2006-10-24 08:23:31 · 14 answers · asked by Buggy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
No. Extensive research has been done to show that you typically save about 5% in fuel economy with the tailgate up over the tail gate down.
It was also shown on Mythbusters on the discovery channel and tested extensively in manufacturer's wind tunnels.
Tail gate UP gets you the best fuel economy.
2006-10-24 08:25:45 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It does not. Have you ever seen the TV show Mythbusters? It's a show where people send in myths, legends, and weird questions and they put it to the test, scientifically, of course, to see if the stuff works or not. Well, on one of the shows, they tested your particular question and found that it did not increase fuel efficiency and may actually lower it. It has something to do with the way the air flows over the truck. When the tailgate is lowered, it makes the truck less aerodynamic.
2006-10-24 08:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by Its a Beautiful Day! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only will driving with the tailgate open NOT improve fuel mileage, it will also weaken the bedsides to the point of breaking off the truck. With the tailgate in the open position, or removed from the vehicle entirely, the bedsides will literally flap in the wind, causing the metal to warp, brackets to bend, etc, etc. Also, with the tailgate closed, wind coming over the back of the cab will "swirl" over in the bed, and back out the rear. Think of it as the loop-de-loop rollercoaster ride at the amusement parks.
2006-10-24 09:14:12 · answer #3 · answered by junkyarddawg_00 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO I had a 89 GM, 90Ford ranger, 92 F150 96 F150, 2000 F150 2002 Ranger. 2005 Ford Lariat I have tried both with and without a tail gate and in one word NO it doesn't make a difference. Regular oil changes and don't forget the air filter at least 2 times a year is the best thing for better fuel ratings. Oh and don't gun it when pulling away from a stop light.
2006-10-24 08:42:54 · answer #4 · answered by fr2fish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but very miniscule.Best to try it for a few weeks. Its` not a good idea to leave the tailgate down for safety reasons; better to remove it and install an aftermarket nylon web made for this reason.
2006-10-24 08:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Rolf W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does reduce drag in a small way, but only when you are driving at highway speed. Sooo you will not save much fuel when driving around town.
2006-10-24 08:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by oki4age 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw that episode of Mythbusters; as usual, they neglected one small detail-not all trucks are created equal, even ones of the same make/model/year. Test it for yourself and see what works for you. Or get a cap or a tonneau and stop worrying about it.
2006-10-24 16:40:12 · answer #7 · answered by zzooti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some people think that if you lower your tail gate it causes less wind drag on the truck.(back presure from the wind)just make sure that you tie down what ever you have in there
2006-10-24 11:08:15 · answer #8 · answered by kcrvautomichelle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people used to think so but car and driver did a test and found no differnce.... with the gate up the air just blows over the back gate but with it down air hits the whole bed. check it yourself....
2006-10-24 08:27:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they did the test on Mythbusters and actually found that the opposite is true, which was a surprise to them.
2006-10-24 08:25:48 · answer #10 · answered by finaldx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋