Fuel Mileage with Shell/Topper?

[MMoroney]

I'm looking at buying an ARE MX series shell for my 3500 dually. Has anyone noticed a change in fuel mileage with a similar cab-high shell like this(not a slide-in camper)? I've owned plenty of trucks, but this is my first shell/topper. I'm especially interested in the aerodynamic effects with the 3rd gens. Thanks, Mike

 

[wcjp]

My second Gen made no difference either way.

 

[Jaysyl]

I am also looking at the mx series top from A. R. E. Any idea of price?

 

[MMoroney]

Jaysyl, I was quoted $1349+tax for the MX here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The shell is painted at the factory(paint code from truck's VIN) and delivered in 2-3 weeks. I believe the CX was $1249 and Z-series right at $1000. Mike

 

[Punkineater]

I have a Snugtop cab high and have had it for around two months. I have noticed no change in mileage either positive or negative. However, I have yet to take it on a road trip.

 

[SHyans]

I have a Leer shell that was made for the Dodge. I really like it. My Rig site is under construction but the one pic I have shows it.

I think it was about $1800 give or take $100.

For the cab high, I've always been told the increase aerodynmics and the added weight of the shell makes any mpg issues a wash.

 

[CoastyAV8R]

I've had my cab hi Leer on for almost a year and I notice no difference with it on or off.

 

[MFalkinham]

I've had my ARE MPulse for a couple of months now, and it hasn't really affected my mileage that I can see (maybe . 5 mpg). It did smooth out the ride quite a bit by getting a few hundred pounds over the rear wheels.

Overall I'm happy with my ARE's fit and finish, but less than happy with the dealer who sold it to me. I ordered a CX cap, and when they called that it was ready I went to have it installed. They didn't let me see the cap prior to mounting it, and when it was done I went to the parking lot to look at it and saw it was an MPulse model. Apparently, the store manager screwed up when entering my order online with ARE and clicked the wrong model. Rather than refuse the cap and make them eat the cost of it, they agreed to refund the difference in price (MPulse is $200 cheaper). I also asked if they would give me the same lifetime warranty that the CX offers on my MPulse for free, and they said they would look into that and get back to me. I never heard back from them, and never even received a phone call from the manager apologizing for his mistake. I feel I was extremely gracious about accepting their mistake, and now I wish I hadn't been so easygoing.

- MikeF

 

[viper700]

I have had a Z series ARE since last July on my 04. 5 Dually and have put more than a few miles on it. We went from Anchorage to Yuma this last Winter and returned in March. With the back filled with STUFF and a 65 gallon transfer tank in the back traveling at 65/70 most of the time I averaged 18. 4. Topper looks good and I don't think it's weight or style will cause any decrease in milage.

 

[Byershome]

I have a Leer I use on long trips or hauling my dogs to the vet,I store the topper and run my tonneau for normal driving. Doesn't really seem to make much difference but I have airtabs on the topper and at highway speeds I think they help 23+. If fuel milage is what you are looking for hard Tonneau's are the way to go. They show the best fuel milage of any configuration. What ever you do don't lay the tailgate down or take it off. Testing, both real world and wind tunnel, show that hurts fuel milage the most.

 

[Buffalo]

A.r.e.-mx

FWIF, it pays to shop around for these shells.

I bought my ARE-MX, with one Windoor, Tilt-down Front Window,Interion Light & Clothes Rod. Total cost, including tax was $1,396. 54. The highest price was $1,778. 00, for the identical unit. I bought it in May of 2004.



BTW, get on ARE's website 4are.com for their coupon. When I bought mine, the coupon gave you the interior light, clothes hanger, & upgrade to tilt down front window, for free. It's worth checking out.



I'm happy with the unit other than they forgot to order it with the windoor & the rear brake light went out. Both were fixed by the dealer.



Regarding the shell improving fuel economy, I haven't noticed anything. I liked the MX because it was a few inches higher than the cab & it seems to divert the wind & bugs up a little closer to the top of the front of the trailer. You can see the "bugline" on the trailer after a trip. It has to help areodynamics while towing.



I did quite a bit of checking and the ARE's seemed to have a good reputation. I'm Happy & would do it again.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[DaveHess]

I've had my topper since about a week after I bought the truck. It is a cab high. I have no idea about a benefit to fuel mileage but I think it helps aerodynamics when pulling a TT.

 

[MMoroney]

Thanks to everyone for the replies! I really am not looking for a mileage increase. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have a big drop in mileage. Good to hear about some possible better aerodynamics with a trailer too. Anyway, I really do appreciate all the input. Mike

 

[evldsl]

Check out my rigs gallery then make a decisiln on your shell. I did'nt notice a increase in fuel mileage.

 

[jray]

I have a slick Leer shell on the back of my 3500 SWB and it kinda gives it that Suburban look with the large windows that come down to the bed. Just by itself I saw no mileage difference. However when pulling a horse trailer with the shell on I lose 3-4 MPG. Without the shell pulling the horse trailer the MPG's go right back up. Must have something to do with Aerodynamics.







2003 SLT 3500 4X4 305/555 48RE

 

[Buffalo]

In the early '80's, I had a Mercedes-Benz 300-D sedan. I remember reading that the station wagon version of that vehicle got a little bit better mileage even though it was a bit heavier. They attributed the extra mileage to the aerodynamics of the station wagon style body.



These trucks, with the shell installed, look very similar to the body shape of the M-B wagon. To me, they look like they may be a little more areodynamic.



Just a thought.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[CoastyAV8R]

I agree, it looks like the cap would make the truck more aerodynamic, however if my mileage has gone up, it's hardly detectable. I do alot of different stuff with my truck so it's hard to get a baseline with the shell on or off. Sometimes it has dirtbikes in the back, other times I'm late and have to drive fast while other times I'm pulling a trailer. I haven't gotten down into the weeds enough to track it all. I have an idea of what to expect for the given truck configuration and load and if I don't see it when I check my mileage, then I start to look for the cause.

 

[NDanecker]

I have a slick Leer shell on the back of my 3500 SWB and it kinda gives it that Suburban look with the large windows that come down to the bed. Just by itself I saw no mileage difference. However when pulling a horse trailer with the shell on I lose 3-4 MPG. Without the shell pulling the horse trailer the MPG's go right back up. Must have something to do with Aerodynamics.

This is weird as I would have thought (and hoped) the opposite.



I'm looking for a shell for two reasons: 1) increase mileage when pulling my box trailer & 2) keeping my stuff dry!

 

[Byershome]

It is the large gap in between the two causing the loss in fuel milage. I have read that putting airtabs on the topper will help the air bridge across the gap and reduce extra drag caused by the gap.

 

[Buffalo]

The security & protection from the weather for whatever you are hauling, far outweighs the possible slight loss in fuel economy, if any. I keep close track of every fill-up & did not notice any difference in economy. I'm surprised to hear that one member thought he lost approximately 4 mpg. with his shell. If I drive reasonably, I barely lose that much when hooking up my 25', 7000lb. + trailer.



Joe F. (Buffalo)