Fuel Economy? Topper or Tonneau

[Jocww]

When I had my decked system in the bed I got better mileage than I do with that 2x6 standing up as a divider with the tailgate up...

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[RudeJeepin]

The Ram 1500 had a high fuel efficient model that came standard with a tonneau cover and the EcoDiesel. The Ram Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel. Supposedly got like 1 or 2 better mpg across the board. If I remember right, there were a few other small changes also.

 

[jensbrown]

I started out with a tonneau cover and switched to a RSI cap. I can't say I have noticed any difference with fuel economy. The cap serves me better than the tonneau cover.

Same, debated topper vs tonneau. Realized that the Gladiator bed of too short and shallow to a tonneau, so opted for a topper (RSI SmartCap). That will be the right answer for me. After a lift and 35's fuel economy is comical (14's in town 17+ when modest highway speed).

Go the topper route. You are looking at 1.5K to2K for a 'good' tonneau, rigid style. Toppers range is crazy from super low-end in-Under 2K to high quality, metal at+4K. RSI was the upper range but fits my needs perfectly. Example of my build is attached (representative, not mine).

Good luck!

 

[Jclayc]

I've had both a tonneau cover and a soft topper on 2 different models, cover on Overland, soft topper on Rubicon. I can feel the drag much more on the Rubicon, but, mpg has been negligible as the Rubicon is heavier than the the Overland. Averaged 20 in the Overland, and currently getting 19 in the Rubicon.

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