Maybe a silly question about tonneau cover?

[GreenLady]

I’m planning on loading my truck with long items, like ladders and 2x2x6 boards necessitating a lowered tailgate. Since nothing will be tall I can leave the soft trifold down. I have a 450 mile trip on the interstate so traveling about 73-78 mph. My question since I’ve never done this before is whether it’s safe to drive with the cover attached or am I creating some sort of opportunity for smaller items to be sucked out? This is probably a silly question but I’ve never had to leave my tailgate down in my F250 with its 8’ bed. Thanks in advance for any help

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[WannaMav]

If it's feasible fot your payload, suggest moving the tailgate cables to the halfway up posiiton.

 

[paneubert]

I would imagine there will be a small vortex right there at the end of the cover, but I would not think it would extend deep into the bed or suck anything out. Other than really light items like paper or leaves, etc... If your cargo is secure, I think it will be fine. The concern might be more about if the cover starts flapping/drumming/resonating a bit since it has an open side to it.

 

[TedTX]

I would be concerned that the items would not be visible from the rear view mirror, that’s a long trip, loads could work loose and you would know til traffic starts to obviously dodging falling items.

 

[CSmith]

@GreenLady your tonneau is designed to travel in the folded up position and strapped down. Not sure it wouldn't "buck" loose at highway speeds, fully extended, especially if your rear clamps are the spring tension type. I doubt you would lose cargo if the cargo is strapped down well.

I do recommend that you drive at highway speeds for a few (five) miles then stop and check/tighten the load to catch any possible shifting. And check again at every stop after that.

 

[GreenLady]

I would imagine there will be a small vortex right there at the end of the cover, but I would not think it would extend deep into the bed or suck anything out. Other than really light items like paper or leaves, etc... If your cargo is secure, I think it will be fine. The concern might be more about if the cover starts flapping/drumming/resonating a bit since it has an open side to it.

Yes, I am concerned about the cover!

 

[Allen King Jr]

Maybe run a ratchet strap from the front bed tie down over the tonneau cover to one of the tie downs near the tailgate

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