A tonneau cover cleans up the lines of a pickup while adding security
When you ask someone why they have a tonneau cover installed on thier truck many people say it’s to improve thier gas mileage. The debate over the validity of this claim continues to rage and just how true the theory of a bed cover providing better fuel economy really is, but there still are quite a few good solid reasons to add a tonneau cover to your truck.
Do Tonneau Covers Really Improve Gas Mileage?
Aerodynamics is an incredibly complex field and the differnce of opinion between manufacturers of covers, vehicles and sellers of aftermarket supplier varies widely. Technically, a tonneau cover will improve the aerodynamics of a truck, reducing drag at higher speeds. Reducing drag at highway speeds will improve your range, however, these improvements are specific to your vehicle, load, cover, speed and other factors.
A tonneau cover will improve gas mileage, although by how much is debatable.
A Study by SEMA claims a reduction of drag by 4.2-7.8% but doesn't mention a miles per gallon saved.
An estimated 1%-5% increase in fuel economy is probably pretty accurate. Even though it seems like a small amount, over the lifetime of the truck it becomes more significant. It’s probably not enough of a factor on its own to persuade someone to use a tonneau, but, we’re talking about pickup drivers, not subcompact owners. Mileage is probably less of a factor in the owner of a truck.
Do Tonneau Covers Lock?
Keeping your stuff secure is important, particularly for anyone carrying valuable tools or equipment in the back of their pickup. The best way to ensure your gear remains yours is to keep it safely under a lockable tonneau.
Even a soft type of tonneau will give the would-be villain pause for thought. Hard tri-fold types, retractable types, hinged and tool box covers offer various types of security.
Roll-N-Lock offers a state of the art keyfob to lock and unlock, while TruXedo's Sentry Locks at the tailgate. Various comapanies offer various options to fit your security needs.
Are Tonneau Covers Watertight?
A tonneau will protect from the elements
Protection from the elements is another valid reason for installing a bed cover on your truck. In colder climates snow, hail and sleet all try their hardest to cause tailgate hinges to corrode and pickup beds to rust. In hotter regions searing sunlight can be just as brutal. In any region, rain is always trying to fill your truck bed.
Leaving your truck’s bed open to the elements also means you’ll be forever scooping wet leaves out of it and mopping up stagnant pools of rust causing water. Tonneau covers may not be 100% waterproof, since you do need access to your bed, but you'll eliminate almost all water, leaves and debris from entering your bed.
Looking Good and Sitting Pretty
Finally, a pick-up truck with a tonneau cover just looks really slick. Like a sweet set of rims or the fine lines of fender flares, a bed cover gives a truck a sleeker visual appearance that sets it apart from the crowd. A tonneau cleans up the lines of a truck and adds a nice sleek look.
Saving gas, keeping equipment or belongings safe, protecting from the weather and upgrading your look are just a few reasons to upgrade to a cover.
If you are looking any other Truck Accessory, remember we have those too!
A truck always looks good with a tonneau coverBy: John Bone
Posted August 26th, 2013
Updated December 21, 2018