Roll-Up Tonneau Cover Affecting MPG

[pga202]

I just installed a roll-up tonneau bed cover, I did not think this would have much of an impact on gas mileage, but since installation I have noticed my gas mileage has decreased. It hasn't decreased drastically, just about 1-2 MPG. I guess if anything I thought it would have reduced drag and actually improved my gas mileage as a result. Anyone else experience this with a roll-up cover?

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[ilovebikes99]

Yes same thing, about 1 mpg down on the Diesel

 

[Labswine]

When I ordered mine back in May of 2019, I ordered the factory roll up cover. Since new, MPGs have been 19 running around (18 in the winter) and over 24 highway (23 winter). I keep the cover closed over the bed at all times (unless moving something tall in there).

Have you examined your driving habits? Could it be simple as the switch to winter blend fuel? I always notice a 1-2 mpg drop in the winter...both fuel blend plus using remote start for a few minutes to war up the insides...especially the seat. LOVE the heated seats ?

 

[Suburban Mojave]

Related topic.
Had a 2018 JLUR averaged 20 to 22 mpg.
Traded for a 2021 JTM, averaged 20 to 22 Mpg,soft trifold Mopar tonneau cover from factory.
Had a laundry list of problems, went thru the buyback process.
recieved Replacement JTM has the mopar hard trifold tonneau cover average MPG 16.5
85% of my driving is interstate,what could possibly be causing this drastically different MPG?

 

[NC_Overland]

Mine gets better MPG with the cover on and closed. I get noticeably worse mpg with either the bed open or with the top or roof panels out. These Jeeps need anything they can to reduce air turbulence. Typically, a bed cover increases mpg.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

I don't believe it. The cover should keep swirlies out of the bed, and thus less drag. The tailgate acts like a sail to catch air and creates drag. That's why some people use the pro-nets.

 

[Gren71]

Mine gets better MPG with the cover on and closed. I get noticeably worse mpg with either the bed open or with the top or roof panels out. These Jeeps need anything they can to reduce air turbulence. Typically, a bed cover increases mpg.

same for me. I get better MPG with it covering my bed than rolled up.

There are so many variables involved it would make sense to examine your driving habits for sure. Also remember winter gas is hell on fuel efficiency.

Interesting addition...My MPG doesnt change when the doors are off as long as the cover remains over the bed. I drop 1-2mpg if the doors are off and the cover is rolled up or off completely.

 

[JustinLentz]

Mythbusters did an episode about a situation like this. They didn't have a bed cover but you will still get the point.

I just installed a roll-up tonneau bed cover, I did not think this would have much of an impact on gas mileage, but since installation I have noticed my gas mileage has decreased. It hasn't decreased drastically, just about 1-2 MPG. I guess if anything I thought it would have reduced drag and actually improved my gas mileage as a result. Anyone else experience this with a roll-up cover?

 

[AmishMike]

I spent many years trying to squeeze mpg out of tow vehicles. Everything seems to affect it, those ugly sunvisors, running boards, mudflaps, tonneau covers/caps etc..
I thought that I was out of my gourd when I saw better mileage with the Freedom Panels off. Then again with simply the windows down. I figured that any weird turbulence must help this brick. Pre-Gladiator I would have said that OP was nuts, now-I am not surprised.
My over-the-roof RTT DOES cut the mpg. Not so much at 60-65 mph but exponentially at speeds over that.

 

[KWin]

Did it also get significantly colder in your area?

 

[Challenger85]

Mine gets better MPG with the cover on and closed. I get noticeably worse mpg with either the bed open or with the top or roof panels out. These Jeeps need anything they can to reduce air turbulence. Typically, a bed cover increases mpg.

You got worse MPG with the top completely off? I’d think you’d have way less drag but maybe it goes up lol.

 

[NC_Overland]

You got worse MPG with the top completely off? I’d think you’d have way less drag but maybe it goes up lol.

On the hwy yes. Way worse. 4-5 mpg less. Same with freedom panels out. It’s been that way consistently for the almost two years I’ve owned it.

 

[cmb396]

I had to run the same route to pick some things up, about 150 round trip. Ran once with bedcover on, once off. Literally, got 3 mpg better with bed cover on.

 

[pga202]

Did it also get significantly colder in your area?

It did...

 

[pga202]

When I ordered mine back in May of 2019, I ordered the factory roll up cover. Since new, MPGs have been 19 running around (18 in the winter) and over 24 highway (23 winter). I keep the cover closed over the bed at all times (unless moving something tall in there).

Have you examined your driving habits? Could it be simple as the switch to winter blend fuel? I always notice a 1-2 mpg drop in the winter...both fuel blend plus using remote start for a few minutes to war up the insides...especially the seat. LOVE the heated seats ?

My driving habits haven't changed since I put the bed cover on. I didn't think about the switch in fuel, I am not sure when the stations in my area make that switch. The installation and the drop in fuel efficiency has all occurred in the last two weeks.

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