Close that tailgate!

lostwrenchlostwrench Member Posts: 288
edited March 2014 in Chevrolet
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.
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Comments

  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    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.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,989
    post the results of your study.
    my 'vert does get better mileage with the top up.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • lostwrenchlostwrench Member Posts: 288
    vert = ?
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    vert = convertible
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    This one really isn't going anywhere. The question of tailgate up or down has pretty much been answered.
This discussion has been closed.

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