Tonneau Cover= MPG fuel savings?

Hi all,
I'm thinking of adding a roll up tonneau cover on my 2019 double cab tundra. I kind of like the idea of keeping stuff out of sight and dry but really, my biggest motive may be to improve fuel economy. Has anyone noticed better MPG once you installed your tonneau cover or is that an urban myth? Curious about real world experiences if you have a roll up tonneau cover.

 

I think mythbusters tested all the different ways to configure a truck bed for gas mileage years ago if you can find the video. If I recall, the tonneau made no difference.

 

It won't help with fuel economy unfortunately. A cap would be more helpful there, except that the added weight of a cap negates some of that. Then the abrupt stop at the rear of the truck keeps the cap from really improving airflow. You'd have to turn the back of the truck into a cone, lower the truck and put flat panels across the bottom to speed up the airflow there to see any improvements. I doubt a 6,000 brick with a thirsty V8 has a lot of aerodynamic potential improvement.

 

Fast Lane Truck did this on this very subject. Take it for what is worth.
https://youtu.be/gNjyqtIjSa0

 

If it does improve it'll be negligible. You won't recoup the cost of the cover in fuel savings.

Are you lifted? Bigger/heavier tires? If so, go back to stock with a low rolling resistance tire for improved economy. Otherwise, embrace the reliable and thirsty truck life.

 

Thanks all- I found the myth busters stuff and other links. Looks like no point to it for improving mpg so unless I just want to do it to keep stuff out of sight there doesn’t appear to be any real help by putting one in place. Gonna hold off for now. Thanks again!

 

I remember that. If I recall correctly, removing the tailgate and putting in a pro net yielded the best fuel economy.

 

The net did. Removing the tailgate hurt economy. Overall conclusion was that that the net was the only thing that improved measurably over the stock tailgate being closed.