Just installed my tonneau cover last week, and got my first gas mileage with the cover. Before the cover, when I first got the truck I was getting low 11's and it was improving every fillup. Now I have 1200 miles on the truck and my previous gas mileage was 13.62. After installing the tonneau cover my first mileage with it was 14.72mpg. A 1.10mpg increase, not sure if it's b/c of the cover or the engine breaking in more.

For those that would like to now, I got the SportMaster tonneau cover. I didn't get the one with the hydrolic lift, just the clamp on. It's a nice fit and covers good, but the front part between the cab and bed, and the rear part above the tailgate don't seem that water proof. It kept the bed perfectly dry during 3 days of rain, but it seems if you wash the truck water can get in those 2 areas from the pressure of a hose.

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2001 Silver L

Mods (so far):
**** carpeting for the bed
sportmaster tonneau cover
premier 720 HU

to get list:
cervini ram air hood
some form of ram air
lower blower pully
the rest of the stereo
some sort of shift kit
maybe a chip

 

Also.....

There is no seal on the sides of your tailgate. Water will go right through there too if sprayed with a hose.

 

I saw about the same increase in mileage when I put my tonneau cover on. I also noticed wind noise was less around the back glass. I put the ExTang soft cover on mine since I carry things in the bed that will not fit under a hard cover. I put the cover on the truck at 11K miles so I know my engine was broken in. Enjoy the added MPG every little bit helps these days.

 

papabear,
Do you have any negative comments on the Extang cover. I'm planning on purchasing one next week and I'd appreciate any feedback positive or negative. Thanks

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* 2000 F150XLT SC/SB 4X4 Sport Black on Black
* 5.4L,3.55LS,4R70,17in wheels
* Air Force1 FIPK
* Alarm w/remote starter

 

Red Racer - I know water can get in there. Wish the bed was completely waterproof. The reason I'm gonna try and make the cover more watertight is because I wan't to keep my bedrug as dry as possible, so I don't have to dry it out after it gets wet to lay on it.

papabear - I got the soft cover for the same reason as you, when I haul bigger things. I was gonna get a fiberglass but then I couldn't haul as much. Also I think I like the black top on the silver better then a hardtop painted to match.

Logged

T O'HF150 - I don't know anything about the x-tang, but IMO the soft tonneau covers are better. I haven't found a snapless one I liked yet, so I got one with snaps.

 

I have the extang soft cover on my 97 stepside and have had it over a year and it has been flawless. and at 199.00 installed you can't beat it. and it looks good.

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1997 F-150 XLT 4.6 REGULAR CAB, FLARESIDE PACIFIC CLEARCOAT GREEN 5-SPEED. WESTIN NERF BARS, POWER EVERYTHING,BUG SHIELD, EX-TANG SOFT COVER, BED LINER(FORD).

Better 1/2 : 92 Red T-Bird.

 

Hey Capt. Do you want to get rid of your stock head unit and changer???

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1999 Black Lightning... 1940 of 4000... Traded for: 2001 Silver Bolt... Adopted 3/24/01... Red Line Water Wetter... Wet Okole's... Bed Rug... JL Stage II Ram air... Chipless in Jersey

 

That's the main reason I bought my lid. I figured it would pay for itself in a year or two of gas.

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2000 Silver Lightning
#2798 of 4966
Born on date: May 9, 2000
Email: ColinMBurns@hotmail.com



Mods: SnugLid, 20% tint, Airaid, Slush Mats, Pioneer Speakers, Zaino

My Zing Album:
http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4292665015

 

FastGator - I emailed you, you didn't get it?

dontblameme@yahoo.com, email me to make sure I put in the right address.

 

T O'HF150,

I can only say great things about my cover. It is the snapless design so it has really good looking edges. It does great at speed too it will not come off from wind. I have had snap on covers before but after this one I don't think I will change back. Added benefit of the snapless design is my wife can open and close the cover herself since alot of hand strength is not required.

John..
2000 Silver Lightning