Pickup caps and beds

Member Joined: Apr 03, 2011 Posts: 42

I took the cap off for rear visibility and because I sometimes hit my head when reaching in. I did not keep records of mpg, so I don't know what difference the cap made. The truck lost some weight, but the aeordynamic drag could be less or more or both, depending on stuff like crosswinds.

Also, I wonder what would be the most fuel-efficient type of bed. Flatbeds could be heavier or lighter than standard beds, depending on how they're built. The best answer I can think of is a modified standard bed with fenders that end just above the wheel wells, or fenders that slope down to the rear end.

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:44 am

Hi Charn.

I don't think one may say which is better without actually testing it either in aerodynamic pipe or under controlled road environment, so my guess is as good (or bad) as yours. I think I read somewhere that some tests showed the tailgate is essential to keep closed on the open bed, and I think this is pretty much all that I ever heard on the topic. Smile

Did I say welcome yet? Welcome to Fun and safe driving Smile