Would a pickup truck get better highway gas mileage if you drove with the tailgate down?

Answer 1

NO! You will not get better gas mileage! Mythbusters, the famous "hands on" show debunked that myth.

What happens is that with the tail gate up, a "bubble" forms in the bed allowing air flowing over the top of the cab to go over the bubble and over the tail gate. With the tail gate down, there is no bubble and the air goes over the cab and then hits the bed of the truck creating drag. They did a test with two identical trucks, same amounts of gas, driving conditions, weight etc, etc and the truck with the tail gate up got about 45 more miles.

It's been scientifically proven with scale wind tunnels models and everything. Not only is driving with your tail gate down illegal in most states, you'll get less gas mileage to boot. Of course there are variables. The length of the truck bed. I'd imagine that standard sized beds with the tail gate up will get the most benefit. Long beds I think would get slightly less benefit. If you have large items in your truck like appliances, then your going to have more drag and get less mileage. Also, bed covers will reduce your drag since again, the air is flowing over the cab and hitting the cover.

Answer 2

Yes it will. You will probably get a couple of more miles per gallon but be careful that you remember the gate is down when you are backing up. Also make sure that the gate isn't blocking any lights or your license plate or it could spell trouble. You could also remove the gate entirely and put on one of those cargo nets. I recently put a cap on a nissan pickup truck and my mileage increased by 3mpg.

Answer 3

there was study done and the truck with the tailgate up got more mileage than the truck with the tailgate down. about 20 miles more

Answer 4

Somewhat better, as the tailgate would increase the drag. I think that's why they have those mesh screens to put across the tailgate in some trucks, cutting the wide resistance.

Answer 5

I've seen that topic as an ariticle in car mags. The answer is minimal at best, hazardous for debris and stability of the truck. Amazingly, a fiberglass topper has the opposite effect, truck hunkers lower and cuts thru the air cleaner.

Answer 6

Yes....but it is illegal to do. You could remove the tailgate and put up a tailgate net. That would be the cheapest thing to do...or you could put on a campershell or tonneau cover.

Answer 7

well i was watching a show called myth busters and they said it was actually worst if you left the tail gate down but the gas milage got better if you had a top for the back over your truck like one of those that button down! hope that helps

Answer 8

It might have a slight effect at high speeds over long distances, but I'll bet not too much. Maybe 1-2 mpg.

Answer 9

Yes, I know from experience it does- especially if you're going to be on the highway for a while.

Answer 10

I don't think it will make noticeable a difference. Why not try it? Maybe you are on to something!