Tailgate. Up or Down?

Here's a question I don't think I've seen anyone on TW ask; For those of us without a topper or tonneau cover on the bed, do you usually drive with the tailgate up, or down on the highway?
Anyone notice any difference in their mileage with it up as opposed to down?

 

I saw a Mythbusters one time and they proved it doesn't effect MPG's measurably either way

 

Same with the windows up or down argument. No measurable difference vs. gas mileage.

 

That reminds me of a member here that streamlined his Tacoma. The thing had to be 20' longer with the tail he fabricated.

I have no idea how to search for the thread/

 

A recent Mythbusters show did this testing for five conditions:
Tailgate up
Tailgate down
No tailgate
Hard cover on cargo bay
Mesh tailgate replacement - they guessed this would give lots of wind resistance and worst mileage.

The results, in order of best to worst:
Mesh cover - apparently turbulence pattern generated is lots of small vortices instead of a large one, and less drag.
Tailgate up and Hard cover about equal
No tailgate
Tailgate down - worst.

 

If you're cutting your budget that close to the bone...

 

Up, so you don't fuck up your tailgate backing into things.

 

They proved that it DID affect gas mileage. The truck with tailgate down ran out of gas MILES before the truck with tailgate up.

 

His username is @BamZipPow

 

Okay then, it was a long time ago and I must be mistaken. Everyone thinks putting the tailgate down helps, guess not.

 

That's the one, thanks!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/howdies.370330/

 

Really!!!???
Duane

 

But, but why? Buy a Prius. Or drive a truck and use it for truck-like things.

 

Same idea, bigger scale.

 

I know, huh. It seems like it would take 30 minutes to put something in the bed of the truck and secure it all back up and start driving... I dunno

 

Asks question Jan 30.

Answers own question Jan. 30.


Purpose of thread?

Not sure.

 

Good movie.

 

What is it called?