nope. Exactly not how it works. I understand why that seems logical, but there's a vortex back there. The tailgate is not a wall against the air given its location and how air flows over the back. Studies have shown that a tailgate in down (open) position uses more fuel than one in the up position.
True. And I ran to WalMart this morning for a couple things and the EA chargers in the parking lot were all offline or at least none were lit up. No one sitting there trying to charge. No one really at WalMart either. Probably because it was -14 F when I pulled into the parking lot.
Saying a tailgate in the open position uses more fuel than one in the closed position, is a different stance and arguement than a tonneau cover vs a closed tailgate with open bed. I wasn't comparing open tailgate vs closed tailgate. I was comparing open bed with closed tailgate (how every truck is designed) to tonneau cover.
Except, there are studies by reputable sources that show a Tonneau does improve aerodynamics.
Seriously? That was a high speed run with modified trucks testing stability at speeds over 150 mph. There is not one legitimate test out there showing improved efficiency from a topper or bed cover on a pickup truck. Not one. And if there were, the dozens of tonneau manufacturers would be touting it. But the folks like mythbusters nd consumer reports, who have done actual scientific test and shown otherwise have put paid to their efforts to make such claims so they don't even try. That folks on forums like this still cling to such claims because it seems logical or they want to justify spending a couple grand on a toy is hilarious to me. I have a nice Retrax XR tonneau with Yakima risers and crossbars, with a kayak lifting system because I like them and find them useful, not because they provide efficiency benefits. In fact, I know that their added weight and structure costs range after transferring them from prior pickups to the new Lightning, so only put them on when needed and in use.
Well, my fear with this whole discussion is the bread is being sliced a little too thin and we’re operating in the sliver….maybe 3-6 miles of range with a drive using 70% of an ER battery
Further, that "test" was not done by Motortrend - it was a paid feature, performed by the top manufacturer as stunt - and they conveniently "disqualified" the Ford results without explaining what the results were or why they were thrown out, but speculation is that they went the wrong way for the intended sales pitch.
Exactly. I l chuckle at truck with tailgates down thinking they are getting better mpg.
...Or the guys who throw away a perfectly good tailgate and replace it with the net or bars that lets air flow through. LOL. If the tailgate actually was a huge aerodynamic factor, those tailgates that are supposed to let air pass through would be even worse in terms of causing drag, not better. Huge marketing push on the net/web tailgate replacements in the late '80s and early '90s several manufacturers trying to claim it improved gas mileage. Caught on briefly, especially with the Toyota crowd. Until they all realized it made no difference and not only did it look stupid, it was functionally stupid too. But I still see some of this out there.
