Tailgate Nets
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
I'm not sure if the net will save gas. A while back Myth Busters did a show with F-150's comparing tail gates up and down. The truck with the gate up got better mileage. It created a bubble of air in the bed that actually directed the airflow over the back of the truck.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Thats why it was tested. I have seen the Mythbusters episode, as well as the follow ups. Its very clear, the bubble is a really effect, and the gas mileage tests, and wind tunnel tests confirmed, the economy was better with the tailgate up. In fact, the only thing that could rival the efficiency of the tailgate up was the bed cover, and that was basically the same as tailgate up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 10
From: down south
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 1
I don't think your roll bar will have any affect because the bubble of air is actually right behind the cab and just below the roof line. As far as around town you might have to run your own experiments. Run around with the gate up for several tanks to get a good average of your mileage, then put the net on and see what happens.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Paradise CA
Alright,, yeah around town there not a lot of air resistance so i think it would just be a madder of wait,,, But wait i just thought about it, why to pro drag trucks use no tail gates and trophy trucks use nets
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,016
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Paradise CA
Alrightty guys check this video out from mythbusters, The tail gate net is actionaly the BEST for saven fuel
YouTube - Insert from MythBusters - Tailgate Up or Down 2 (from More Myths Revisited) fuel consumption test
YouTube - Insert from MythBusters - Tailgate Up or Down 2 (from More Myths Revisited) fuel consumption test
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
Bedcovers DO help. My truck consistently gets 1 mpg better mileage when I have the cover installed, and I track every fillup.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 1
From: Jackson, MO
The entire concept of downforce and low pressure zones completely contradicts your statement.