[Sp2000]

Has anyone tested if it has impact on efficiency?

Also would be interesting to see if anyone has tested how efficiency is impacted by speed.

Highway 55 -65 -75 mph test. Same section of highway for 20-50 miles at each speed - what is efficiency at each speed?

 

[SHayes6745604846]

I’d also love to see how this changes range!

 

[ErichKeane]

I just installed a Peragon cover, and drive a similar route reasonably often. It isn't particularly scientifically controlled, but I think I lost about .1 mi/kwh, from 2.5-2.7 to 2.4-2.6 or so. I noticed no similar reduction with the mudflaps from a few days before, but they could have combined for the reduction.

 

[SHayes6745604846]

I just installed a Peragon cover, and drive a similar route reasonably often. It isn't particularly scientifically controlled, but I think I lost about .1 mi/kwh, from 2.5-2.7 to 2.4-2.6 or so. I noticed no similar reduction with the mudflaps from a few days before, but they could have combined for the reduction.

Really it got worse? That’s shocking ..

 

[ErichKeane]

Really it got worse? That’s shocking ..

Maybe? The trucks are designed to have the airflow 'ignore' the top of the truck, which is why there is a whale-tail to the tailgate. I'm not POSITIVE about the loss, but it definitely did not help.

 

[Sp2000]

It is surprising and for ice trucks looks like pretty conflicting results on different tests.

With f150 lightning should be easy to test, drive same section of highway (10-20 miles) at same speed with and without tonneau cover and compare miles per kwh. The higher the speed more conclusive the result should be (since it is purely aerodynamic effect).

 

[Fryballin]

I have a peragon bed cover installed and although I haven’t tested to be certain, I would say my efficiency is at least .1 mi/kWh better with the cover and I know for sure its not worse.

 

[Sp2000]

Guys/girls please test it. Should not make difference with speeds below 50mph. But at 70mph could make a difference. To test it with ICE is challenging so you could solve a long time debate.

 

[Leaf to Lightning : )]

I'll be testing my LIGHTNING without the tonno, and WITH the tonno, as mine is the Extang Encore hard tri-fold type, and weighs maybe 40lbs, which actually makes it easy to totally lift off the tracks and store in case you need the full bed, otherwise it can fold 'back' all the way, or 'forward' all the way, since it's front 1/3 can fold on it's own.

I plan on running a 100mile loop test, at 60mph to majority of the route. I may see that it doesn't impact it at all at that speed, or I may see that it either increases or decreases, if the environment and wind is identical on both runs. I suspect there won't be much difference, but yes, if you are the type to drive 80mph, you just might see it impact your mpe.

 

[Sp2000]

I'll be testing my LIGHTNING without the tonno, and WITH the tonno, as mine is the Extang Encore hard tri-fold type, and weighs maybe 40lbs, which actually makes it easy to totally lift off the tracks and store in case you need the full bed, otherwise it can fold 'back' all the way, or 'forward' all the way, since it's front 1/3 can fold on it's own.

I plan on running a 100mile loop test, at 60mph to majority of the route. I may see that it doesn't impact it at all at that speed, or I may see that it either increases or decreases, if the environment and wind is identical on both runs. I suspect there won't be much difference, but yes, if you are the type to drive 80mph, you just might see it impact your mpe.

Great! Higher speed would just make the possible impact more clear. Your plan sounds good! If I would have the lightning already I would go to nj turnpike and do about 40mile test loops with cover on off at 55, 65, 75mph. But I don't have mine yet .

 

[208]

I'll be testing my LIGHTNING without the tonno, and WITH the tonno, as mine is the Extang Encore hard tri-fold type, and weighs maybe 40lbs, which actually makes it easy to totally lift off the tracks and store in case you need the full bed, otherwise it can fold 'back' all the way, or 'forward' all the way, since it's front 1/3 can fold on it's own.

I plan on running a 100mile loop test, at 60mph to majority of the route. I may see that it doesn't impact it at all at that speed, or I may see that it either increases or decreases, if the environment and wind is identical on both runs. I suspect there won't be much difference, but yes, if you are the type to drive 80mph, you just might see it impact your mpe.

A number of tests have been done over the years. One of the most comprehensive was taking a truck to the salt flats and doing top speed runs with and without.

The results were quite conclusive. The higher the speed, the more benefit of having a topper on. I don't believe the benefit was really measurable under 70 mph, but over 70 the difference became quite obvious.

Owners already testing their trucks are talking about a 70 mph efficiency wall with the Lightning, which corresponds closely with these and other tests when it comes to aerodynamics.

I do extensive towing cross country with a model Y at this point: a big Indian motorcycle on a trailer. The windage of the motorcycle at over 70 is quite noticeable, I'm betting it will be less so with the Lightning... Maybe even less so with a topper on it. Eagerly watching all of your testing!
😎👍

 

[Sp2000]

A number of tests have been done over the years. One of the most comprehensive was taking a truck to the salt flats and doing top speed runs with and without.

The results were quite conclusive. The higher the speed, the more benefit of having a topper on. I don't believe the benefit was really measurable under 70 mph, but over 70 the difference became quite obvious.

Owners already testing their trucks are talking about a 70 mph efficiency wall with the Lightning, which corresponds closely with these and other tests when it comes to aerodynamics.

I do extensive towing cross country with a model Y at this point: a big Indian motorcycle on a trailer. The windage of the motorcycle at over 70 is quite noticeable, I'm betting it will be less so with the Lightning... Maybe even less so with a topper on it. Eagerly watching all of your testing!
😎👍

Link to test?

 

[Russr]

Digging thru fading memories...

Accoding to Mythbusters on a REPEAT experiment... not much if any diffs at all. Just don't drive around with the tailgate down!

 

[208]

Link to test?

Truck Aerodynamics Testing- The Snugtop Speed Showdown

Let’s face it, the words aerodynamic and pickup truck are rarely used in the same sentence. And for good reason. They are essentially incongruous (how aerodynam

www.motortrend.com

One of a thousand if you Google this type of testing. 😎

 

[208]

I found the motor trend testing to be a bit more believable than the mythbusters show.

 

[Sp2000]

Although this done for/by cover manufacturer. Also air drag for ev more important (bigger part of total energy used) than for ice. And relatively easy to measure.

 

[Ajjra]

I did not record the measurements, but with highway driving I saw an increase in mi/kwh with the bed covered.
[Ford OEM Hard Rolling Tonneau Cover (which I believe is essentially a Bak Revolver MX4)]

 

[Kirk]

IMO if the tonneau provided measurable benefits it would be a standard feature so that Ford could say, “Our truck has a range of XXX!”

 

[208]

IMO if the tonneau provided measurable benefits it would be a standard feature so that Ford could say, “Our truck has a range of XXX!”

Because a topper or tonneau cover only helps you at higher freeway speeds, it is not going to help with publishable efficiency numbers. That is the answer to your question as to why they would not do that.

If, on the other hand, you actually do mostly freeway miles, the picture starts to change a little bit. As has been noted in dozens of tests however, only if you sustain higher speeds... Typically >75mph.

 

[Sp2000]

Because a topper or tonneau cover only helps you at higher freeway speeds, it is not going to help with publishable efficiency numbers. That is the answer to your question as to why they would not do that.

If, on the other hand, you actually do mostly freeway miles, the picture starts to change a little bit. As has been noted in dozens of tests however, only if you sustain higher speeds... Typically >75mph.

This is why it is actually very interesting. In low speeds (non highway driving) range is not important as you are not driving long distance any day, but if you go for a road trip and drive like 70mph or more it could make a small difference. I'm surprised no one seems to have tested it already.