Most truck accessories are about looking good, not saving money. But a few RealTruck upgrades actually earn their keep — fuel savings, better resale value, and gear that pays you back over time.
If you've been eyeing a tonneau cover or bed rack but wondering whether it's worth the upfront cost, you're in the right place. We ran the numbers on the upgrades that actually make financial sense — and we'll show you exactly how they pay for themselves.
In this guide:
Upgrades That Save You Money at the Pump
Tonneau covers improve your highway fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag. The savings add up faster than you'd think.
How a Tonneau Cover Cuts Your Gas Bill
Driving with an open truck bed is like dragging a parachute — air flows into the bed, creates turbulence, and forces your engine to work harder. A tonneau cover smooths out that airflow. According to research from Forbes and industry testing, you can see up to a 10% improvement in highway MPG with the right cover.
The math on 15,000 miles per year of driving with gas at $3.50 per gallon:
| Tonneau Cover Model | Upfront Cost | Annual Fuel Savings | Break-Even Timeline | 5-Year Net Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAKFlip MX4 | $999 (save $150) | ~$200–$250 | 4–5 years | $250–$500 |
| RetraxPRO MX | Premium pricing (save $300) | ~$200–$250 | 5–6 years | $200–$450 |
Highway driving shows the most improvement. City driving with frequent stops won't deliver the same MPG boost.
The Models Worth Your Money
Not all tonneau covers deliver the same aerodynamic benefits. Here are the RealTruck options that combine fuel savings with current deals:
BAKFlip MX4 — Hard folding cover, $999 (save $150)
- Best for: Frequent bed access without removing the entire cover
- Folds up in sections so you can haul tall loads when needed
- Low-profile design maximizes aerodynamic benefits
- Matte finish won't show scratches as easily as glossy covers
RetraxPRO MX — Retractable cover, save $300
- Best for: Security and sleek looks (retracts into a canister at the cab)
- Locks in any position for partial bed access
- Completely flush when closed — serious aerodynamic advantage
- Premium aluminum construction with matte finish
Pro Tip: The fuel savings are most noticeable if you do a lot of highway driving. City driving won't show the same MPG boost, but you'll still get security and weather protection.
Protect Your Resale Value
Most aftermarket upgrades won't increase your truck's resale value beyond what you paid. But the right ones preserve it — and make your truck easier to sell.
Think of protective accessories as insurance for your truck's value. A bed that's scratched to hell or an interior that smells like wet dog? That's money off your trade-in. But a truck that looks like it's been cared for? Buyers notice.
| Accessory Type | Resale Value Impact | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tonneau Cover | High | Protects bed from weather damage, shows you maintained the truck |
| Spray-In Bed Liner | High | Prevents rust and scratches — buyers love a pristine bed |
| All-Weather Floor Mats | Medium | Keeps carpet clean, prevents wear and odors |
| Running Boards/Steps | Medium | Broadens appeal to buyers who want easier entry |
| Truck Cap | Medium | Appeals to work truck buyers, but limits bed versatility |
| Lift Kits/Flashy Mods | Low | Polarizing — some buyers love them, others see red flags |
What Buyers Actually Care About
When someone's shopping for a used truck, they're checking the bed for rust and scratches, sniffing for mystery smells in the cab, and looking for signs you actually used the truck responsibly — not as a rolling dumpster. Professionally installed, high-quality accessories signal you took care of it. Keep your receipts and note transferable warranties like RealTruck's Limited Lifetime Warranty — they add value when it's time to sell.
The Elevate Rack: When Hauling Gear Pays Off
If you regularly haul kayaks, lumber, camping gear, or work equipment, the RealTruck Elevate Rack (starting at $539, save up to $100) isn't just an accessory — it eliminates rental fees and expands what your truck can do.
The math for frequent haulers:
Renting a trailer 10 times per year: ~$40 per rental = $400/year
Elevate Rack cost: $539 (with current discount)
Break-even timeline: ~16 months
After that, every haul is free — no more rental hassles.
What makes the Elevate Rack worth the money:
- 750 lb static capacity (500 lbs on-road, 250 lbs off-road) — handles serious loads
- Lightweight aluminum construction — won't add unnecessary weight to your truck
- Textured powder coat finish — resists scratches and weather damage
- Limited Lifetime Warranty — RealTruck stands behind it
Why It Works with Your Tonneau Cover
You don't have to choose between a covered bed and hauling capacity. The Elevate Rack is compatible with tonneau covers that feature built-in T-Slot Rails, including RetraxONE XR and Roll-N-Lock XT series. Keep your bed locked and protected for daily driving, then mount the rack when you need to haul gear.
Pro Tip: If you're already planning to buy a tonneau cover, check compatibility with the Elevate Rack before you commit. The T-Slot Rail system makes installation and removal easier than traditional clamp-on racks.
Turn Your Bed Into Lockable Storage
If you've ever wrestled with a tarp in the rain or worried about tools getting stolen, the RealTruck Apex FGC-5000 truck cap solves both problems. Bonus: it might replace your storage unit.
A 5x5 storage unit typically costs $50–$100 per month depending on your area. That's $600–$1,200 per year just to store tools, camping gear, or work equipment you could be keeping in your truck.
What makes the Apex FGC-5000 stand out:
- Advanced water protection — channels water away from the bed, so your gear stays dry
- SUV-inspired styling — looks sharp and modern, not like a contractor's work truck (unless that's your vibe)
- Lockable access — keeps expensive tools and equipment secure
- Full bed coverage — no more tarp wrestling or worrying about weather damage
The cap pays for itself in peace of mind. No more leaving job sites early because rain's in the forecast. No more replacing tools that walked off when you stopped for lunch.
Keep in Mind:
Truck caps limit bed versatility — you can't haul tall loads without removing the cap. Make sure your typical hauling needs align with this setup before you commit.
How to Score These Deals
You're sold on the upgrades that make financial sense. Now let's talk about getting them without paying full price.
Current RealTruck Deals
- Up to $400 off bed covers — includes tonneau covers and truck caps
- $200 off AMP PowerSteps — automatic running boards for easier entry
- Up to $100 off the Elevate Rack — perfect timing if you're planning to haul gear this season
- Financing available through Affirm and PayPal — spread out the cost over time with 0% APR options (terms vary)
RealTruck also offers a Builder tool that lets you visualize upgrades on your specific truck model before you buy. It's worth spending a few minutes with — especially if you're trying to decide between a hard folding cover and a retractable one.
For the full breakdown of current promotions and how to stack savings, check out our complete RealTruck savings guide. Active-duty military and veterans can also explore military discount options for additional savings.
Keep in Mind:
Deals and discount amounts can change. Double-check current offers on Groupon's RealTruck discount codes before you buy to make sure you're getting the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tonneau covers really improve gas mileage?
Yes — but the improvement is most noticeable on highway driving. Research shows tonneau covers can improve highway MPG by up to 10% by reducing aerodynamic drag. City driving with frequent stops won't show the same benefit, but you'll still get security and weather protection.
Will truck accessories increase my resale value?
Most aftermarket accessories won't increase your truck's value beyond what you originally paid. But protective upgrades like tonneau covers, spray-in bed liners, and all-weather floor mats preserve your truck's value by preventing damage and wear. Professionally installed, high-quality accessories also make your truck easier to sell because they signal you took care of it. Flashy mods like lift kits? Those are hit-or-miss depending on the buyer.
How long does it take for a tonneau cover to pay for itself?
Based on average driving (15,000 miles per year) and current fuel prices (~$3.50/gallon), a tonneau cover that improves highway MPG by 10% can save you $200–$250 per year. For a cover like the BAKFlip MX4 ($999 with current discount), you're looking at a break-even timeline of 4–5 years. Premium covers take a bit longer, but they also tend to last longer and hold up better to daily use.
Is the Elevate Rack compatible with bed covers?
Yes — the RealTruck Elevate Rack is compatible with tonneau covers that feature built-in T-Slot Rails, including the RetraxONE XR and Roll-N-Lock XT series. This means you can keep your bed covered for daily driving and security, then mount the rack when you need to haul gear. You don't have to choose between covered storage and hauling capacity.
