 11:03 AM
    #2
    sbg2014

    sbg2014 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Does a topper get you better gas mileage?
     
  3. Dec 16, 2011 at 11:11 AM
    #3
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Mine didn't
     
  4. Dec 16, 2011 at 11:12 AM
    #4
    Toyoghi

    Toyoghi Well-Known Member

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    Nope, i'd say its a wash once you factor in the added weight.
     
  5. Dec 16, 2011 at 11:13 AM
    #5
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    FWIW OP , mine stayed exactly the same as before
     
  6. Dec 16, 2011 at 11:26 AM
    #6
    The Driver

    The Driver Trail Runner/Barefoot Beach Runner/Snow Skier

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    I wondered about that since it does improve aerodynamics.

    But I wouldn't know, as I bought mine used and it came with it...
     
  7. Dec 16, 2011 at 2:02 PM
    #7
    shampoop

    shampoop Well-Known Member

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    Sure it probably does fractionally increase the aerodynamics, but it also fractionally increases the weight. So it really probably wouldn't increase the mileage at all. The biggest aero killer is probably the relatively large flat frontal area and under car aero.
     
  8. Dec 16, 2011 at 3:40 PM
    #8
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I started getting 1-2 mpg more, but it also coincided with getting new tires.

    So I have no idea.

    The standard response from a topper salesman is, "oh yeah, you get better mpg"
     
  9. Dec 16, 2011 at 9:13 PM
    #9
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Pretty sure there is a mythbusters about this....
    No topper, tonneau, or mesh tail gate works. The thing is that the tailgate doesn't block wind. It creates a "wind bubble" that swirls around in the bed allowing air that leaves the roof to flow over the box completely.
    So a cover won't help, if anything the weight will hurt the milage but it would be so minimal you wouldn't notice.
     
  10. Dec 17, 2011 at 6:10 AM
    #10
    magog45

    magog45 Well-Known Member

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  11. Dec 17, 2011 at 7:08 AM
    #11
    tacoma guy

    tacoma guy Well-Known Member

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    NO, I have one on my truck . Iam not getting any more MPG. then befor. It is great when you wont to put stuff in the back and you dont wont it to get wet or if you have to make more then one stop. I love mine!!
     
  12. Dec 17, 2011 at 7:12 AM
    #12
    NaYoung

    NaYoung Well-Known Member

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    Tonneau cover does.
     
  13. Dec 17, 2011 at 9:00 AM
    #13
    TacoMX

    TacoMX TW's Official anti body-lift pundit

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    Myth. Aerodynamic properties of a pickup truck are best preserved with an empty/uncovered bed with the tail gate up.
     
  14. Dec 17, 2011 at 1:49 PM
    #14
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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  15. Dec 17, 2011 at 2:28 PM
    #15
    sbg2014

    sbg2014 [OP] Well-Known Member

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  16. Dec 17, 2011 at 5:19 PM
    #16
    NaYoung

    NaYoung Well-Known Member

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    Source? Sorry but have to call BS. I've tracked my MPG since day 1 with and without the tonneau making roughly the same drive daily and a light foot. Typically I get 1.5 MPG better with it on.
     
  17. Dec 17, 2011 at 7:23 PM
    #17
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Mythbusters did quite extensive testing on how the tailgate creates a swirl inside the box allowing air from the roof to flow directly over the tailgate.
    Tonneau covers are actually the myth, great for hiding valuables though
     

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