At the top of the truck-customization heap has to be the ultra-useful tonneau cover. These hard or soft-topped covers cap off your bed with sturdy materials, weather-proof seals and in some cases can be locked, turning your bed into your very own rolling storage locker. So, it’s easy to see how a tonneau cover protects your truck’s bed and the cargo resting in it, but what you may not know is that installing a tonneau cover is also a way to increase fuel economy. Here’s how they do it.
- As your truck rolls down the road, it plows its way through the wind. Having an open bed allows wind to flow over the cab and down into the bed and against the tailgate, creating drag. This reduces fuel mileage because you’ll have to press the gas pedal more to maintain a given speed
- A tonneau cover routes airflow over the bed and away from your truck. This allows your truck to cruise with less drag, which in turn increases fuel economy by 5% on average, but up to 10% in some cases
Grab Extra MPGs With a Lightweight Tonneau Cover
- The fact is a truck with less mass attached to it takes less energy to move, so the lighter the tonneau bolted on the bed, the better. Roll up tonneau covers, like the TruXedo TruXport tend to be the lightest style available, so you’ll see the best gains with one installed. Just make sure if you have a soft cover, to keep the cover tightly stretched over its frame, otherwise the tonneau can lift at freeway speeds and create drag
- Another great option, but with a much sturdier construction is the UnderCover Classic Tonneau Cover. This unique bed cover is made from ABS plastic, making it one of the lightest hard tonneau covers available
Why Buy Gas Saving Tonneau Covers from AutoAnything
- We guarantee you’ll get the best price on any accessory from AutoAnything with a 1-year low price assurance
- You can read truck bed covers reviews from actual customers on each of our product listings
- We offer Free Shipping on non-freight items to the continuous USA. This includes most tonneau covers
