Tonneau Cover Recommendations?

[TacoFreak]

On a related note.......has anyone done a MPG test, tonneau cover vs. no cover?

I haven't seen that done for a 4th gen, but for other trucks the mileage increase is usually small or even none at all.

Sponsored

 

[Miqie]

I haven't seen that done for a 4th gen, but for other trucks the mileage increase is usually small or even none at all.

I always thought the tailgate was a major drag in pickups. Maybe in short 5' beds the air is mostly going over the top of the tailgate.

 

[TacoFreak]

I always thought the tailgate was a major drag in pickups. Maybe in short 5' beds the air is mostly going over the top of the tailgate.

I think most of us have always thought that. Of course most of us assume better induction systems make more power, but I have seen dyno tests showing that many don't.

So I was interested when i saw some actual wind tunnel tests (a long time ago) that showed most trucks having their aerodynamics optimized for not needing the tonneau. They don't hurt aerodynamics but they don't help as much as we thought.

That could have changed and if anyone has any newer test to share I would love to see them, just like you would.

 

[Miqie]

I think most of us have always thought that. Of course most of us assume better induction systems make more power, but I have seen dyno tests showing that many don't.

So I was interested when i saw some actual wind tunnel tests (a long time ago) that showed most trucks having their aerodynamics optimized for not needing the tonneau. They don't hurt aerodynamics but they don't help as much as we thought.

That could have changed and if anyone has any newer test to share I would love to see them, just like you would.

Maybe the weird lip above the rear window has aerodynamic effects on drag.

 

[TacoFreak]

Maybe the weird lip above the rear window has aerodynamic effects on drag.

Yeah -the lip above the rear window and the top of the tailgate are probably both to improve aerodynamics.

For best aero it turns out that the key is where the airflow separates from the body.

 

[Nvideon]

I think I'll be going with a Diamondback HD tonneau cover and cab height truff bed rack

 

[Tacoflvrd]

I’ve got the sentry ct hard roll up cover and absolutely love it. The bed and it’s contents stay totally dry.

Sponsored