Tonneau cover

Hello,

These unusually windy conditions have been bleeding me dry at the pump lately due to the open bed that acts as a drag, especially when driving in highways.

Anyhow, I'm in the market for a CHEAP but reliable Tonneau cover, if anyone has suggests on brands or types, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

what kind of MPG are you getting now? What has your research said you can expect for an improvement in MPG? Your payback may or may not be to your liking. Now if you want a tonneau for other reasons and hope to get some increased MPG, then thats another thing.

 

They don’t help mpg

 

Some random site said like 1.8% increase in mileage with Tonneau... so say 2%, and 5$ per gallon gas. You'd need to drive 45,900 miles to save $250 in gas. Even if you said 4% increase, that's nearly 23,000 miles to save $250.

 

Well, actually my gas gauge isn't functioning properly you can read my prior post. At 20 gallons I've gone about 292 miles which equates around 14.5mpg. It's a salvage title with border line off-roading tires so I wasn't expecting a Prius when it came to gas.
To be honest I haven't done my research on whether Tonneau covers help with mpg's. My only research has been more observation based, under conditions where there is strong winds, I definitely notice the drag and the gas consumption.
At the moment, I'm contemplating between a topper and some type of a rack with a soft (removable) cover. Just figured a really cheap tonneau cover suffice for now.

 

I got my answer. Tonneau covers are out.

Thanks for the replies!!

 

I can’t say running with my tonneau on or off makes any difference (on my Gen 2 or Gen 1). Now slowing average speed, that can make a ton of difference.

I ran some experiments on my Gen 1 (DC TRD, lifted, bullbar, with canopy) over the last few months. Over 500-1000 miles of steady highway driving on several occasions, averaging 60 mph returned about 22 mpg. Averaging 70-75 mph returns about 17 mpg. Lotta payoff to slowing down (and getting passed by everyone).

 

Canopy (topper) decreased my mileage a bit. like maybe 1mpg back when i had one. But it more than made up for it when TOWING. Gained 2mpg on average on my regular trips from Seattle to Moses Lake WA. Would consistently have my low fuel light turn on within 1 mile of the freeway exit I take in Moses. Got to having 1/8 tank left on same exit. Obviously if you aren't towing, topper will only hurt mileage. but at least it'll keep cargo safer/dryer.

 

The research says you will get some improvement, but probably not worth it if youre looking for noticeable and immediate payback. Ive had my tonneau on since day 1, and im sure the miniscule amount saved has paid back over 6 years.

I have a soft tri fold, nice and light, and has survived 6 winters as well. Rugged Liner is the brand, just FYI.
Good luck
Make sure to get an accurate baseline of your MPG over various riding conditions.

 

Don't know about tonneaus, but I recall some experiments based on the assumption that leaving the tailgate down improved mileage, and the answer was "no." Mileage actually DECREASED with the tailgate down (or removed).

Supposedly wind tunnel tests showed that an air "bubble" is formed in the bed, caused by air being pulled up (via vacuum) right behind the cab, and being pushed down by air flow passing the tailgate, and flowing back toward the cab along the bottom of the bed. This caused a 'circular' movement of air, which created a bubble that allowed more air to smoothly pass over the truck over the 'bubble.'

I have noticed this phenomena many times with leaves in the back of the truck. You can see the leaf following such a motion in the back without blowing out of the bed as it follows this bubble-like air stream.

Putting the tailgate down, removing it, or even replacing it with one of those fancy tubed or strap gates disrupted this 'bubble' and caused more turbulence and drag.

Don't know if/how it would relate to using a tonneau, but I would THINK a tonneau would also prevent this bubble from forming as well.

 

Yeah, my main reasoning for getting the Tonneau was to reduce drag, but judging from the responses, this product won't help. I'll just save my money and opt for a rack with a soft cover.

 

if you don't need off road tires, change them to a street tread. That will improve your mileage more then a tonneau ever will.