I have a 1990 regular cab shortbed pickup with 31x10.50-15's. Right now I'm getting about 17 mpg's. My question is, I'm thinking about getting a tonneau cover for it to improve gas mileage, and i was wondering if anyone has one and knows what kind of mileage gain i would get by getting one and if it would be worth the money to get it. Thanks.

 

If saving gas is your ONLY reason I'd say no. You'll gain about 2 MPG max, tonneaus go for what $500? about 160 gallons? 22RE? I get around 20MPG with my 3.4 with a camper cap and the same size tires, there should be cheaper solutions. That said I really want a Tonneau/headache rack for the summer... Don't get me wrong, I love my cap, it's great when camping or home depot runs in rainstorms. Just a pain DDin with huge frigen blind spots.

 

I like them. They add a nice look to the truck not to mention increase gas mileage and deter people from stealing from your truck bed. They also keep snow out of your bed.

 

Oh I love em, every reason you listed is a good reason to purchase one. I'm just saying if the only reason is to save gas(/money) there are probably less expensive ways to be less expensive

 

I didnt notice any difference when running mine.

 

that's very true.

 

Yes, it is the 22re. Gas mileage isn't the only reason but it is the main one. I still had some trouble with theft on an f150 I had with a tonneau cover on it because it was a soft one and didn't keep anyone from opening the tailgate, but i gained about 3 mpgs on it wih a V8. I have shopped around and they make the snap type for about $250. I like the look and space of a camper top, but i agree with you about the blindspots, and the price is a little out of my range, so for it just as my DD thats why I was thinking tonneau cover.

 

If you go with a run of the mill Westin, and you want to use the bed in the winter time...its no fun snapping it back on. In temps below 40 you will have a hard time unless in a heat garage. I like the look and keeps the bed dry.

 

Yeah, I've experienced that with one of my high school teachers trucks. I really don't haul anything but my bulk around in it, so my plan was to get one of those bed divider things to keep anything from going up very far and pretty much just making a "trunk" with it.

 

The most probable explanation is the 300 lbs of gravel in the back of it right now for traction in the bad weather weve been having, plus I mostly drive in town and my whole way to work and back is nothing but one steep hill after another

 

x2 on keeping the snow and ice out. I got my tonneau cover on CL for $100 and it was definately worth it. When I used to commute for work I did see an increase of 1-2 MPG.