Does removing my truck's tailgate increase mileage?

Question

I've seen various opinions on this matter. I have a supercab truck which has a bed almost 2 feet shorter than a standard truck which may change the coefficent of drag substancially.

Answer 1

doesn't lightening the weight of the tailgate help with the mileage?

Answer 2

This is a myth. The tailgate helps create a high pressure area in the bed of the truck that helps airflow over the tailgate and in turn reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient resulting in improved gas mailage. You can see the result of this by noticing how dirty the tailgate gets from the airflow pushing dirt onto it. It is often the dirtiest part of the truck. Or you can just take it off and record your mileage for yourself and see for your self.

Answer 3

believe it or not, taking off the tailgate decreases mileage. when u take off the tailgate, that takes away a buildup of air curculating in ur truckbed, which helps push air coming from the front to the back. w/out that buildup, the air moves down into the bed and takes longer to pass over the truck, which produces drag. one of the better solutions is to buy one of those mesh strap tailgates, they increase mileage pretty well.

Answer 4

Removing your tail gate will improve the aerodynamics of the truck and thus it will improve your gas milage. The question is how much improvement. I believe it could be anywhere from 1-3 miles per gallon depending on how fast you drive. Every little bit helps. Since you do sometimes need a tailgate you can think about switching to an airgate.

Answer 5

It was a popular myth that was tested on Mythbusters.

Jamie drove the truck with no tailgate, and Adam drove the truck with a tailgate.

They put identical amounts of fuel into the cars, they drove along an identical road, with cruise contol on, and using a GPS to ensure they were on an identical speed.

Of the tests they did, Jamies truck (the one with NO tailgate) ran out first.

Adam was able to continue on a few miles after Jamies truck had ran out of fuel

Answer 6

Yes, but not by much.  I'd be surprised if you got 1 MPG improvement out of it.