Tonneaus

[MargaretB]

Our new truck doesn't have a tonneau cover for the bed, and we're thinking that it would probably improve aerodynamic performance (and mileage) if it did. Does anyone have experience with adding one to their truck and seeing a change in mileage? Is there a difference between flat one, either flexible or hard, vs. those Leer cab things?

[vortec22]

Ok, thanks hawkeye-08! Not sure if those will interfere with my fiver, gonna have to check into this some more.

[Majja13]

I have a Hard one that came with my truck, I have not had it on for the last year and a half and think my mileage is about the same, give er take .5 MPG. I liked it for the storage and theft protection. But I can not use it, since we got the new dog and I need to take him in the crate.

[hawkeye-08]

hawkeye-08 wrote:

vortec22 wrote:
Does anybody on here have the Truxedo Lo Pro QT? I was wondering how much the rails stick into the bed, are they 3/4" or 1 1/2" wide?

I think that is what I have, let me measure it and report back.

Looks like they stick in about 3" on each side. It has the velcro strip to attach the cover and then a ledge for the supports to rest on.

[mountainsam]

I have had three covers and a topper over the years. recently I put the question on here as well for recommendations. I ended up getting an EXTANG TRIFECTA tri fold canvas and I love it. Mileage I don't thing changed, but like most I bought it so I could tow the 5er and after unhooking have the back secure. In 1994 I put a roll up on my then new Chevy pickup and actually think I did have an increase in mileage, but I hated the roll up. Next I had an Undercover hard cover. It did the job but I didn't tow a 5th wheel back then. Now there are many options, and prices. I wanted to keep the cost down so opted for the soft cover. We just had a very severe rain with high winds for two days and not one drop of water in the truck. I actually installed it in 5 minutes right out of the box.

[vortec22]

Thanks!

[hawkeye-08]

vortec22 wrote:
Does anybody on here have the Truxedo Lo Pro QT? I was wondering how much the rails stick into the bed, are they 3/4" or 1 1/2" wide?

I think that is what I have, let me measure it and report back.

[vortec22]

Does anybody on here have the Truxedo Lo Pro QT? I was wondering how much the rails stick into the bed, are they 3/4" or 1 1/2" wide?

[ib516]

Actually I can tow with it vertical, but it decreases my turning angle ability, so I remove it. I can't tow with it folded with just the first section flat. It has to be vertical at minimum.

[wrenchbender]

I have had tonneau covers on pickups for 30 yrs and have never seen much improvement on mpg.I like them for security plus on occasion I can get out of hauling someone's items.

[dockmasterdave]

I just googled the subject.
Consumer reports test showed adding a tonneau cover, and or dropping the tailgate DECREASED fuel mileage by a little over 4%.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/08/pickup-truck-tailgates-and-fuel-economy/index.htm


mythbusters confirms it too.

http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117618

[Dog_Folks]

snowedin wrote:
One of the recent magazines had a long term test of the Silverado pickup and added a tonneau cover then concluded that it increased gas mileage by 6%. It may have been Motor Trend. Saw the Myth Busters test and believe that they only drove 45 mph so that was inconclusive for me. On low speed driving the cover would provide negligeable improvement in gas mileage. I have had the Access Lorado roll covers on several trucks and found them to be a top notch deal but have no way of determining if they increase the gas mileage or not.

Test two by the Myth busters was completed at 55 MPH. Goggle it.

Would love to see link to the test the "proved" a 6% increase.

[snowedin]

One of the recent magazines had a long term test of the Silverado pickup and added a tonneau cover then concluded that it increased gas mileage by 6%. It may have been Motor Trend. Saw the Myth Busters test and believe that they only drove 45 mph so that was inconclusive for me. On low speed driving the cover would provide negligeable improvement in gas mileage. I have had the Access Lorado roll covers on several trucks and found them to be a top notch deal but have no way of determining if they increase the gas mileage or not.

[2112]

I have a Leer fiberglass cover on my little Ranger grocery getter and it's heavy. Nice but heavy. DW can open it but by using both hands and a little grunt.
I put a 1X12" board across the back to hold groceries at the rear of the bed.

The truck came with the plastic bed liner.

[shadows4]

Margret B., I have a Tonno Pro soft tri-fold cover. Bought 2 1/2 years ago because I needed to cover stuff in the bed and it was the cheapest cover I could find. I believe it was about $279. It covers the bed rails and I can leave it on folded up when I pull the fifth wheel.

The bed is also linexed. That was already done when we bought the truck used.

We are very happy with the Tonno Pro. It has held up very well and still looks good. Good luck, John