- NEW!
by Tyla Gusim on January 30th, 2005
It's a wash. The extra weight of the camper is generally offset by better aerodynamics. Note that without a camper shell, the rear tailgate of the truck is just pushing a lot of air in front of it, affecting mileage. As always "Your mileage may vary" depending on model of truck, camper, etc.
by shea52403 on January 28th, 2005
I have a camper shell / topper (whichever name you prefer) on the back of my Chevy pick-up, and it did slightly increase my gas mileage. About 2 MPG on the highway. I have seen no eveidence of an increase or a decrease in town.
by geoexchange on November 11th, 2008
I have a 2008 Silverado 4.3L 4x4. EPA says 14/18. Before I put on the cab-high shell, I was getting 20 to 21 on the highway. After the shell, 16.2 maximum. I'm also upset to find out the V8 gets BETTER mileage on the highway.
My opinion is that the v6 has less power and needs to use more gas to overcome the weight of the shell. Simply my "opinion" and everyone knows that opinions are like.....
by Jack Scotty on April 28th, 2005
It would depend on the construction and type of camper shell. A shell that conforms to the height and width of the cab (which is commonly referred to as a truck cap) will not really affect it much, however if you are talking about a camper shell that is taller than the truck cab or an actual slide in camper for your pickup you will see a noticeable difference in milage from the wind resistance.
by Encyclopedia_John on January 28th, 2005
In general, it should improve your gas mileage by giving the vehicle a more streamlined shape. Ask the manufacturer of the camper shell. They are not all alike.
by nathhad on February 26th, 2008
Actually, wind tunnel testing shows that:
-camper shells/caps typically *increase* drag by about 10%, therefore reducing gas mileage, and are less aerodynamic than an open bed with a solid tailgate.
-An open bed with a mesh tailgate is about 5% more drag than an open bed with a solid tailgate. No tailgate is slightly better than mesh (though still worse than a closed, solid gate).
-The most substantial improvement to drag (and mileage) is with a tonneau.
Link to the research report:
http://ecow.engr.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/get/me/363/ghandhi1/pickup.pdf
The report also explains *why* these results occur, even though they seem "backwards" to some.
Chuck
by coosplat on November 13th, 2006
when the crosswind is blowing it make the truck burn more fuel because of the weight/of the camper is also heavy!tch/!
by Shadow is Gone on February 19th, 2009
It would depend on the weight and shape of the camper shell, what you put in the camper shell for supplies and the available horsepower to pull the extra load.
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Comments
it,s a wash,maybe add the cost of high end shell and crosswind tire damage
by david askari on February 1st, 2005
How can a 600lbs.+ load IMPROVE gas mileage? Wow i'd like to live in your world...
by geek860 on December 28th, 2005
Check out mythbusters discovery channel air rotates in bed, mileage better
by Anonymous on February 12th, 2006
Thank you for your answer, Tyla Gusim and Happy Wednesday. Ordinarily I would welcome you to Answerbag, since you were a level 1 at the time..however..that is almost 4 years ago. Hope you're still here! :)
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on November 12th, 2008