I've been thinking about getting a shell for my truck ( I like leer's model 180 ) What I was wanting to know. Does mileage stay about the same, help it a little bit, or does it hurt it? Right now I get around 17.5 avg. Best 18.6 and with winter fuel worst 15. Truck is all stock now.And with next set of tires will probably be 285/75/17 or 33x12.5x17

 

I haven't noticed a difference with mine, but I rarely tow anything that sticks up behind my truck much. It does make a huge difference in cross-winds though, driving through the open fields of canada on 402 it turns into a rollercoaster. I'm not big on the looks, but it sure does give me a lot more room back there.

 

Ive got a cab high topper on my truck and didnt notice any change in milage unless I had a good tailwind. It adds a lot more square feet to grab hold of wind from behind! Yup, my milage goes up maybe a half or more depending on how strong the wind is.

Kind of like a big barn on wheels.

Also, I love my topper. Great for traveling!

 

The wife has one that is slightly higher than the cab, then the last couple feet is about a foot, or so, taller, all kind of aerodynamic looking.

If it affects mileage, we haven't noticed it.

It sure is nice to have dry, lockable, storage for when she goes shopping, to the feedmill, etc.

I intend to build a hoist with nylon rope and hooks, along with lift-points on the topper, so she can lift it up, and drive from under it, should she need it off, so she can come rescue a gooseneck trailer that might be hooked to a layed down truck. --- Good gosh a mighty, that was a long sentence.

 

I average 17-19 w/ my Leer, but usually only take it off when pulling a GN stock trailer so I can't really compare to driving w/out it. You will notice strong cross-winds. If you get the Leer, I would encourage you to look into a Bedslide. Its a roll-out for the bed and I couldn't function w/out it. Good Luck!!

 

I should add, my topper is a Unicover Safari I with the sport package.

I love it since I have opening hatches on all three sides and a vent window on each side as well. Also, I got the built in shelf and I put some fishing rod holders on the ceiling. Ive been really happy with the look, fit, and finish. However, it is one of the most expensive toppers I came across, but it fit my needs.

I think I got it ordered, delivered, and installed at a local place for about $1500.

Theres my .02

 

Thanks for the input. I know about those crosswinds used to have a full size van and drove 18 wheeler for a short while.