MPG increase or decrease.

[Maxtor]

I have been reading where some people say that they get better mileage with the tailgate up, while others say down. Some say using a 5th wheel type tailgate helps and others say it hurts.
I have done all the above and have not noticed any real change in mpg.
The only real noticeable increase in mpg comes when I go slower. The slower I go down to 50 mph the better the mpg. The faster I go over 60 mph, the worse mileage I get.
Empty
21 mpg at 50-60
18.5 mpg at 70
What have you guys found?

 

[Zookie400]

something to think about if you are shopping for a trailer....i have found that while towing my empty bumper pull enclosed trailer at 60, i get MUCH worse mileage than when towing a fully loaded gooseneck at 75.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

I have been reading where some people say that they get better mileage with the tailgate up, while others say down. Some say using a 5th wheel type tailgate helps and others say it hurts.
I have done all the above and have not noticed any real change in mpg.
The only real noticeable increase in mpg comes when I go slower. The slower I go down to 50 mph the better the mpg. The faster I go over 60 mph, the worse mileage I get.
Empty
21 mpg at 50-60
18.5 mpg at 70
What have you guys found?

Mythbusters did a show on this exact subject. Their testing results showed that they actually got better mileage with the tailgate up.

See the results HERE.

 

[95_stroker]

The slower I go down to 50 mph the better the mpg. The faster I go over 60 mph, the worse mileage I get.

Winner winner chicken dinner!!!!!!!!

 

[BamaSixGun]

It's all about proper airflow. With the tailgate up, MB showed that the air was smoother and less turbulate.

WOW, did I just say all that?

 

[hheynow]

What have you guys found?

My truck is getting great mileage, sitting under the carport.

Can't beat those numbers.

 

[BIG JOE]

I've also read, heard and seen many tests on this

The "Big 3" have done testing. Independent testing has been done.... ALL results are inconclusive IMO.

Seems like it fits in with the Cow Stomach Magnets that we can put on our Fuel Lines... To line up the carbon molecules, to provide better detonation ???

Tailgate UP.. Tailgate DOWN, NO Tailgate, "V" Gate (?)..

Owner Fuel Economy May Vary. (A disclaimer of sorts ?)

 

[powerboatr]

something to think about if you are shopping for a trailer....i have found that while towing my empty bumper pull enclosed trailer at 60, i get MUCH worse mileage than when towing a fully loaded gooseneck at 75.

ME TO
my 7l pace trailer kills me on fuel
10-9 MPG
but the fiver nets 13 MPG

i think its all about airflow and how it escapes

the pace trailer is like a huge brickwall.
while the fiver is more areo

 

[JLDickmon]

I wanna get a dragster wing to put on my roof when I haul a horsetrailer....

 

[desert50eagle]

Maybe we should try to bring the PRO NETS back in style......