In addition to safety, Truck Bed Covers offer an increase of more than 10% in fuel economy. This is excellent news at current fuel prices. Studies show that the reduction in 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 tonneau cover. Studies also revealed that a canopy actually increased drag and fuel consumption. Results will vary by vehicle make and model.
This is how it works when the airflow goes through the cab of the truck. The flow separates behind the cab and enters the truck bed, creating drag if the bed is not covered. Replacing the tailgate with a cargo net results in increased drag compared to removing the tailgate, which had an increase but not as much as the cargo net. The best method to decrease drag and therefore increase fuel economy is to install a tonneau cover over the truck bed.
More options are now available for the customer to improve mileage while adding safety and style.
There are 500,000 conservative 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 10% savings, you’d save about 120 gallons a year (and many reports show that’s more than 12%). You can see why it wouldn’t take too many months for your new truck cover to pay for itself.