I posted this in the aftermarket accessories area, but no one bit. Please don't slap my hand here, Mr. Moderator!

Does anyone know if high-rise canopies are likely to lower fuel economy by much? They look kind of silly, but I was thinking the extra height would be nice over a cab-height model. I don't want to sacrifice fuel economy though.

Also, what's the price range for one of these (for a long bed)? It looked to me like $1200-$1800 or so depending on brand and options. Can they be had cheaper?

Thanks!

 

I'm not sure what you mean by canopy, but I do know that when I put my cap on the truck (it is even cab high) I loose about 3 mpg no matter what.
Tom

 

Yeah...we call them canopies out here. Cap, Topper, whatever...even the cab highs cut down on mileage? Anybody else have the same results? :-

 

I would have expected them to increase mileage if anything... :-

 

On my diesel truck mileage isnt effected, and on my 360 gasser it goes up about 2, both are cab high though, not much in what ur lookin for

 

Well, if I don't find out any info on the bigger ones, I'll just get a cab-high. I don't want to sacrifice mileage.

 

I wouldn't think that a taller top would effect your milage much at all. It actually should be a little better if you are currently using a standard tailgate (versus a flow-tru). The new tops are aero-dynamically shaped. I personally don't have a top, but I do carry a ladder rack with ladders. I notice no diffrence in milage with or without the ladders loaded and I do keep close track of my milage.
MW

 

yeah its the way i felt about that too. If ay run with a solid tail gate, in the up and latched position its gonna give you more drag than if you run a high top, as long as it is areodynamicly designed that is. not just a big flat wall

 

Hey Redneck ! (Cooool name by the way......sounds like Kid Rock!) I have a Tonneau that seems to increase my mileage on the highway a bit...I bet a "camper" type like your talkin' about would too to some extent.

 

Sounds like I'm worrying a lot about nothing. I'm just going to get one. Just got the bed liner sprayed on today...man those look nice when they're new.

 

I've got a Chev 6.5L with a high rise topper from Custom Creations, my mileage has increased a small amount (1/2 mpg or so) and I keep real close track of it, and the extra hight is excellent. I would never spend the money on a low ridder again. I don't have to crawl in or watch my head. I spent $950.00 Canadian on mine painted to match my truck. (it was a used unit, but you could never tell) With your dollar worth so much up here it may be worth saving a few bucks and ordering one down.

I have really noticed a mileage gain pulling my enclosed snowmobile trailer, I am guessing its beacause its so stramline now. Hope I could be of some help.

 

You should see a milage increase. If you plan on putting bicycles, kayaks, etc up top you may see a few miles to a gallon decrease. Have made several cross country trips 6,000-10,000 miles with all kinds of tops( cab high/ high rise) and lots of gear up there kayaks and bikes and never really had a problem. I have not done it with a CTD but I have with a power stroke and there was no change, with the Toyota's and Nissans there was a slite decrease. Hope to try it with a CTD this winter.

 

Hey thanks, Bodey! That was exactly what I was hoping to hear. I think I'll definitely go with a high-rise now...I just like the added head room and volume. I'll check out the company you mentioned and see what kind of deal I can get.

 

Due to the dinamics of the high rise topper, you will not loose fuel milage. i.e. same way for dropping your tail gate, there is a smooth air flow over the veh.
I have gained milage simply by leaving the tail gate down, let's the air flow straight out the bed.
my .02

 

Might consider a tonnau cover. Driving with your tailgate down, stresses the sides of the bed, from bouncing and vibration. They will rust prematurely or might even get loose.