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From: parr@acs.ucalgary.ca (Charles Parr)
Subject: Re: Truck tailgates/mileage
Message-ID: <93Apr15.143221.16577@acs.ucalgary.ca>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 93 14:32:21 GMT
References: <1993Mar30.203846.85644@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu>
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Organization: The University of Calgary, Alberta
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In article <1993Mar30.203846.85644@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu> jh03@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (JUN HE) writes:
>In article <1993Mar26.221840.1204@nosc.mil>, koziarz@halibut.nosc.mil (Walter A.
> Koziarz) writes:
>>In article <51300059@hpscit.sc.hp.com> chrisw@hpscit.sc.hp.com (Chris Wiles) wr
>ites:
>>
>>
>>>      Consumers report did a study I think and found that most
>>>trucks got worse mileage with the tailgate off. The tailgates on the
>>>newer trucks actually help.
>>
>>oh, sure they do...  and replacing the front bumper and grille with a closet
>>door helps mileage *and* cooling.  *if* CR actually said that, then they have
>>bigger fools working for them than the fools that believe their drivel...  but,
>>who am I to argue this?  just someone that's been a pickup-driver for 20+
>>years, that's all.  forget the 'net', just take off the tailgate on hiway trips
>>since the nets aren't designed to nor capable of restraining a load in the bed
>>anyway.  around town, the tailgate will have a negligable effect on mileage
>>anyway.
>>
>>Walt K.
>>
>They may help to improve mileage in some cases, I believe. With the tailgate
>on the flow structure behind the cab may differ and the vortex drag may be
>reduced during high speed driving.

How about those toneau covers? I've been thinking of building one
from chipboard for roadtrips. Any comment on how they affect
mileage in highway travel?

Charles
-- 
Within the span of the last few weeks I have heard elements of
separate threads which, in that they have been conjoined in time,
struck together to form a new chord within my hollow and echoing
gourd. --Unknown net.person
