How To Save A Little Money On Fuel Efficiency With An Aftermarket Aluminum Bed

Fuel efficiency is a common concern with pickup truck owners, particularly in today's world of increasing gas prices. Owners do a lot to slightly increase their fuel efficiency, including installing aluminum aftermarket truck beds.

Fuel Efficiency On Pickup Trucks Can Be Limited

So just how bad is fuel efficiency in the average pickup truck? Well, in some models it can be as low as 22 combined EPA-estimated MPG. This is the combination of the always higher highway rating and the always lower city rating. In some instances, the city rating can be as low as 15 miles per gallon. For the cash-conscious truck owner, this is like money falling out of their pocket.

Thankfully, it is possible to replace a steel bed and slightly increase fuel efficiency by putting in an aluminum aftermarket truck bed. While the fuel efficiency gains will be slight, aluminum beds offer other advantages that makes them worth the investment.

How An Aluminum Bed Can Help

First of all, an aluminum bed is lighter than a steel bed, meaning it will be less weight for the truck to haul. While the exact gain will vary depending on the truck and its weight, there are other benefits to aluminum beds. They are also less expensive to install and maintain than steel beds and may even increase the resale cost of the truck.

How is that possible? Unlike steel, aluminum won't rust. This means that the bed won't get worn out and impact the cost value of the truck. While many people will go directly to the truck manufacturer to buy a new aluminum truck bed, it is possible to buy an aftermarket model instead.

Why Aftermarket Is Better

While it is possible that aftermarket truck beds will be in slightly degraded shape when compared to new parts, they are typically inspected and repaired to ensure they are worth the money. They are also less expensive and offer a wide variety of possibilities for the truck owner. Rather than installing the truck bed suggested by the manufacturer, they could try one that is slightly different.

And even if some aftermarket parts won't have a warranty, they are typically so inexpensive that it is easier to buy a new replacement part, rather than mess around with a warranty. While it is important to talk to an aftermarket part supplier before installing an aluminum bed, it is a step that will help save truck drivers plenty of money.


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