Dropping Tailgate on Trips
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 4
From: Cupertino
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
A general pickup truck question:
It makes sense that flattening the tailgate decreases wind drag. Does anyone have any hard data from experiments they have done on their trucks? Anybody have any 1/4 mile times with the gate up and down for comparison?
It makes sense that flattening the tailgate decreases wind drag. Does anyone have any hard data from experiments they have done on their trucks? Anybody have any 1/4 mile times with the gate up and down for comparison?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
Wasn't trying to be a smart a$$. I am a sheriff's deputy and I know about that crap (tailgate law). The net is made for those who wish to remove their tailgates and still have the containment of one. They allow the wind to pass through. I tried one and did not notice any significant (or insignificant)increase in fuel consumption. Looked good though.
Mike
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
I don't know about the mpg thing. But I do know the truck sure don't get thrown around by high winds or 18-wheelers near as bad with the gate down as it dose with it up.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/MEPHISTO_XES/3b57c2103cd9b841.gif
"There's a little red button there,kid...don't ever, ever touch the red button!"
Garett
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/MEPHISTO_XES/3b57c2103cd9b841.gif
"There's a little red button there,kid...don't ever, ever touch the red button!"
Garett
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
All you have to do is notify the officer that pulls you over that you're a cop and you get to go on your merry way; right darknight????
Chris
72 F-100 Stepside
300 cid w/ Hedman Hedders
Pacer 264P 16" wheels
Chris
72 F-100 Stepside
300 cid w/ Hedman Hedders
Pacer 264P 16" wheels
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
A few years ago when everyone was trying to save gas, one of the truck mags (Pick Van & 4 Wheeldrive or Motor Trend, don't remember who actually did it). Tested this theory. The results - it didn't make a dimes worth of differance in gas mileage. I do know that your rear window will get dirtier faster with it down. They also did high speed testing. The idea was that if it took energy away by having the gate up, it should slow the truck down. It didn't.
98 F250LD 4X4
98 F250LD 4X4
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
A few years ago when everyone was trying to save gas, one of the truck mags (Pick Van & 4 Wheeldrive or Motor Trend, don't remember who actually did it). Tested this theory. The results - it didn't make a dimes worth of differance in gas mileage. I do know that your rear window will get dirtier faster with it down. They also did high speed testing. The idea was that if it took energy away by having the gate up, it should slow the truck down. It didn't.
98 F250LD 4X4
98 F250LD 4X4
I'll have to find it on a Mustang site I frequent but at HIGHER speeds (like drag racing Lightnings @ 100 MPH +) opening the tailgate INCREASES DRAG. Something to do with the boundry layer of air in the bed is cleaner(less turbulence)than the air having to travel farther to the floor of the bed and then out the back. Strange but true!!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Deatsville, AL
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
I first I thought that had to be wrong but it almost makes sense. Please do find the reference.
If it really made a differece in gas mileage, the EPA would force the manufacturers to do something about a cover that improved gas mileage so it probably is true about the boundary layer.
Still it seems wierd, but its not the first time that testing produced facts to punch holes in the obvious,; that's why you test.
Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 LWB 4x2, XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 4x2, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi
If it really made a differece in gas mileage, the EPA would force the manufacturers to do something about a cover that improved gas mileage so it probably is true about the boundary layer.
Still it seems wierd, but its not the first time that testing produced facts to punch holes in the obvious,; that's why you test.
Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 LWB 4x2, XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 4x2, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
You mean besides the fact that it is illegal to drop the tailgate in most states as the truck is in motion? That is why a tailgate net is made now.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
Dropping the tailgate to try and get better gas mileage is a MYTH plain and simple .
The aero dynamics of the pick-up have been gone over & over again by manufacturers to provide the best performance by design and within the law.
The drag created by the vehicle itself with or without the
tailgate up doesn't change.
So why take a chance on a fine for no reason.
I been invovled in discussions about this subject many times.
The outcome is always the same.
It's NO Better with the tailgate down.
Dennis
78-F150 429CJ
The aero dynamics of the pick-up have been gone over & over again by manufacturers to provide the best performance by design and within the law.
The drag created by the vehicle itself with or without the
tailgate up doesn't change.
So why take a chance on a fine for no reason.
I been invovled in discussions about this subject many times.
The outcome is always the same.
It's NO Better with the tailgate down.
Dennis
78-F150 429CJ
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-Aug-01 AT 06:06 PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-Aug-01 AT 06:04 PM (EST)[/font]
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/BigTex/My%20Truck.jpg
Heres a simple experiment; Put your gate up and throw a coke can in the back. Now take off down the highway. The wind will hit the gate and push the can to the cab. It will do any other light weight stuff you put back there the same way. Most times you see stuff floating in the back of a truck, its up by the cab. I drive up to 1000 miles a week in my '95 F150 XLT w/302. I can say from 134,000 miles experience that it does make a difference! Other trucks may differ, but it works for my truck. Mike
PS Dang! The pic aint workin!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/BigTex/My%20Truck.jpg
Heres a simple experiment; Put your gate up and throw a coke can in the back. Now take off down the highway. The wind will hit the gate and push the can to the cab. It will do any other light weight stuff you put back there the same way. Most times you see stuff floating in the back of a truck, its up by the cab. I drive up to 1000 miles a week in my '95 F150 XLT w/302. I can say from 134,000 miles experience that it does make a difference! Other trucks may differ, but it works for my truck. Mike
PS Dang! The pic aint workin!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
Dropping Tailgate on Trips
I can say from 134,000 miles experience that it does make a difference!
Yeah...your tailgate hinges are worn out from the tailgate bouncing up & down.
Yeah...your tailgate hinges are worn out from the tailgate bouncing up & down.
How dare you come in to this topic and start cr^p!!! If you don't want to run with your tail gate down, who are you to........ JUST KIDDING!!! Actually Bill, it does look like you may have a sense of humor after all......long as it doesn't involve M motors LOL!!!
Bob, I looked and can't find it!!! I'll start looking through my magazines next. MM&FF????