Tonneau Cover: Simple & Stylish

[PACMAN]

Hey Slate-
When partnering with someone for the OEM tonneau cover, please design something like this, the RealTruck Truxedo Pro X15 bed cover. I’ve had one. Super simple to install, rolls-up, fits flush with the bed (instead of above it, which looks clunky), and isn’t terribly expensive. It’s not cheap, but it’s a much better option than the cheaper ones out there.

 

[The Weatherman]

What he/she said👆👆

I have used this model on my last three trucks over the past four years and find it to be a great value.

 

[Moosetags]

I'm not a fan of roll-up tonneau as they are very easy to slice open. I prefer the tri-fold rigid like the Lomax. I have one of these on my Rivian R1T. It works very well and is watertight and secure.

Brian

 

[Paul Rodgers]

I think the tri-fold rigid design also lends itself to lightweight solar panels!
- flat, neat and easy install with a few fat SS screws and fender washers?
- folds up to the front, natural place to put the solar controller on the wall behind driver
- can be completely removed, just 1 little 2-pin plug
- same design will also work for the SUV body kits, just different panel sizes

 

[danielt1263]

My guess is that a tonneau cover will reduce energy consumption per mile/increase range a little bit. Not that it matters considering I will be towing a not very aerodynamic boat & trailer most of the time.
I was thinking though that a cover with solar panels that can charge the battery would be nice because my Slate will be outside 24/7 and I'll only be driving it about 100 miles per month. So I figure solar panels on the cover would fulfill virtually all of my energy needs.
For that reason, I'm thinking a hard tri-fold cover as well.

 

[KevinRS]

My guess is that a tonneau cover will reduce energy consumption per mile/increase range a little bit. Not that it matters considering I will be towing a not very aerodynamic boat & trailer most of the time.
I was thinking though that a cover with solar panels that can charge the battery would be nice because my Slate will be outside 24/7 and I'll only be driving it about 100 miles per month. So I figure solar panels on the cover would fulfill virtually all of my energy needs.
For that reason, I'm thinking a hard tri-fold cover as well.

Testing has shown that tonneau covers or removing the tailgate doesn't improve economy. With the bed empty and tailgate closed you get a bubble of air circulating in the bed almost like you had a shell on but without the weight and less friction.

 

[AZFox]

Testing has shown that tonneau covers or removing the tailgate doesn't improve economy. With the bed empty and tailgate closed you get a bubble of air circulating in the bed almost like you had a shell on but without the weight and less friction.

Locked Vortex Flow! Everyone wants locked vortex flow.

I think a tonneau cover does improve fuel economy compared to an open bed.

The net efficiency gain (or loss) is speed-dependent.

For instance, one study indicated that a covered bed could improve highway fuel economy by nearly 10 percent, while other reports suggest a less significant impact, such as a less than 2% increase in fuel economy.​

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It is also important to note that a tonneau cover won't improve fuel economy at lower speeds, regardless of the vehicle, and the benefits are typically observed at highway speeds (over 65 mph).​

 

[sodamo]

My guess is that a tonneau cover will reduce energy consumption per mile/increase range a little bit. Not that it matters considering I will be towing a not very aerodynamic boat & trailer most of the time.
I was thinking though that a cover with solar panels that can charge the battery would be nice because my Slate will be outside 24/7 and I'll only be driving it about 100 miles per month. So I figure solar panels on the cover would fulfill virtually all of my energy needs.
For that reason, I'm thinking a hard tri-fold cover as well.

Sounds like another vote for the Aptera/Telo solution.

 

[danielt1263]

Sounds like another vote for the Aptera/Telo solution.

I'm not spending $40K+ for a vehicle that I will only be driving 100 miles per month so the Telo is out. And Aptera can only tow a few hundred pounds so it's out.

I'm going to get the cheapest solution that is: (1) new, (2) able to tow my beach cat to and from the beach without voiding the warranty, and so far, that's Slate.