aerodynamics tests done on chevy truck. INTERESTING!
02-21-2006, 01:06 AM
#1
aerodynamics tests done on chevy truck. INTERESTING!
Stole this thread from ls1truck. it looks like an awesome topic to discuss.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of General Motors Truck
cliff notes:
tailgate up=good
spoiler = good
bedcover= good
tailgate down=bad
tailgate off=bad
cab extender=bad
question of the day: does the saved weight of removing the tailgate actually outweigh the negative results of removing the tailgate?
discuss
Aerodynamic Characteristics of General Motors Truck
cliff notes:
tailgate up=good
spoiler = good
bedcover= good
tailgate down=bad
tailgate off=bad
cab extender=bad
question of the day: does the saved weight of removing the tailgate actually outweigh the negative results of removing the tailgate?
discuss
02-21-2006, 04:29 AM
#3
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Good find. I did a semi controlled test on my 95 rcsb and when I put a soft bed cover on it I gained 1.2 mpg @ 70mph on the same stretch of interstate over about 200 miles.
02-21-2006, 05:11 AM
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What about the additonal weight of a bed cover v. increased areodynamics? Can the tailgate be removed while running a bed cover to help offset the additonal weight, or would that tend to suck air into the bed of the truck?
02-21-2006, 05:26 AM
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A toneau cover weighs about 30lbs I guess. A hard cover may not make as big of a difference but cruising at a constant speed, like when there is an aero advantage, weight doesn't have much affect. Weight is mainly crucial during acceleration. I think having the tailgate off with a bed cover would hurt due to the swirling as you stated.
02-21-2006, 05:41 AM
#7
Originally Posted by mjhoward
A toneau cover weighs about 30lbs I guess. A hard cover may not make as big of a difference but cruising at a constant speed, like when there is an aero advantage, weight doesn't have much affect. Weight is mainly crucial during acceleration. I think having the tailgate off with a bed cover would hurt due to the swirling as you stated.
Weight always plays a factor in gas mileage and my fiberglass cover weighs over 100lbs - all depends on what you get. I've done tests on the highway: tailgate up, tailgate down. Never saw a difference in gas mileage at all. Even when I added the cover, I never saw a change in gas mileage. Could be the weight canceled out the benefits of the aerodynamics
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02-21-2006, 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by mjhoward
A toneau cover weighs about 30lbs I guess. A hard cover may not make as big of a difference but cruising at a constant speed, like when there is an aero advantage, weight doesn't have much affect. Weight is mainly crucial during acceleration. I think having the tailgate off with a bed cover would hurt due to the swirling as you stated.
I would like to know this too, at the track I run with no tailgate on but I still have my hard tonneau cover on??? I would say it helps on the weight side??
02-21-2006, 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Linda
how about a cap...LOL? Notice my sig.