Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

[MetroMPG]

Oh, I know, Frank.

On the upside: it was a round trip. And he wasn't comparing it to anything, simply stating a number. Still...

If I lived in bondo's neighbourhood, I'd offer to do as-controlled-as-possible A-B-A testing for him! I'd say it's critical for building credibility of MPG claims.

I'd argue that A-B-A is more important than long term fuel consumption figures (I can take any car and raise its long term average just by changing my driving style. We need to rule out the driver as a possible factor.)

EDIT: whoops, comparison to EPA made by bondo in the previous post! (Both of us typing at the same time.) Not quite a valid comparison, since the EPA's average speed for their number is 48 mph.

[Frank Lee]

I can't help but recall that bellypans are generally credited with 10% drag reductions, which are then credited with 2% fe increases...

[round.boater]

Granted, I'm an n of 1, but I had already tightened the nut behind the wheel and spent way too much time while driving playing with my ScanGuage before I got my Aerolid. I've posted better numbers loaded with a trailer with my Aerolid than running empty before. It may not be exactly 20%, but it's somewhere near there, and I would bet that A-B-A would bear that out. If anyone wants to help me lift mine on and off I'll do some runs, but I'm not moving that thing on and off my truck by myself!

[MadisonMPG]

Round.Boater, do you still have the mudflaps on your truck?

[round.boater]

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

Round.Boater, do you still have the mudflaps on your truck?

Yep. I know it probably hurts a bit, but here in Colorado they gravel the roads more than sand them in the winter, and I've had too many windshields taken out by other drivers' trucks without mudflaps to purposefully do it to someone else.
It keeps my trailer in a little better shape on dirt roads too.

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by round.boater

Yep. I know it probably hurts a bit, but here in Colorado they gravel the roads more than sand them in the winter, and I've had too many windshields taken out by other drivers' trucks without mudflaps to purposefully do it to someone else.
It keeps my trailer in a little better shape on dirt roads too.

Maybe take off the front ones? (just saying for aerodynamics)

[Frank Lee]

The front ones provide the most protection from gravel

[Red Goat]

I would want a cover with clear lexan top doors that split in the middle.
If you had to haul something big home the top covers could just stay standing up.
I know where I can get lexan that wont scratch!