Just curious, but do you think that rule applies to older trucks? I can see where it is likely false on the newer trucks as I assume (I know that is a dangerous word) the auto makers would have tested the theory and produced tailgates with holes in them if it improved the mileage much but I wonder if there might be more likelihood of it working with trucks in the 50's and 60's.
Randy -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Loren Faeth Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 2:29 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Snook's volvo and bumper stickers Thanks Mitch for the good explanation. The tailgate down is a KS folklore. As a joke/test of knowledge, I tell P/U drivers to put the tailgate down so they will get another 5 mpg and watch the reaction. Most laugh, but some believe it, and others are from KS and KNOW it to be fact (Sorry Donald, Maybe I should narrow that to Saline county) Anyhow, a P/U gets better mileage with the factory tailgate up. The cutout/mesh tailgates for goosenecks cost MPG, unless the trailer is attached, then it is most likely insignificant. Most ordinary drivers can't measure a difference of 5% or less. Their methods are to inaccurate. As Mitch said, with the gate down, turbulent flow (drag) is created. With the gate up, the bed creates a circular eddy flow, and it lowers the drag. Check it in your own windtunnel with models and a smoke generator/disperser. At 08:23 AM 8/7/2008, you wrote: >Donald Snook wrote: > > Perhaps he should also tell people to roll up their windows > (that saves fuel also) or have trucks put their tailgates down. > > >Putting the tailgate down is a bad idea, especially with a newer >truck that was >wind tunnel tested for efficiency with the gate up. The laminar flow >separates >at the back of the cab unless you install a fiberglass topper that >continues the >shape of the cab. With the tailgate shut, a bubble of air forms that does a >rough impersonation of the aforementioned bed topper. With the tailgate down, >you get highly turbulent airflow through the bed. > > >Mitch. > >_______________________________________ >http://www.okiebenz.com >For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
