[anmut]

I just got my topper put on and damn it looks nice! A bit on the expensive side but oh well. I was wondering if anyone knows if your mpg's are better with a topper on or not?

 

[Blackbeauty]

You SHOULD improve your MPG, but that really depends on the cap design. If it's one of the modern type that is aerodynamic and aligns with the top of the cab, that is the best condition.

Check this:

http://www.fordf150.net/misc/tonneau-covers-save-mpg-article.php

I know, I know, it's on a Ford site and quoting numbers for a Dodge, but if it improves MPG on those square-assed Fords & Dodges, it'll do the same for our trucks.

 

[Juday]

Didn't MythBusters disprove all of those theories of improving gas mileage via tonneau covers, toppers, mesh tailgates, etc?

 

[Yahooligan]

Didn't MythBusters disprove all of those theories of improving gas mileage via tonneau covers, toppers, mesh tailgates, etc?

They never tested with a topper, only tailgate up and down, mesh tailgate, tonneau, and no tailgate. Here are the stats they posted.

* Tailgate down: 5.2 gallons/hr @ 55mph. 1.2 gallons/hr @ 25.
* Tailgate up: 5.0 gallons/hr @ 55mph. No reading for 25mph given, but tailgate up was once again confirmed as more efficient.
* Hardcover over pickup bed: 5.0 gallons/hr @ 55mph. 1.2 gallons/hr @25mph
* Tailgate mesh: 5% more efficient
* Tailgate removed: about the same as tailgate up and hardcover

I just put a topper on my truck...and switched to synthetic. If I get any better MPG I have no way of knowing which did it or which contributed the most. Oh well!

The best MPG I got was 17.8 on the drive back to Carlsbad from the SF Bay Area. I made it all the way from San Jose to Diamond Bar before filling up, I think it was 376 miles? I could've gone farther, but I don't want to push it. I don't think I've ever put more than 22-23 gallons in my truck.

Anyhoo...

 

[anmut]

Didn't MythBusters disprove all of those theories of improving gas mileage via tonneau covers, toppers, mesh tailgates, etc?

Mythbusters only did the tailgate down vs tailgate up myth. I never saw an episode where they did toppers or other covers...

 

[anmut]

Oh and as a Mythbusters-related topic:

I read my manual on my 08 (yeah i read every manual i get) and it said that at speeds over 45mph roll up the windows and use the air conditioner.

 

[anmut]

I just got my topper put on and damn it looks nice! A bit on the expensive side but oh well. I was wondering if anyone knows if your mpg's are better with a topper on or not?

Here's how it looks with the topper. I really like how it brings out the lines in the rear of the truck. Topper is made by Jason.

 

[12glocks]

I did not appreciate an increase in mileage when I added my Leer topper. Using synthetic 5W-30 and a topper my best gas mileage was 17 something with cruise on 75mph. When I tried premium I did finally get 18mpg with cruise on 75mph.

 

[TitanLou]

I've had mine on about a year now and I really cant say that I've noticed any difference.

 

[Yahooligan]

Here are some before and after pics of my topper, I'm interested in seeing what mileage I get driving to AZ.

Before

After

 

[Carbeaux]

I could see you maybe seeing a very small gain in MPG from improved aerodynamics, but intuitively, I'd think you'd offset that with the increased weight. Giving you a net gain of nothing at best. Just my .02

 

[dmi]

Gots a topper on my KC and did not notice any increase in gas mileage. Bummer...

 

[HudsonValleyTitan]

I can't imagine a cap making a difference over a tonno cover. Maybe over an open bed but the tonno and cap look like they'd do the same thing. But I know that for sure...just MHO.