Removing shell for better mileage

[Nisbo]

I have 45k miles on my truck averaging 14.2mpg. I put on a snugtop sport shell at 25k miles. I removed the shell a little over a week ago to detail the truck but something I noticed right away was that my truck felt lighter and peppier. I have left the shell off and tracked the gas mileage which jumped up almost immediately. In the first couple of days, it went up to 15.4mpg and to today it has averaged 16.0 - 16.1. No oil changes, still the same gas station, and I still drive the same route everyday. I may do a complete ecu reset for a more thorough test.

Miscellaneous Information.
I drive the speed limit on local streets and cruise at 75 - 80mph on the freeways. Always quick accelerations on the freeway onramps.

[Art64]

Just wondering how much does the snugtop weighs.

[Tankerhank]

Doubt if weight is the issue, I am putting my chips on drag created by the shell, ever get behind a semi and feel the "pull".... drag.

[SE2000]

Which cab and shell do you have? Is the shell taller than the cab? Where are you located?
I would think that the molded shells would improve mileage.

[mendonsy]

I have not seen much effect one way or the other. I think the shell helps a bit with aero drag at expressway speeds but the extra weight causes worse mileage in stop and go traffic. My ARE cap is a bit higher and also heavier than most.

[Tankerhank]

The truck and shell are not long enough to get good aerodynamics to cancel the drag caused by the vacuum created by the shell at the back.... JMVSHO. Every watch NASCAR.... drafting... and they are much more aerodynamic than a truck with a shell, hmmm.

[SE2000]

But with a shell you don't get tailgate drag. I don't think 200lbs of shell has a weight effect on a 5000 lbs truck.
A spoiler may be in order here, just not one of those rice burner megawings

[Tankerhank]

Tailgate drag area is very small compared to the area created by adding a topper and the sides of the topper add to the drag also. And the myth about better gas mileage with the tailgate down or removed is just that... a myth - busted.

[wallygator24]

I have a Snugtop Shell on my truck and the gas mileage has not been affected by it. I get between 17.5 and 18.0, but I do mostly highway driving. It should not be affecting your mileage that bad. The added weight is nice in the winter because I dont have to add as many sand bags when it snows.

[Nisbo]

That's just it. I have the Snugtop Sport. Visually, it is smooth and sleek and it looks like it was made as a part of the truck. I did feel the weight come off when I removed it. The truck just feels lighter. I know, the snugtop weighs about 200ish lbs, but you can tell the difference.

I didn't think there was a difference when I put the shell on, but when I removed the shell, the difference was clearly evident. If you get 18mpg with a 5.7 in city driving, you must be a far better driver than I, as I tend to be the Ahole (sometimes). I was getting 14.2 mixed and now 16.0 mixed. I have gotten over 18 driving to vegas, but that was no shell and the truck was not broken in, and I did 80+ all the way there. I have not had the chance to drive there with the shell.

[SE2000]

Put a couple of hundred pounds in the bed and further test your theory.

As far as drag. Is there any reliable source about this on tundras or at least a 2000+ truck?

[muvico]

I have a shell in mine ,and i soon as i had it on i felt the extra weight, it felt weird for a while till i got used to , and gas mileage probably went down a little bit . But that's ok i like the locking safety and dryness of the shell.You should get new air filter and spark plugs changed.

[Wreckonized]

if the shell weights 200 pounds or so. thats like having an extra adult in the car.
are you sure you can feel that much difference

[Nisbo]

I did not really feel the difference of the shell when I put it on, but when I took it off, I did feel it was lighter. I do occasionally tow a trailer around and I will not measure my mileage at those times at it will be pointless.

I have an AFE Filter, that I dust off any time I have the hood open, like when filling windshield washer fluid, checking oil, etc. Carbon filter is removed in the intake. Headers and exhaust. I also have like 200lbs of extra stereo equipment behind the back seat.

If anyone else out there has a shell, maybe you can verify my results. See if removing the shell will make your mileage jump up.

[tbaxl]

what type of tundra do you have, if it is a dc reg bed and the top is black it is definately the snugtop and you should give it to me so your mileage will be better.