answer to a debate?

so here's the debate: tail down saves or uses more gas on the highway?

i have a friend that swears it saves a couple mpg, but someone just told me the television show "mythbusters" recently discovered it causes a truck to be less effecient. anyone know for sure?

 

NOT FROM EXPERIENCE, but from what I have heard from other people: it really depends on the truck. Many 1st Gen Tacoma owners claim to get better mileage if they take their tailgate OFF. I have heard one or two 2nd Gen Tacoma owners have said that just dropping it has helped them. Most people on here claim that a tonneau cover does not hurt or help their mileage. I have been told from many Ford F-150 owners that the tailgate is not even a question - it still gets the same mileage. My grandfather's 92 Silverado got better mileage without the tailgate. Of course, it got worse mileage after we hooked up the boat.


I am going to go with a tonneau cover for security. My tailgate will get a lock on it. I am not worried about the MPG as much anymore - it is, after all, a truck.

 

Mythbusters has tried this myth twice both times tailgate down has been busted. But they did find that a mesh tailgate did prove more effective. Episode #43 first time and Episode #64 revisit

Linkage

not saying mythbusters are a end all of facts but they did usually do a good job

 

this is a good explaination.

http://www.dailyfueleconomytip.com/?p=58

newer trucks spend significant time in wind tunnels for testing, therefore, will have very good aerodynamics.

if you think about the dimples on a golf ball, one might think that it adds wind resistance and would hinder your distance. on the contrary, it adds signifcant yards to your drives.

 

My mileage has stayed the same. I tried the tailgate thing and spent 1000.00 on a hard cover and yet its the same.