Does a Tonneau Cover Improve Gas Mileage?

In addition to a tonneau cover’s obvious benefits of protecting and securing cargo in your bed, the right bed cover can also improve your truck’s fuel efficiency. While multiple studies have been made that make it seem as though saving gas with a tonneau cover is a myth that’s already been busted, the truth is these studies didn’t take multiple tonneau cover designs into account during experimentation. If you want to improve your truck’s gas mileage with a tonneau cover, we’ll show you how.

How to Save Fuel with a Tonneau Cover

Lightweight tonneau covers, such as soft roll-up and soft folding covers, are the best choice for truck owners who want to save gas. By reducing the coefficient of drag (Cd)in your truck’s bed, these covers make it easier for your truck to accelerate up to speed, which is where most mileage loss occurs. Conservative estimates by experts in aerodynamics indicate a roughly five percent reduction in drag after installing a tonneau cover, which corresponds to a nearly two percent increase in fuel economy. While this may not seem like a substantial gain in fuel mileage, it adds up over time.