Close that tailgate!

lostwrench

I see so many pick-up truck drivers operating under the misconception that they will get better gas mileage by lowering or removing the tailgate of their pick-up trucks. A closed tailgate does not act as an aircraft's "air brake" causing drag and lowering miles per gallon. In fact, the air flow around a moving pick-up at the tailgate location is from back to front, forming an area of lower air pressure inside the box next to the closed tailgate. Lowering or removing the tailgate eliminates this advantage to better gas mileage.

ryanbab

Yep I laugh when I see people doing this going down the road. I did a CFD study on this very subject a yr ago.

explorerx4

post the results of your study.
my 'vert does get better mileage with the top up.

lostwrench

vert = ?

lngtonge18

vert = convertible

PF_Flyer

This one really isn't going anywhere. The question of tailgate up or down has pretty much been answered.