Vented tailgate?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
You are talking a V gate right? Just having the V there makes it all worthwhile. Not having to drop the gate just to hook up. The vents there are okay, but that isn't why I bought mine. No real proof that a vented tailgate will give you better fuel milage.....There are those that will swear both ways....
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 181
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From: Michigan
Yeah, that's exatly what I am talking about. I was wondering if someone had a "real world" fuel mileage savings story. I know it would make hook up easier but I'm not sure I would want to be taking my tailgate on and off all the time. I wouldn't leave the vented gate on if I wasn't on a trip. If the money savings were there I would do it.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 346
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From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by Nathane
ever hear of mythbusters?
Leaving the gate up gives better gas milage then putting it down...
~Nate
Leaving the gate up gives better gas milage then putting it down...
~Nate
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Joined: Apr 2005
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I have towed a34' fifthwheel with a vented tailgate and with a standard tailgate, and without a tailgate. With a standard tailgate, there is a wind turbulance inside the bed of the truck. Loose items move, float, flyout of the bed. The vented tailgate allows the turbulance to dissapate out the back. The v-notch is nice for hooking and unhooking the trailer.
I found absolutely NO difference in mileage between the two tailgates or without any tailgate.
I found absolutely NO difference in mileage between the two tailgates or without any tailgate.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 181
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From: Michigan
Well, I guess I won't rush out and get one then. I have had stuff fly/float out of the bed of the truck like you said c.f. moore, but I just pack a little better now. Maybe there will be a steal of a deal on Ebay soon that I might look at.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
I swap out the tailgates for my use. Keep the stock one for winter use and put on the V gate for spring/summer/fall for 5th wheel camping use. Works for me. I also have a sliding metal bedcover for anytime. Use it whenever I'm not towing. I can slide it open to wherever I need it to be....and it stays right there.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Central Massachusetts
Made my own a 2 x 8 with some notches to go over the tie downs. wrapped it in all weather carpet to match the truck. put a couple of small tie downs to hold in place during the camping season. Use it for a ramp to put our Dog in a small dog house with a skylight that opens for him behind the cab. Also have a homemade wood box that it holds in place while traveling that I do not have to take out.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Fulltime RVer
Dropping an OEM tailgate to hook up works ok most of the time, however a notched one allows hooking up at severe angles and is easier with 5ers like mine with a straight front that was a close fit with my OEM gate, even when hooking up straight ahead.
Supposedly, when running empty the OEM gate allows a bubble of air to be trapped and held in the bed so that the aerodynamic effect is similar to a bed cover which reduces drag. When one adds a tool box, 5th wheel hitch, etc... I don't think drag is that much different whatever type of gate is used.
Supposedly, when running empty the OEM gate allows a bubble of air to be trapped and held in the bed so that the aerodynamic effect is similar to a bed cover which reduces drag. When one adds a tool box, 5th wheel hitch, etc... I don't think drag is that much different whatever type of gate is used.
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