osrob
Southern California
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I have a new (to me) 2006 Silverado 1500 with open bed.
Covering the bed ought to improve MPG by a measureable amount.
Any data out there?
And what is an easy low cost cover? I figure there must be a canvas type cover to get the impact MPG yet still be removable for bikes etc. when needed.
I understand the f-glass matching paint, lockable - NICE cover to be $1,500 or so. I prefer the $100 solution so I can get ROI on less than 20 tanks of gas.
Thanks in advance,
Rob
Osrob
What you see is what you get... I aim to see a lot!
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Mike Schriber
San Diego, CA
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The difference is negligible. The cab creates an area of low pressure stagnant air in and over the bed. Covers, shells, and open tailgates really make no difference.
Mike
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SoCal Family Campers
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twinsmom04
BC Canada
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We just got a tri fold hard shell tonneau cover for our new to us 2007 Silverado. I don't know if it will help mpg... but it looks good, it's lockable, folds up in thirds and secures at the cab edge of the box.. and if we need the full box open is easily removed from the inside. paid just over $1k installed. We went with the hard shell because we figured it was a lot more secure than the soft covers. If we do get any better mpg it will be a side perk.
TV - 2007 Silverado Crew cab shortbox with 5.3l engine
TT - 2007 28BHS Passport
campers include me and my 4 year old twin boys and occasionally DH
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goodcruisin
Greenwood, IN
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Read this study. Don't stop when you see the title thinking "this isn't what I'm asking". If you read the whole article it does get into tnneau covers and answers your question. If you don't want to read the entire thing it basically says to never drive with the tailgate down, removed or replaced with a mesh cover as it not only increases drag but causes the rear of the truck to lift which reduces traction. A full tonneau cover will decrease drag thereby increasing fuel mileage. What is most interesting is that a tonneau cover that only covers part of the bed is best. A 20" cover is optimum, but anything up to half way will produce decent results too.
* This post was
edited 05/07/08 05:46am by goodcruisin *
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
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lfd311
Upstate, NY
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Pep Boys - I believe it is ExTang??? They're ~$200 and takes anyone about 10-15 mins to install themselves!!! Have purchased them for my last 4 trucks (all different so of course had to get new ones!!!) and yes - they do help your mileage ~2-5 mpg - from personal experience.
2006 Chevy 3500 Dually 3.73 D/A 6 speed - 6x6
2002 R-Vision Trail Bay 31BHSS
AS ALWAYS - HAPPY AND SAFE TRAILERING!!!
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trustymopars
Louisville, TN.
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They may not improve fuel milage, but a hard cover sure makes it nice to have secure storage, camping or just runing errands in town. I have a RollBack brand that rolls up like a garage door, not totally waterproof like a fiberglass one, but you don't have to remove it if you haul something tall.
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A rainy day camping is better than a sunny day at work.
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dup4fun
NY
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Check Ebay. I have bought my last two off of it and had no problem with them. The one I have now is a tru-sport roll up one. No water gets in and I can roll it up to the cab for bikes and un roll it after I unload them. The one I have now cost me 225.00 that included shipping. Watch the prices and shipping.
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symbasden
WI
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I have an extang on my truck. Make sure that you get one where the bars roll up with the cover, it is very easy to open and close my cover.
Jeff
2009 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 8317SS
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
DW Kelly and DD
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jeremys
West Fargo, ND
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Read this over and over and think about the cost of fuel in 2000 (when this study was done).
The summary fuel calculations of Table 3 show that the
average increase in fuel usage over the life of a pickup
truck, here assumed as 100,000 freeway miles, is about
0.5(73+172)=122.5 gallons which has a current value of
about $184.00.
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pdvandusen
Snow Hill, NC USA
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I bought an Undercover for my 2008 Silverado. I don't know if it has given an increase in MPG, but I bought it so the stuff I carry in my "Big Trunk" is more secure. It cost about $700 and comes in one color, black.
Doug & Mary Ann Van Dusen and Phoebe (the dog)
2008 Chevy 1500 Silverado 5.3L LTZ 3.73, HD Trailer Pkg.
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