MPG Test Result, Tailgate up/down
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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I've got a cap on my 03 ranger edge....Gas mileage is the same, even on the highway. I got it thinking it would help get better mpg as well...I get the same as before.
My guess is it may have to do with the extra weight the shell adds and it evens out...Anyone else run a cap and have differeing results???
My guess is it may have to do with the extra weight the shell adds and it evens out...Anyone else run a cap and have differeing results???
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yes racsan I have noticed that, and it got me to thinking that they are really losing efficiency. Not only do they not have the tailgate creating that locked area of wind, they also have a problem with no tailgate to move wind at all, just a net, which is useless I would bet.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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well i put a leer topper on mine and saw maybe a 1 to 1 and a half mpg gain, but i think i would have losed that if i didn't go for the fiberglass sport series and went for the cheep metal one. though i have noticed people at work who put a shorter tailgate line so that the tailgate stays open at a angle but even then they admit to only a slight gain
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)
I saw the myth busters also, They had brand new f-150's and the one with the tailgate up drove 30 miles further before running out of gas.
I always thought it was stupid to have the tail gate down because your just begging for someone to rear end you.
My dad told me there was another mythbusters that they tested the difference between having the a/c on or off. I haven't seen the episode yet but he told my that driving 0-50 MPH you get better milege with the a/c off and the windows down. Going 50 MPH + you get better milege with the a/c on and the windows up. This is due to the decreased aerodynamics of the windows being down and causing drag on the vehicle.
Personally i dont care if i were to lose 1 MPG using the a/c all the time if that was the case. It's more comfort for a small price.
I usually drive around town with the windows down bumping my system. If it's hot out or i'm going down the highway i have the windows up and the a/c on.
I always thought it was stupid to have the tail gate down because your just begging for someone to rear end you.
My dad told me there was another mythbusters that they tested the difference between having the a/c on or off. I haven't seen the episode yet but he told my that driving 0-50 MPH you get better milege with the a/c off and the windows down. Going 50 MPH + you get better milege with the a/c on and the windows up. This is due to the decreased aerodynamics of the windows being down and causing drag on the vehicle.
Personally i dont care if i were to lose 1 MPG using the a/c all the time if that was the case. It's more comfort for a small price.
I usually drive around town with the windows down bumping my system. If it's hot out or i'm going down the highway i have the windows up and the a/c on.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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well it might just delay it it a lil bit or shrink it. but it depends on the chest box on its high off the bed, location and if it touches the bottom of the bed. but either way what will lower the gas mpg the most is how much crap she fills that chest up with
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
I've noticed there are apparently TWO vortices in my Ranger SC bed.
One each, on the drivers & passengers side, indicated by two separate, but nicely formed clumps of pine needles!!!!
I achieved my best highway mpg run (24.8, 99 4.0L SC 5spd auto) with the tailgate UP, windows UP, AC OFF!!!!
With the rear window open & a side window down, you get a draft through the rear window, that hits the drivers right ear. Roll the side window UP & turn the vent ON, & the rear window draft is gone.
Why mention all this, well with the above observation racsan made, about noticing that the net tailgates get sucked in when running down the road, & I've seen some folks, with dual exhausts below the rear bumper, it seems to me, under the right conditions, you could suck some exhaust fumes foward through the bed & the open rear window, into the cab & make yourself sick, or WORSE!!!!!
One each, on the drivers & passengers side, indicated by two separate, but nicely formed clumps of pine needles!!!!
I achieved my best highway mpg run (24.8, 99 4.0L SC 5spd auto) with the tailgate UP, windows UP, AC OFF!!!!
With the rear window open & a side window down, you get a draft through the rear window, that hits the drivers right ear. Roll the side window UP & turn the vent ON, & the rear window draft is gone.
Why mention all this, well with the above observation racsan made, about noticing that the net tailgates get sucked in when running down the road, & I've seen some folks, with dual exhausts below the rear bumper, it seems to me, under the right conditions, you could suck some exhaust fumes foward through the bed & the open rear window, into the cab & make yourself sick, or WORSE!!!!!