Add a Tonneau Cover to your truck and improve your gas mileage
With the high cost of gas and diesel these days, pickup truck owners need to look for ways to improve fuel economy. An open truck bed creates drag from wind resistance. Adding a new tonneau cover will not only create more useable space but will also make any truck more aero dynamic and help to improve fuel efficiency. Today’s tonneau covers are a highly refined truck accessory with many styles and manufacturers to choose from.
Tonneau covers are custom manufactured to OEM specifications for pickup trucks (long bed, short bed, sport trac) and the new cross-over sport utility vehicles (Chevy Avalanche, Ford Explorer Sport, , Honda Ridgeline). The leading tonneau cover manufacturers’ guarantee their products will be a perfect fit.
In the last ten years, demand for tonneau covers has pushed manufacturers to design and engineer a better cover. With that, the choices a consumer has now in shopping for a tonneau cover has multiplied. Tonneau covers are now available in a wide range of quality vinyl with functions that snap, roll, hinges, or folds. There are also tonneau covers that open like a hood and made of fiberglass and rigid plastic materials that can be painted to custom match your truck. Be prepared for a wide price fluctuation between tonneau brands and models. The price really does dictate the quality of (tarp/cover) material and components used in manufacturing the product.
Before you shop for a tonneau cover, first determine how you want to utilize your truck bed. Do you want to have fast easy access? A snap or roll up cover would be a good fit and moderately priced. Do you want a hard cover? A solid folding or fiberglass lid type will narrow your choices and increase the cost. Is your truck a work truck with rails? A TracRac tonneau works seamless with your existing rail system. Do you have a toolbox in your truck bed? There are several tonneau manufacturers that make toolbox compatible covers.
All of the leading tonneau cover manufacturers, (Extang, TruXedo, Bak, Access, TracRac, Lund) feature full use of your tail gate when the tonneau is completely closed. If your truck is not equipped with a tailgate lock, it is recommended to add a lock (Pop n’lock) to your tailgate for additional security.
The advantages of adding a tonneau cover to your truck will pay off quickly. Not only will you suddenly EXPAND your truck’s usable room, you’ll give your truck a new, personalized look and be more fuel efficient. Your cargo will be safe and secure and protected from rain, wind, snow and opportunist thieves who will not hesitate to grab stuff from an open truck bed. Stopping shopping for a new car and keep your truck. All you need to do is add a new tonneau cover to save some dollars at the pump.
Whether you’re looking for a soft roll-up style tonneau cover or a hard surface type it’s best to figure out what your budget is and what your needs are before shopping. Some of the best tonneau covers available are Truxedo’s
