Has anyone tried putting their tailgate down like on a highway trip to see if it makes any difference in mpg? I heard it doesn't really make a difference because a "pocket" of air forms in your bed, then the rest of the air flows over that.
Was there any difference in your 60' times? I always thought the pickups at the track did this to get the last little bit of weight distribution as far back as possible, to help launch traction.quote:
Originally posted by Don Stefanik:
I also did some 1/4 mile passes once with my truck. 5 passes tail gate down. 5 passes tail gate up.
Tail gate up passes were quicker.
What would that tell you? Drag increases with the tailgate down, but downforce also increases. Maybe drivers with the tailgate down are just using their tailgate to tune the high-speed handling of their trucks, like how an extreme street-racer will put a wing on the back of their Civic for the same purpose.quote:
Originally posted by m2200b:
I use the tailgate as an indication of intelligence of the driver.