Tailgate/Tonneu vs Gas Mileage...
05-25-2004, 07:58 AM
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Tailgate/Tonneu vs Gas Mileage...
Found this info on another forum. If you guys are interested the aerodynamics of the truck beds, check it out.
http://www.motor.com/MAGAZINE/Pdf/052004_06.pdf
http://www.motor.com/MAGAZINE/Pdf/052004_06.pdf
05-25-2004, 08:44 AM
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That's what I always thought too... Tailgate up.
I wonder what/if any differences there would be in 1/4 mile times -- tailgate weight vs loss of drag with tailgate on and up.
I wonder what/if any differences there would be in 1/4 mile times -- tailgate weight vs loss of drag with tailgate on and up.
05-25-2004, 09:24 AM
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Very interesting.
I recently posted that I felt I had gained MPG when i installed my new cover. Maybe I wasn't makin things up.
Like Marc said though, I wonder if the advantage is lost in the 1/4mile due to low speeds for much of the distance. Now at speeds over 100+mph I could really see this starting to make a diff. but for the avg truck only trapping 90-98mph I'm not sure. My cover and tailgate are heavy as hell. LOL
I recently posted that I felt I had gained MPG when i installed my new cover. Maybe I wasn't makin things up.
Like Marc said though, I wonder if the advantage is lost in the 1/4mile due to low speeds for much of the distance. Now at speeds over 100+mph I could really see this starting to make a diff. but for the avg truck only trapping 90-98mph I'm not sure. My cover and tailgate are heavy as hell. LOL
05-25-2004, 11:33 AM
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It also has to do with the aero of the truck. Some trucks can split the air latterally. Based on some wind tunnel results I saw yesterday; I'm not inclined to make any guesses about anything regarding airflow around things anymore 
A bed is kind of like a giant dimple on a golfball though
A bed is kind of like a giant dimple on a golfball though
05-25-2004, 11:49 AM
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I put a cover on my truck and only saw a minute amount, maybe .3 mpg increase. Also last time I ran my truck I made a pass with the tailgate up and the next with it down. I was .01 slower with the tailgate down.
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