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?

[nohurry]

Thanks for the responses to my question. I know I want one, just not decided yet. I first thought undercover hard plastic, but then I figured it would be more convenient for loading/ unloading etc to have a folding or roll up. Right now I'm leaning towards the Lund Elite tri-fold, or the Access roll up. Anyone have either one of those, or similar?

On edit: after typing this I see mowin's post above about the Aceess cover. Good to know, thanks.

[kknowlton]

We have an Undercover which lifts up at the back, and is removable. We only removed it once since it was installed, and it wasn't too hard to do(and we're not very handy). It locks, which we like - again, it keeps the basically honest people truly honest. 🙂 Nice to set things on when you're getting things out of the truck cab, since it's sturdy. We're generally pretty happy with it. Haven't tried anything else.

[icanon]

I have a hard cover that folds and locks great for concealing things in bed, that said as,someone mentioned if you require the complete bed then you'll have to remove it completely, ok it only takes about 2-3 mins but still a pain in the butt. Will I still buy another? YES!! Looks good, practical and the hard top version is less temping to thieves.

[tchil]

Love my backflip no mileage increase but the security and keeping the sliding hitch in the bed protected when not hooked up is sure nice. I would not be without one. No noise either.

[mowin]

I put a Access limited soft roll up cover. It fits inside the rails so I still have access to the stake pockets. There is no flopping, whistling or any noise whatsoever. Like most have stated, no help with the mpg's either.
Mine is fairly weatherproof. I've been headed to camp in a rain storm, and was pleasantly surprised how dry the bed was. As far as security, out of sight, out of mind.

[ib516]

No noise at all from mine.

[jus2shy]

Not with my undercover flex

[nohurry]

Question for those of you who have soft tonneaus. Tri-fold, roll-up etc. I've heard that some are a little noisy. Flapping/humming type noise. Has anyone experienced this? Thanks.

[WestMich]

MargaretB wrote:


Does anyone have a hard cover? The flat kind that fits right on top of the bed?

I'm a contractor and have had all kinds of covers, the bed top hard fiberglass was the one I liked best. It was most secure and didn't block the rear view mirror. Soft cover was not secure at all but was easy to roll-up if larger items need to go in the bed. A full cap is great but contents of the bed are visible if the cap has windows and more tempting to thieves.

Didn't notice any difference in fuel mileage with any of them.

Btw, my truck bed is now naked...

[Campfire_Time]

I bought my truck used and it came with a cap (topper). A nice one too. However we found it restrictive for certain loads, anyone could look in and see what was in the bed, and it restricted visibility. We sold it on Crag's list and after a lot of research we ended up with an Extang Solid Fold cover. The only other one that was on my short list was the Bakflip. I decided I didn't like the Bakflip's panel against the back window nor the need for the rain gutter rails.

We use our bed like a car trunk most of the time. And I wanted relatively good security and the ability to remove the cover if I needed the whole bed for hauling gravel or dirt. I bought it last April. Aside from being a little heaver than I thought for installation and removal, it's been excellent. Maybe 10 minutes to install the first time, just to line it up and see how it works. Only 3 minutes to remove it, and 3 minutes to put it back on. Folding it back takes seconds. We remove it to carry our bikes in the bed and stick in the trailer, then put it back on when we arrive at the camp ground. Also it's very strong and you can stand on it, which actually is a handy thing from time to time.

Since I only drove it a short time with nothing on the bed, I can't comment on mileage.

Disclaimer, that's not our trailer in the first photo.

[APT]

Get a tonneau to protect the stuff in the truck bed, not for any potential offset in fuel. There won't be any. So pick the design/type that meets your needs. I liked the rolling soft covers quick access to the full truck bed.

[ib516]

MargaretB wrote:

ib516 wrote:
I have an undercover flex on my truck and really like it. Good dry secure storage. The tailgate on the Ram locks with the doors by remote.

I had a topper on my last truck (cab height) and hated it. It was a real impairment to rearward visibility.

What is an "undercover flex"? It sounds like one of the soft ones, as opposed to a plastic one. But undercover?

It is a hard, tri-fold tonneau. I was debating between the Undercover (brand) flex (model) and the Bakflip (brand) G2 (model).

I chose the Undercover because of the material the top of it is made out of. The Bakflip was aluminium, the Undercover is FRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer = plastic like material) that wouldn't get scratched, or dent in a hail storm.

UNDERCOVER FLEX Video

[BB_TX]

I have a hard roll type cover (Pace Edwards) on mine. Can't say I saw any change in mpg either way.

But I did not buy it for that purpose. I keep various things in the bed, towing and not towing, that I can close the cover, lock it and the tailgate, and keep them relatively safe from prying eyes.

When the 5er is attached, I just pull it back near the hitch. When not towing I pull it all the way back covering the hitch.

[mabynack]

I opted for the soft cover because it allows me to tow my fifth-wheel without removing the top. It lasted almost 10 years before the Velcro gave up on it and it started flapping.

[Dog_Folks]

mabynack wrote:
Mythbusters did a piece on this and it had virtually no impact on mileage. I had one on my truck for awhile and liked it. It allowed me to keep things in the bed without worrying about them being stolen. Mine wasn't completely weather tight, so I couldn't put groceries back there if it was raining.

Mythbusters did the test on two different occasions, and with careful scientific methods proved there was nothing better than an open bed.

That's said: I have had softcovers for years. They will tend to keep the honest people honest. Out of sight out of mind.

The other issue I had was some folks thought the back of my truck was the place for their trash! Didn't happen with a cover.