Truck bed covers increase fuel consumption

In addition to safety, truck bed covers offer a more than 10% increase in fuel economy. This is excellent news with current fuel prices. Studies show that reducing drag due to airflow in the truck bed with a tonneau cover will result in an 11% decrease in drag compared to a truck bed without a cover. Studies also revealed that a canopy actually increases stamina and fuel consumption. Results will vary by vehicle make and model.

This is how it works when the airflow passes through the cab of the truck. The flow separated behind the cab and enters the truck bed, creating a drag if the bed is not covered. Replacing the tailgate with a cargo net results in increased strength compared to removing the tailgate, which had an increase, but not as much as the cargo net. The best method to decrease drag, thus increasing fuel economy, is to install a tarp cover over the truck bed.

Now more options are available for the customer to improve mileage while adding safety and style.

There are conservatively 500,000 covered trucks on the road every day, and based on average gas savings, American saves 60 million gallons of gas per year or about $ 100,000. Studies show that the average truck owner drives 18,000 miles per year. At 15 mpg, that equates to 1,000 gallons of gas. With a minimum savings of 10%, you would save about 120 gallons a year (and many reports show that it is more like 12%). You can see why it wouldn’t take many months for your new truck cover to pay for itself.