Uhh....Bill, last time I looked, I didnt have any hinges. Just these round things... You are partially right though, I do have to go slower over speed bumps with it down. Its actually harder on the support cables.
And on the against the law thing, its only an issue if the copper is wanting to jack with you. My cousins a cop and he said its basically a non issue as long as you dont have stuff fallin out of it.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 02-Aug-01 AT 12:03 PM (EST)[/font][p]Uh...Tex, last time I checked, them "round things"...them are called hinges.

Wind tunnel tests have shown that the most aerodynamically efficient model is putting a tonneau cover on, second is having the tailgate up and the least is having the tailgate off or down. All you're doing by driving with the gate down is tearing up your truck.

 

Wouldn't the most aerodynamically efficient condition be with a cap that is level with the roof? How can the tailgate up be better than down when the tailgate in the up position would act as a dam? But perhaps removing the tailgate altogether is even better?

 

This has been investigated before and I can’t remember the references but the bottom line was the tailgate up gave the better mileage than with it down. I think it was GM that did the wind tunnel testing. Those folks with the replacement “nets” had to change their advertising tune and downplay the “increased mileage” claims. This was quite a few years ago.

 

something nobody mentioned. if you run with the tailgate off or down, your bed sides are weakened, and after many years will start to flop around. the sides on my brother-in-laws truck waves at you when he drives by.
matt

 

You might have something there about a cap. I just returned from a 2,000 mile trip with a cap on level with the cab at the front and higher in the rear. I never thought about it but yes I did get better milage. I usually average around 18 on the highway and at one point I got 22 and was always at least 18 or higher.

 

Bill, Those little round things are made of steel. Being in the down position is not going to hurt them. The cables on the other hand are showing some wear, as I stated in my first reply to you. My saying that "I only had little round things" was said mostly in jest. You were evidently unable to realize this. Someone said that you had a sense of humor? You will also notice that I left you an out by mentioning the cables. You did not realize this either.
As for your "wind tunnel tests". Thats fine. You can accept all the "tests" that you wish. That is your perogative. I, as I stated in my first post, believe that my gate being down gives me better mileage. These holdings are based on real world experiences that are not influenced by variables such as special interest groups who pay for the results they wish to see. You intellectual types rarely recognize trivial little details such as this. Would it be safe to surmise that your precious "tests" were commissioned by a bed cover company?? Nothing like a wind tunnel test to sell covers, you know. Just curious, as you failed to mention this detail.
And as for "tearing up my truck". That is your opinion. And we all know that old saying about opinions, dont we? Something about opinions are like aholes. Every one has one and....well, surely you know how that ends.
Regards, Mike

PS Had you refrained from the redundant use of the word "them" in your reply, I probably would not have replied to you in this manor. This usage was percieved as an attempt on your part to belittle. Couldn't have been related to my "BigTex" moniker, now could it? Some of us do know how to spell our names, you know. But of course, your tests have probably all ready shown that!

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 03-Aug-01 AT 01:12 PM (EST)[/font][p]Little round things made of steel...oh...you mean the hinges...gotcha. Since they're made of steel & all the constant metal to metal contact from your tailgate bouncing up & down of shouldn't bother them then.

Sorry to burst your bubble on the wind tunnel testing but both tests I saw were documented in unbiased news articles, not sponsored by or affiliated with any aftermarket companies.

The fact that you "believe" the gate being down gives you better fuel mileage just tells me that you're susceptible to, for lack of a better term, the "placebo" effect. To put it another way, you want it to be a certain way so you only accept evidence which supports your point of view. Oh well, it's your truck you're trashing...you certainly can do whatever you want with it...

 

I guess I was never concerned about mileage or anything. I take my tailgate off and throw it in the back becuase it gives me a better view of how close some of these dummies like to get. If I need to haul something I can just throw it back on. I don't like to put it down becuase of it slamming up and down when going over bumps.

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

 

Well.... I concede! Those are indeed hinges. My mistake. You, sir, were correct. I was not. And on the wear issue, you were also correct. Upon closer examination, I have determined that the "trashing of my truck" is indeed a reality! The paint is actually worn through! Imagine, 135K and the paint is worn through. I am awaiting a response from FMC at this time.
My bubble is intact. I just felt that it was necessary to ask what motivation was behind these "tests". Since I have now been informed that they were not sanctioned by any specific company or group, I am now much more comfortable with their findings. I may even have to reconsider my position and throw out my own findings in favor of your "test" results. After all, how often do real world experiences factor into discussions of this nature? Oh, and btw, who did you say sponsored those tests? And really, "unbiased" news reports? We all know there is no such thing!
Last, but certainly not least, my beliefs. I do insurance inspections for several major insurance underwriters. This position has, in the past, required me to drive quite a few miles. As a result, I have had ample opportunity to analyze my truck and its performance. As I stated before, My truck does better with the gate down. When you fill your truck up every second day, you quickly determine what gives you the best performance. In my case, this entails the "trashing" of my truck by lowering the gate.
And Bill, one more belief that I hold dear, Jesus does love you! God Bless, and have a good day! :-)

 

Boy, you non believers are all the same. My truck gets 8 miles a gallon with the gate up, and 294mpg with it down. no......really......I'm serious now.

NOT

On my trip up north last month I drove up with the gate up, and back with it down, not enough differance to mention. I do think the cap/cover angle holds water, so long as the extra weight dosen't offset the airflow gains.

Then again, what do I know.

BFM
Recycle...crush a chevy

 

Well that explains alot. You're used to holding on to beliefs which are completely unsupported by any facts...







Don't bother with any indignant replies...I'm done with this thread as of now. :-)

 

Bill, You are the MAN!! I feel the same way. I don't think people need to start bringing in the religion stuff. Keep it in the place of practice. This isn't a Billy Graham website its a Ford Trucks Website.

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

 

I don't know about the tailgate...but having the hood open while driving will effect handing and probably reduce fuel mileage.

Doop <
76 F-100 Custom (96K Original North Dakota miles) 360-C6 All stock

64 F-250 (Bought from the north slope of Alaska) 292-T18 4 speed

 

[QUOTE]I don't know about the tailgate...but having the hood open while driving will effect handing and probably reduce fuel mileage.

You might also have a visibility problem too!!!

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.