Real World MPG HS vs PU

[Rbertalotto]

Looking to buy my fourth PU truck camper. I've had both hard side and pop-up types in the past. Back when 4WD trucks were relatively affordable, I'd take them into extreme areas off road. After destroying a hardside with this type of travel, I bought a pop up. But now we use ATVs to get deep into the woods and the $60,000+ truck stays on the "safe area"....There is no issue with the campers height any longer.....My question, how much difference is there, real world, in MPG for a hardside VS a popup. Does the extra few inches of height really make that much of a difference (Weight being equal) I'm currently using a RAM 2500, 6.4 HEMI, short bed, 3300# Payload....My own comparisons would not be accurate as these three previous campers were on three different pickup trucks. Thanks

 

[jadmt]

What kind of pop up did you buy? Seems like some fit tight and are low profile while others hang out a bit more and not so low profile. Most pop ups are going to be a fair amount lighter too but again I guess depends what you are comparing too. on my 2020 PW I have a GFC and it has not made much if any difference to my mpg at speeds under 80mph or so but it is really light to begin with..

 

[john61ct]

Just driving 5mph slower makes much more difference than a few inches poking out.

The other decision factors should take precedence