2006-08-30 16:16:09 · 11 answers · asked by xscarredapplex 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
i've heard that it actually makes it worse, it doesn't seem that way, but they say with it up, it creates something like a swirling effect and that actually helps the truck move forward better with the tailgate up., and it looks better anyway like that.
2006-08-30 16:21:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that Popular Mechanics tested this one. Putting UP the tailgate causes a vortex to form in the truck bed which reduces turbulence of the air passing over the truck.
So putting UP the tailgate IMPROVES your gas mileage.
From a webblog:
...............................
Leave the Tailgate Up for Better Gas Mileage
My husband and I are watching Mythbusters on Discovery ... they're testing the myth of the tailgate down vs. tailgate up as it relates to gas mileage for trucks. The myth is that you'll get better gas mileage with the gate down (the thinking is that it makes the truck more streamlined). They tested it two ways and found that the myth is false.
Leaving the tailgate down actually creates major drag. With the gate up, air gets trapped in a circulate motion bubble in the bed and actually creates a streamlined flow of air. When the gate is down, the bubble is lost and the air falls right on the gate, creating major drag. Their tests showed that you could get 30 more miles on a tank of gas with the gate up.
2006-08-30 16:21:08 · answer #2 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and No...
Yes it will reduce the wind resistance of the moving vehicle, and therefore reduce the energy required to move the vehicle from Point A to Point B.
However, at low speeds ( 20 - 35 Mph ) the reduction in drag due to wind resistance is so minor as to be negligible. So, no for city driving, yes for highway driving.
Consider that the pickup truck has probably got one of the crummiest aerodynamic shapes one can ask for in the first place, and go from there.
2006-09-02 17:12:53 · answer #3 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just saw a Mythbusters episode on this. Apparently having the tailgate UP causes a bubble of low-speed (and therefore, by Bernoulli's principle, high-pressure) air to circulate in the bed of the truck. Dropping the gate causes this bubble to be flushed out and it results in substantial drag.
I wonder how a tonneau-covered bed does in comparison? Time to send an email.....
2006-08-30 16:22:40 · answer #4 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does help when it comes to wind resistance but it is illegal to do this in some states. That's why they invented Gator Nets.
I never saw the Myth Busters episode from above so maybe this is wrong but I know that was the reason for Gator Nets.
2006-08-30 16:24:02 · answer #5 · answered by splattz2002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probablr does But, it is against the law to drive with your tail gate down.
2006-08-30 16:23:04 · answer #6 · answered by dancinintherain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the tests show it makes it worse. Check and set air psi, change air filter, use cruise control to help as well.
2006-08-30 16:26:38 · answer #7 · answered by Josh S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It actually hampers the fuel mileage. I have already tried and checked it myself.
2006-08-30 16:18:44 · answer #8 · answered by firehoser2282 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, it give you more drag with the tailgate down.
2006-08-30 16:21:29 · answer #9 · answered by lnfrared Loaf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes there is no wind to hold you back
2006-09-03 13:13:30 · answer #10 · answered by jerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋