Yes, both truck toppers and tonneau covers can improve fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag. Most drivers see modest gains typically between 2% and 10% during highway driving while city driving usually shows little measurable improvement.
If you’re considering adding a truck topper or tonneau cover to your pickup, you’ve probably wondered whether it can help you save money at the gas pump. The answer is yes but the improvement is generally modest and depends on several factors, including your truck, the type of cover, and how you drive.
At TNT Customs in Cheyenne, Wyoming, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Will a tonneau cover improve my gas mileage?” While improved fuel economy is a nice bonus, most customers also appreciate the added security, cargo protection, and versatility these accessories provide.
Let’s take a closer look at how truck toppers and tonneau covers affect your truck’s aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Quick Answer
Do truck toppers and tonneau covers improve gas mileage?
Yes. Independent testing by manufacturers, automotive publications, and engineering organizations has shown that properly fitted truck toppers and tonneau covers can reduce aerodynamic drag and modestly improve fuel economy, particularly during steady highway driving.
Actual fuel savings depend on several factors, including:
- Your truck’s make and model
- The type of topper or tonneau cover
- Highway versus city driving
- Wind conditions
- Vehicle load
- Driving habits
Most drivers can expect improvements ranging from 2% to 10%, with the greatest gains occurring during consistent highway travel.
Why Aerodynamics Matter
As your truck moves down the road, it pushes through the air, creating resistance known as aerodynamic drag. The faster you drive, the more energy your engine needs to overcome that resistance.
Above approximately 50 mph, aerodynamic drag becomes one of the largest forces working against your vehicle. That’s why fuel economy often decreases at higher highway speeds.
Pickup trucks naturally create more aerodynamic drag because they have:
- A taller ride height
- A large, flat front surface
- An open cargo bed
- A squared-off rear design
Improving airflow around these areas can help reduce drag and improve overall efficiency.
How a Truck Bed Affects Airflow
Many people assume an open truck bed acts like a parachute, catching air and slowing the truck down. In reality, the airflow is more complex.
As air moves over the cab, a rotating pocket of air forms inside the truck bed. While this circulating air helps reduce some drag, turbulence still develops behind the truck, creating aerodynamic resistance.
A properly fitted tonneau cover or truck topper helps smooth airflow over the bed and reduces the turbulent wake behind the truck. This decreases aerodynamic drag, allowing the engine to use slightly less energy to maintain highway speeds.
Do Tonneau Covers Improve Fuel Economy?
Yes.
A tonneau cover creates a smoother path for airflow over the truck bed, helping reduce turbulence and aerodynamic drag.
Depending on the truck and driving conditions, many owners experience:
- Approximately 2% to 5% better fuel economy
- Greater improvements during highway driving
- Little noticeable difference during stop-and-go city driving
Hard folding, retractable, and flush-mounted covers generally provide the greatest aerodynamic benefits, although soft roll-up covers can also improve airflow compared to an open bed.
Do Truck Toppers Improve Fuel Economy?
Truck toppers can also improve fuel economy under the right conditions.
Although a topper adds weight to the vehicle, its aerodynamic shape can help offset that added weight by smoothing airflow over the truck.
Many truck owners report:
- Similar fuel economy improvements to tonneau covers
- Better efficiency during long highway trips
- Minimal change during city driving
The exact results depend on the truck, topper design, and driving conditions.
Highway Driving vs. City Driving
Where you drive makes a significant difference.
Highway Driving
Because aerodynamic drag increases with speed, highway driving offers the greatest opportunity for fuel savings. Long interstate trips are where most drivers notice any improvement in MPG.
City Driving
In town, factors like:
- Frequent stops
- Acceleration
- Traffic lights
- Idling
have a much greater impact on fuel economy than aerodynamics. If most of your driving is around Cheyenne, you may notice little or no measurable improvement in gas mileage.
Does Driving With the Tailgate Down Improve Gas Mileage?
Many truck owners believe lowering the tailgate improves fuel economy by allowing air to flow through the truck bed. However, modern aerodynamic testing has shown that’s generally not the case.
With the tailgate closed, a rotating pocket of air forms inside the bed, helping guide airflow over the rear of the truck. Lowering the tailgate often increases turbulence and can actually increase aerodynamic drag.
If your goal is improving fuel economy, installing a properly fitted tonneau cover is generally a more effective solution than driving with the tailgate down.
Other Factors That Affect Fuel Economy Even More
While a truck topper or tonneau cover can provide modest improvements, these factors typically have a much greater effect on your MPG:
Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy.
Regular Maintenance
Dirty air filters, overdue oil changes, worn spark plugs, and engine problems all reduce efficiency.
Driving Habits
Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, and speeding consume significantly more fuel than aerodynamic differences.
Vehicle Weight
Carrying unnecessary cargo or heavy equipment can noticeably reduce fuel economy.
Speed
Fuel economy typically begins to decrease rapidly once speeds exceed 65 mph because aerodynamic drag increases dramatically.
Truck Topper vs. Tonneau Cover
| Feature | Tonneau Cover | Truck Topper |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | Slight improvement | Slight improvement |
| Cargo Security | Good to Excellent | Excellent |
| Weather Protection | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bed Access | Easier | Limited by topper height |
| Storage Capacity | Standard truck bed | Additional enclosed vertical storage |
| Camping & Overlanding | Good | Excellent |
If fuel economy is your only concern, there’s no clear winner. Choose the option that best fits how you use your truck.
Benefits Beyond Better Gas Mileage
For most truck owners, fuel savings are simply an added bonus.
A truck topper or tonneau cover also provides:
- Secure storage for tools and gear
- Protection from rain, snow, dust, and Wyoming’s high winds
- A cleaner, more organized truck bed
- Improved vehicle appearance
- Better cargo protection during travel
- Added versatility for work, recreation, and overlanding
Here in Wyoming, protecting your cargo from blowing dust, snow, and unpredictable weather is often just as valuable as any improvement in fuel economy.
Is It Worth Buying One Just to Save Gas?
Probably not.
While fuel savings are a nice bonus, most truck owners choose a topper or tonneau cover because it provides secure storage, protects cargo from Wyoming’s weather, and makes their truck more functional.
When you combine those benefits with the potential for improved aerodynamics and modest fuel savings, a topper or tonneau cover becomes a smart long-term investment.
Which Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on how you use your truck.
A tonneau cover may be the best option if you:
- Want easy access to your truck bed
- Use your truck as a daily driver
- Need weather protection for cargo
- Prefer a sleek, low-profile appearance
A truck topper may be a better choice if you:
- Frequently travel or camp
- Carry tools or equipment
- Need maximum weather protection
- Want enclosed storage for work or recreation
- Enjoy overlanding or outdoor adventures
At TNT Customs, we carry and install truck toppers and tonneau covers from trusted manufacturers. We’ll help you compare styles, explain what works best in Wyoming’s wind and weather, and professionally install the right solution for your truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tonneau covers really improve gas mileage?
Yes. Properly installed tonneau covers can reduce aerodynamic drag and may improve fuel economy by approximately 2% to 5%, with the greatest benefits occurring during highway driving.
Do truck toppers improve fuel economy?
Yes. Many truck toppers improve airflow over the truck bed, which can offset the additional weight and provide modest fuel economy improvements during highway travel.
Which improves gas mileage more: a truck topper or a tonneau cover?
Neither is a clear winner. Both can improve aerodynamics, and actual fuel savings depend on the truck, driving conditions, and accessory design.
Is a hard tonneau cover more aerodynamic than a soft cover?
Generally, yes. Hard folding, retractable, and flush-mounted covers tend to provide slightly better aerodynamic performance than raised or loose-fitting soft covers.
Does driving with the tailgate down save gas?
No. Modern aerodynamic testing shows that lowering the tailgate generally does not improve fuel economy and may actually increase aerodynamic drag.
Are truck toppers and tonneau covers worth the investment?
For many truck owners, yes. In addition to potential fuel savings, they provide cargo security, weather protection, improved organization, and added versatility.
Find the Right Truck Bed Cover at TNT Customs
Whether you’re looking for a durable tonneau cover, a truck topper for work or recreation, or expert advice on what performs best in Wyoming’s challenging weather, TNT Customs is here to help.
We offer professional installation, trusted brands, and personalized recommendations based on how you use your truck not just what’s popular.
Visit TNT Customs at 807 S. Greeley Hwy, Cheyenne, WY, or contact our team today to learn more about truck toppers, tonneau covers, and truck accessories that are built to handle Wyoming’s roads, weather, and adventures.
