Fuel economy w/ topper

[btoscano]

Do toppers increase or decrease the fuel economy of a truck?



Here in Tenn. they're "toppers" others call them "canopys" or "shells".



Brian

 

[dan brooks]

I had a fiberglass one on my truck for a while - didn't notice any difference in fuel mileage, but most of my driving is around town.

 

[biggieou]

Brian, I dont think a cap does much for you unless its one of those sleek back designs that turn down towards the tailgate, then perhaps it does. I had an aluminum cap on my truck to move stuff home from college last spring and it didnt affect the mileage at all. I've actually heard that there are studies that say driving w/the tailgate up provides the best mpg's as the trucks were designed with that in mind.

 

[Sri Ram]

I've actually heard that there are studies that say driving w/the tailgate up provides the best mpg's as the trucks were designed with that in mind.

Yes, I made the same 440mi trip, once in may with 500lbs payload and tailgate removed, and once in january with 1000lbs payload and tailgate up. Got much better mileage with tailgate up!



As for toppers, I've *heard* that they improve mileage, as long as they're not too heavy, as they do add weight to your rig. Ladder/lumber racks on the topper would also negatively affect mileage.

 

[KSommer]

i ran one for about 6 months, no real diffrence in mileage. the big help is when i had a trailer behind me. the air could come off the cap and right over the trailer(be it enclosed, or a car or big damn Jeep) it made pulling alot less work for the truck.

kent