Now that several of us are getting on with the Mods to our trucks, I'm looking for some real-world feedback about the impact that a Tonneau cover has on the MPGs of the 09 Ram Hemi.
It would seem that while the expectation is 5-10% improvement, that this will be effected by the specific aerodynamics of each body style - length of bed, RC / QC / CC, etc. So, what has been your real-world experience ??
And, does the addition of a cover have any impact on MDS at Freeway Speeds ?? (Not the 15-35mph rush hour crawl, but the open highway 65-75 cruise...) I'd hope that the reduced drag would let MDS kick in at these speeds just beyond "normal MDS range" - the MPG savings would really be appreciated and would add justification to the expense of a Tonneau.

So - experiences ??

 

It didn't do anything for my mpg......but I still love it! it is nice to throw all your stuff back there and not have to worry about it getting wet.

 

I will be more specific - I just got back from a 660 mile trip over memorial day weekend. Highways are 65, interstate is 75. About 50/50 between the 2. I Averaged 15.25 on the way out and 16.3 on the way back - hand calculated after fill up. That is with my tonuea cover.

 

That's pretty bad milage for all highway. I'm getting 16.5 (hand calculated) with mixed highway/town driving.

 

Interested in what people have seen on this as well. I want a cover just to keep the bed dry and replace the factory liner I didn't want with a rubber mat or spray on down the road. I don't really see the MDS active above 60 on the highway (4x4, sport, crew cab, short bed) I'd like to see it at 70 with the cruise set, unloaded of course.

of note, bone stock, 2000 miles, with no cover currently, I see 17.5-18.5 with a city/highway mix of about 10/90 %
I try to accelerate lightly, and pretty much grandpa the truck around. I have the subi for when I want to have fun, the truck's just for driving/hauling.

 

I have a BakFlip G2, but since I bought it the first week I had the truck, I can't really tell ya if it would make a difference or not.

I really like the look of my truck with it installed, and keeping things dry and a little safer was my main reason for getting one.

 

It is about what I expected.......4x4, crew, hemi, and North Dakota is always windy......anybody that is getting better than 17 with cruise set at 75, is probably fibbing or going down hill or has a tail wind.

I did see higher on my trip, when slowed down to 65 and the wind went down, the computer said 19.6. But that was just a short 70 mile stretch. Like I said the hand calculated mileage was 15.25.

 

I see more milage change depending on wind. It might help that I have a cover, but not convinced.

 

If you are trying to "justify" buying a tonneau cover just for the fuel savings...DON'T.

Get a tonneau or hard cover to protect your cargo from the wind and rain.

Consider any mpg savings as an unexpected benefit.

My two cents.

 

I would agree with that for the most part.