Tonneau cover MPG gains

Also from a Google search:
"The wind study tunnel found that each truck had less drag when using a tonneau. The results weren’t huge, but they were measurable. On average, using a tonneau cover led to a 5.7% reduction in drag. That reduced drag meant about a 1.8% increase in fuel efficiency."
- Found on a web site for a company that makes and sells tonneau covers. Go figure.
Let's see - 1.8% increase - 22 MPG X 1.08 = 23.76 MPG.
I'd have to see how the "wind study tunnel" was configured before I'd buy into it.
Too many variables to substantiate the conclusion.

 

To be fair, I've had 4 total explode in two separate events in a place that doesn't get all that hot (and I know of at least one other person that it's happened to). I imagine it happens pretty regularly in the desert, though the Mythbusters "proved" a can won't explode until 300°F.

Point is, there's a lot of variables in many things, aerodynamics being one of them. So I wouldn't quote the Mythbusters as factual proof of anything given they've gotten more than one thing wrong.

 

hate to be that guy, but your math is wrong. 22MPG x 1.08 would imply an 8% increase in efficiency. from your quote, it said 1.08%, which would mean 22MPG + (22MPG x 0.018) = 22.396. (Or in the way you wrote it, 22MPG x 1.018%)

 

Lol.

 

Creative math lol

 

Just wait till the 4th gen Tacoma comes out, they all will have a factory installed tonneau cover so yota can talk about the great fuel economy increase.

 

Ya it’s done by the same guy who created the internet.

 

There's always potential issues with any scientific study. With the pop cans we can also add things such as, "how much carbonation was in each one?" Or "were they shaken up from various other factors?" Etc. They also "proved" two hammers wouldn't explode when hit together, but in the right circumstances they will.

Fact is they tried to eliminate as many variables as possible and developed several tests to find their results. I believe they did another version in addition to the one posted here. It was using 2 identical F150's weighing exactly the same (including passengers and equipment), same tire pressure, etc. If I remember correctly, they burned through their measured fuel 5 miles sooner with the tailgate down vs tailgate up.

 

You are correct - my bad.
Bottom line though - it's not likely to really improve fuel mileage.

 

https://youtu.be/r3aqHbD-O9E

 

These guys run with toneau covers.

 

I wonder if bed length makes a difference. I would guess the type of surface a tonneau cover has would have some effect to.

 

So then you agree with me that we shouldn’t quote the Mythbusters as scientific fact?

 

Those guys are not running "tonneau covers" for fuel efficiency.

 

Actually, I do not since they use the scientific method and attempt to eliminate as many variables as possible to achieve their findings. While their findings may have a few flaws (as with any controlled study), their findings also should not be flat out ignored.

 

Yes, it all plays a factor.

 

I think I'll have to agree to disagree with you.

 

How much i gotta pay to get a Nascar motor in my taco lol.

 

But it’s simple?