I have read articles that say it’s a myth and a pick up truck does not use more gas when a tailgate is up, Others say it does??? Which one is it? Also what about handling? My truck 1993 Chevy and my 1987 Dodge seems to “fishtail from the wind more with the tailgate up also??? Is there any real evidence or studies that will settle these questions?
2006-12-28 11:32:48 · 11 answers · asked by Dr_khs 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Commuting
Aerodymics says that it SHOULD get a little less.
2006-12-28 11:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is true that Mythbusters did a test on this where they took two presumably equal trucks, one with the tailgate "up" and one with the tail gate "down", filled them both up with gas, and drove them until they were empty. The Truck with the tailgate "down" ran out of gas first. This is NOT a scientific test. There are just too many other factors that can affect the outcome of this type of testing. Two different drivers with different styles... even if they are both trying to drive miserly. The fuel efficiency of two identical trucks can vary. On the other hand, the aerodynamic side of the argument has variables as well. At speed, there are substantial "turbulences" at the back of a traditional pick-up truck. Depending on design, shape, dimensions, etc. of the truck, there can actually be a "push" effect on a tail gate that is "up"... or an increased load effect if the tailgate is "down" causing slightly greater rolling resistance. But, in the final analysis, generally speaking, the tailgate in the "up" position will cause more aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.
2006-12-28 12:01:31 · answer #2 · answered by Steve A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is yes! However it is a small amount, there are many tricks to getting optimum fuel economy. A truck will get better gas mileage with the tail gate down than up presuming that there is no cap on the truck. It is all about aerodynamics. Also keeping your truck washed and clean will assist with fuel economy, and a good coat of wax will help even more. Each one of these three things will improve your fuel economy by a fraction of a mpg.
2006-12-28 11:37:33 · answer #3 · answered by chumley 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They did a test on the show Mythbusters..... Keep the tailgate UP is better for fuel efficiency. They have more info about it on thier website.
2006-12-28 11:35:53 · answer #4 · answered by isis 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They did a mythbusters on this. If the tail gate is up, it's more fuel efficient. If it's down, it does not go as far on a tank of gas.
2006-12-28 11:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by theVisionary 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
studies? only on the web somewhere, but you are correct wind does catch the gate to restrict you. it's like driving a jeep on the highway @65-70mph. you are fighting aerodynamics. that's why so many people put hard covers on the beds. it will help your gas mileage to. check out 2 direct tanks, & 2 w/ the cover.
2006-12-28 11:39:10 · answer #6 · answered by hotrod 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it's a myth on the gas thing and as far as your vehicle fishtailing it's because there is no weight back there
2006-12-28 11:35:14 · answer #7 · answered by cwb63ss 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would use more gas for sure Not as good wind flow with the gate up
2006-12-28 12:47:33 · answer #8 · answered by rickkritcher 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was on mythbusters...and it was false. it didn't get worse gas mileage with it up.
2006-12-28 11:34:20 · answer #9 · answered by Sgt. Pepper 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what tronary said, and this has been on mythbusters also.
2006-12-30 08:39:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋