Why are the sons-a-beeiotches riding around with their tailgates down

[xultar]

:grr::nuke:

Can someone please answer that for me.

WTF :wtf:

[rateyes]

1. Less wind resistance...

means greater fuel mileage. And, no, I don't have a PU truck...but, that's the excuse I've heard.

[xultar]

2. I don't believe that crapitty crap crap. I guess it may be plausable

I'm gonna check it out.

[napi21]

3. Yep, that's why they do it! It does make a difference, but just

how much difference is debatable. I suspect it's quite insignicant.

PU's are not aerodynamically designed to begin with! This little trick MIGHT, and I stress might, improve fuel usage by 1 or 2%.

[bunkerbuster1]

5. I'd heard differently.

http://ask.yahoo.com/20050427.html


Aerodynamics engineers have found that wind resistance is actually lower when the tailgate is up. Why? When the tailgate is raised, a "separated bubble" of stagnant air is formed in the bed of the pickup. Wind tends to swoosh over this bubble as though it were part of the truck. Lower the tailgate, and the bubble disappears, which leads to increased wind resistance.

[kevinam]

6. Thanks...

Interesting. I never knew that. I always assumed leaving the tailgate down improved aerodynamics. I don't currently drive a truck though. I guess it goes to show why one shouldn't assume.

Kevin.

[CottonBear]

4. That's why you can buy an Airgate for the truck. It keeps objects

in the bed while allowing air flow at the same time.

BTW, I drive a PU but it has a camper top now so I've no need to leave the tailgate down. I need a truck because I have a horse and need to haul lots of stuff. Most horse owners need a truck.

[zyzzyva57]

7. It makes no real difference

A la NPR's "Car Talk"

[newyawker99]

8. Hi zyzzyva57!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: