It seems to me that US pick-up trucks have become less aerodynamic in the last ten years. Possibly the biggest drag inducement is the open truck-bed. I'm suggesting a new shape of bed-cover that could protect the bed from the elements, secure it and help to get you better mpg.

I suggest it start at the cab, shaped such that it's an aerodynamic fit--then contour both down while bringing the sides together so it ends a couple of feet past the open tailgate. Or remove the tail-gate--your call. I just mean that to get a useful aerodynamic effect, it can't be too short and should also teardrop down as well as left-right. Not too long so it would interfere if you towed a trailer.

Also, it should be hinged so that it can split at the top if you need to carry something tall like a refrigerator. I've always hated that current bed-covers preclude carrying something tall.

Already, many people purchase a flat-hard cover that will lift on struts or a roll-up or fold-up. In the 70s and 80s, most trucks had a 'pop-top' camper that extended from the cab --at cab height--for the full length of the bed. Both of these solutions are for protecting your 'stuff' from the elements and making the bed lockable. The newer hard-flat covers also increase your mpg. The old covers let you sleep in the back 'camping.'

So my idea combines benefits of camping and security and mpg, but doesn't have the disadvantage that you can't haul tall stuff.

I know that modern truck designs spend many hours in a wind-tunnel--which is why the sides of the beds have gotten taller. I suspect eventually, the manufacturers are headed to this concept anyway.

Note, here's a link to a similar idea, but I would remove the tailgate and bring the sides together farther aft than that and mine would split top-center (there would be a ridge, gas struts, etc) to put tall stuff in. That would be the primary way to open mine.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/commercially-produced-aerodynamic-pickup-bed-cap-583.html

Like it?

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree