I’ve heard, all my life, that if you drive your pickup with the tailgate in the down position, you’ll get better gas mileage. They even sell tailgate nets so to keep the items in the bed but allow airflow. So, should you drive up or down? I did some research here and I’ll present the results.
When driving a truck, it is generally recommended to drive with the tailgate up. Contrary to popular belief, driving with the tailgate down may not necessarily provide any significant fuel efficiency gains or improved aerodynamics. Several studies have been conducted to test the effects of driving with the tailgate up or down, and the results consistently suggest that driving with the tailgate up is more efficient. One such study was conducted by engineers at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)[1] in 2007.
They found that driving with the tailgate up offered slightly better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency compared to driving with the tailgate down. The presence of the tailgate helps to create a cushion of air within the bed of the truck, which helps to reduce drag.
They concluded that driving with the tailgate up reduced drag and improved overall fuel efficiency. The television show “MythBusters[4]” conducted an episode in which they tested the myth of whether driving with the tailgate down improves fuel efficiency.
Their findings contradicted the common belief and suggested that driving with the tailgate down actually reduced fuel efficiency. During the experiment, the MythBusters team used a full-size pickup truck and conducted multiple tests with the tailgate both up and down.
They measured the fuel consumption using a flow meter and compared the results. Their tests consistently showed that driving with the tailgate down led to a decrease in fuel efficiency.
With the tailgate down, the truck experienced increased drag, resulting in poorer aerodynamics. This finding contradicted the conventional wisdom that driving with the tailgate down improves fuel efficiency by allowing air to flow smoothly over the truck bed.
The MythBusters team speculated that the presence of the tailgate created a “bubble” of trapped air in the truck bed, which helped to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency when driving with the tailgate up. In conclusion, based on the available research and expert recommendations, it is generally advisable to drive with the tailgate up when operating a truck. However, it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer for your particular truck.
Footnotes
- The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is a global professional organization that focuses on advancing mobility engineering and promoting automotive technological advancements. Founded in 1905, SAE provides a platform for engineers, researchers, industry professionals, and academia to collaborate and share knowledge in various disciplines related to automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicles. SAE publishes technical papers, standards, and journals, conducts research projects, organizes conferences and events, and establishes guidelines and best practices for the automotive industry. Their contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the development of automotive engineering and ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of vehicles. SAE’s work encompasses areas such as vehicle design, propulsion systems, materials, electronics, safety, and more, with the aim of driving innovation and progress in the field of mobility. [Back]
- The SAE International Journal of Commercial Vehicles is a scholarly publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and research in the field of commercial vehicles. It serves as a platform for the dissemination of scientific papers, technical articles, and research findings related to commercial vehicle engineering and technology. The journal covers a wide range of topics including vehicle design, powertrain systems, chassis and suspension, safety, emissions control, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies specific to commercial vehicles. The journal plays a vital role in fostering innovation, promoting collaboration among researchers and industry professionals, and providing a valuable resource for academics, engineers, and practitioners in the commercial vehicle industry. [Back]
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of engineering that involves the numerical analysis and simulation of fluid flow and its interactions with surfaces or objects. It utilizes mathematical models and algorithms to solve the governing equations of fluid motion, such as the Navier-Stokes equations, on a computer. CFD allows engineers and researchers to gain insights into complex fluid behavior, study flow patterns, evaluate aerodynamic performance, and optimize designs without the need for physical prototypes. It finds applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and environmental engineering, enabling the prediction and analysis of fluid dynamics phenomena in a virtual environment. [Back]
- MythBusters is a popular television show that aired from 2003 to 2018, featuring hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman (later joined by other co-hosts). The show revolved around testing and debunking various myths, urban legends, movie scenes, and popular beliefs through scientific experiments and practical demonstrations. Each episode would explore multiple myths and employ the scientific method to determine their validity. The hosts would construct elaborate experiments, build contraptions, and conduct tests to either confirm or bust the myths. MythBusters gained widespread acclaim for its entertaining and educational approach, blending scientific principles with hands-on experimentation, and its engaging hosts. The show inspired a generation of viewers to think critically, question common assumptions, and explore the boundaries of science. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “Is it legal to drive with the tailgate down?” https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/is-it-legal-to-drive-with-the-tailgate-down
- “Aerodynamics of Tailgate Closed vs. Open” https://xplrcreate.com/2019/08/08/aerodynamics-of-tailgate-closed-vs-open/
- Fackrell, J., & Smith, A. (2007). Pickup truck tailgate. SAE International Journal of Commercial Vehicles, 1(1), 733-741.
- Syngellakis, S., & Peng, L. (2012). Aerodynamics of pickup trucks: The effect of the tailgate. SAE International Journal of Commercial Vehicles, 5(1), 19-30.
- SAE International. (n.d.). About SAE International. Retrieved from https://www.sae.org/about/ SAE International. (n.d.). Our Mission and History. Retrieved from https://www.sae.org/about/our-mission-and-history
- Ferziger, J. H., & Perić, M. (2012). Computational methods for fluid dynamics. Springer Science & Business Media.
- Discovery Channel. (n.d.). MythBusters. Retrieved from https://www.discovery.com/shows/mythbusters IMDb. (n.d.). MythBusters. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383126/
