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10-23-2012, 12:05 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cinnaminson
Posts: 197
M.O.C. #5316
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Bedcover and effect on fuel
With all the experienced fivers, has anyone ever "tested" the effect of non-closure verses partial closure of a bedcover on wind drag and fuel efficiency while pulling their Montana?
I carry my fold-up bikes in the bed between the back of the cab and the hitch. Consequently, I partially close my Pace Edwards bedcover to keep my bikes out of foul weather. I don't know if I am doing an injustice (creating a partial vacuum) by partially closing it or not. Any experience would be appreciated.
(I know this issue will NOT create major fuel increases...since I get 7.5 to 8 mpg with my 8.1L). Thanks in advance for any ideas.
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10-23-2012, 12:15 PM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Palmdale
Posts: 177
M.O.C. #11365
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No effect on either. Open, closed or partially open...IMHO (and my research)
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10-23-2012, 06:21 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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I've had several friends who thought covering the bed would make a difference. If it did, they couldn't tell.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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10-24-2012, 03:02 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #10378
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My fuel flow computer says no difference here either.
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10-24-2012, 03:45 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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With the weight we pull, cant see how it would make any difference.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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10-24-2012, 04:44 AM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 431
M.O.C. #11342
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1/4 inch of change in position on the go-pedal will make FAR more difference than a louvered tailgate. See "Mythbusters"
with a 14k lbs RV attached, i think that the color of your underwear will make more difference than a bed cover and as for tailgates, I like my OEM tailgate vs vented, for everything else a tailgate is supposed to do.
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10-24-2012, 06:04 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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I got improved mpgs when using a cover but it was no more than 1 to 2 mpgs and but only when it's completely closed and I'm not towing or carrying. I regularly measure my mpgs on a particular stretch of 40 miles of interstate around where I live. I have tried different speeds (between 65 & 70 work best) and configurations (without a cover, and with cover was better). Otherwise when towing or carrying the cover had no affect and the mpgs were less depending on how much weight or size of tow or whatever position the cover was in. Then I'll get 11 to 15 mpgs but the involved activity far surpasses the need for better mpgs.
I removed the cover recently because I bought a lockable storage box and with the cover got 21-22 mpgs, and without the cover with the storage box, I get 20-21. It's minimal and anything over 20 mpgs impresses me with this truck. I also have 3.73 gears and get the best mpgs when not towing, there's little wind, or maintaining a slower speed (over 70 and mpgs decline). I only do this when I concentrate on driving and the majority of time I DO NOT think about it (I can get 18-20 mpgs all the time in that case and I'm happy with that).
Bottom line, in my case, if you have a cover it works best for mpgs when fully closed, period and it might not be very much gain. The cover does have the primary benefit of some security and protection from the elements for the cargo which is more important than mpgs - many do not gain the benefit of mpgs and the amount of work I need to follow to do this is not worth it so I wouldn't worry about it.
My thoughts have changed over the years and while it's nice to try to get higher mpgs, when I put the truck to work towing or carrying or keeping up with traffic, then I think driving styles, weight and mpgs are affected enough that I don't need to worry about it. The ability to do this work is what's critical. Even then I do sometimes wish I had a dually. If I wanna worry about mpgs, then I'll buy a Prius (and not do anything). I will add that me and DW agree we'll never be without a truck.
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10-24-2012, 08:06 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I didn't configure my rig the way it it because of mileage. I run it with the cover all the way closed when not towing and 1/2 way closed when towing. No appreciable gain that I can see. I think we all tow too much weight to make a difference. JMHO
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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10-24-2012, 02:12 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,550
M.O.C. #2283
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Bedcover and effect on fuel. None
And if there was it would be so slight, how would you ever know?
Lynwood
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10-31-2012, 03:02 AM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: No. Attleboro
Posts: 338
M.O.C. #6002
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I did notice one interesting fact. If you have an aux fuel tank in the bed that drains into the OEM tank, it will not drain lower than 1/4 - 1/2 if the if the cover is closed. Easy fix however, because it's caused by the vent for the aux tank not getting enough air.
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10-31-2012, 03:25 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 431
M.O.C. #11342
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waahhhhow! on the cork-tight-vacuum-causing bed cover!
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10-31-2012, 07:00 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,659
M.O.C. #9969
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Agreed, never noticed much with a bed cover, but on one of the other forums there's a thread about the wind deflectors you mount on the TV, there one caracter that claims a 4 to 5 MPG increse, now I'd like to know what he's smoking, because for most of us that would be a 50% increase in mileage. The general consus was that they did little or nothing and in some cases actually hurt.
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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10-31-2012, 08:57 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Waterford
Posts: 3,693
M.O.C. #7500
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mhs4771
Agreed, never noticed much with a bed cover, but on one of the other forums there's a thread about the wind deflectors you mount on the TV, there one caracter that claims a 4 to 5 MPG increse, now I'd like to know what he's smoking, because for most of us that would be a 50% increase in mileage. The general consus was that they did little or nothing and in some cases actually hurt.
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I totally agree. I don't think people deliberately lie about fuel mileage, at least I hope they don't, but there are so many variables that unless you can test under very rigid conditions, people can't make valid claims of what increases fuel consumption and what doesn't. Needless to say that doesn't apply to the manufacturers of these wonder products!
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