tailgate net, anyone using one?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Naples, Fl
tailgate net, anyone using one?
I was thinking of putting on a tailgate net. Don't want a bed cover since I already have a good low profile black tool box and it's a 5.5 bed. Looking for a review of someone using one: what brand, and any improved mileage noticed?
Junior User
Joined: May 2008
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I used one on my 01 Ranger Edge for 7 years. Just traded it in on the 08Screw in my sig line. Slight increase in MPG. Better yet...better stability at high speeds and especially in cross winds at high speeds. The bed sides seemed to act as stabilizers without a tailgate.
YMMV!
YMMV!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
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From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I had one on my 95....got worse mileage and it looked like crud.
Mythbusters (although I don't think they're always right)....tested tailgates vs. nets vs hard covers and found that nets were the worst mileage altogether...even worse then the tailgate
Mythbusters (although I don't think they're always right)....tested tailgates vs. nets vs hard covers and found that nets were the worst mileage altogether...even worse then the tailgate
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From: Maine, Virginia
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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I had an air flow 5th wheel gate on mine for a few years, put stock back on recently, didn't notice any difference.
Two things that I have seen making a difference are max tire pressure and cleaning air filter every 6 months.
Two things that I have seen making a difference are max tire pressure and cleaning air filter every 6 months.
New User
Joined: Mar 2008
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Here is a link from Road and Track Magazine that addresses the subject.
ROADandTRACK.com -- Tech Tidbits - Tech Tidbits — September 2004 (9/2004)
ROADandTRACK.com -- Tech Tidbits - Tech Tidbits — September 2004 (9/2004)
Freshman User
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Popular Mechanics did a test on the net vs tailgate and found the stock tailgate is better. The little fin that you see on dodges (if I remember right) didnt help either.
Their comment was something to the effect that with gas prices getting higher (this was a few years ago- go figure) the manufacturers were trying to eek every MPG they could out of their product, and if a net would do it, they would include them from the factory.
i think they look like crap too.
Their comment was something to the effect that with gas prices getting higher (this was a few years ago- go figure) the manufacturers were trying to eek every MPG they could out of their product, and if a net would do it, they would include them from the factory.
i think they look like crap too.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Denver USA
I saw the Mythbusters episode and have read the Popular Mechnics review. Both voted for the stock tailgate.
Now if you like the style and prefer the net, go for it. Make the truck yours. Personally, I dislike them and they make me think of the '90s. Hardly see any truck with one anymore, unless it's a late 80s or 90s model.
Now if you like the style and prefer the net, go for it. Make the truck yours. Personally, I dislike them and they make me think of the '90s. Hardly see any truck with one anymore, unless it's a late 80s or 90s model.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
AS for the tailgate net I had one on another pickup for awhile. I think I spent more time fixing it and tightening it so it wouldn't sag. More trouble then it is worth, IMO. I didn't notice better gas mileage. Plus you have to hope nothing slides under it.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
I vote no for one as well. drove 20 miles 1 way to town when I was in high school (up a hill in the snow 
). no difference in MPG that was noticeable vs the steel tailgate
my main reason is because they're dangerous. I laughed my butt off when a cousin got his foot stuck in the rubber net on my truck and fell out of the truck...then it happened to me
). no difference in MPG that was noticeable vs the steel tailgatemy main reason is because they're dangerous. I laughed my butt off when a cousin got his foot stuck in the rubber net on my truck and fell out of the truck...then it happened to me
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