it's already been proven that the wind resistance in the bed is of no consequence. Running with the tailgate down only destroys the back of the bed. The covers are functional only for security or cosmetics. Not for mpg increase.
s
Did you look at the link I posted? (I know tailgate-down doesn't help, even though you'd expect it to)
Bob
Ya, i saw the link. It's wrong.
If you want improved mileage, draft behind a semi. My new F350 has the aerodynamics of a brick, I get a full 30% increase in MPG drafting behind a semi vs. the exact same road and speed with no vehicle in front of me.
How far back does the air cushion go? I found out a while back that if you tailgate a semi about two feet away, there is a vacuum effect. And the semi driver doesn't much like you after that. I never did that one again.
Mythbusters did a show on this a while back. Pretty impressive savings!
100 ft - 11% 50 ft - 20% 20 ft - 27% 10 ft - 39% 2 ft - 28%About 2/3rd down the page. Search the page for "Drafting For Money"
That's astounding. Thank you.
the trick to doing that is to get on the cb and get permission. I used to do it all the time with permission. You do have to be very very close to get the benefit. And watch the water temp. you won't be getting proper airflow through the radiator.
s50' is sufficient and safe.
Those numbers aren't direct MPG savings however, they are aerodynamic drag reduction.
Not at all, there is very substantial benefit at a very safe 50' following distance. Exactly how much of course varies with the aerodynamics of your vehicle.
Did you even look at the link? Those are certainly directly related to MPG/Fuel consumption. There is also a drag portion on the link as well.
7 car lengths - 21% 10 ft - 60% 6 ft - 80% 2 ft - 93%50' is not drafting and is of NO benefit. That's normal following distance.
50' behind a car isn't, but 50' behind a semi certainly is. I drive the same 60 mile each way straight, level 70 MPH highway route regularly and it consistently, repeatedly gives me a 30% MPG improvement on my truck if I draft behind a semi, even 50' back.
50 feet behind a semi (or any vehicle) at 70 MPH is egregious TAIL-GATING and while you may save a few precious dollars you will certainly (in this state anyway) earn yourself a very expensive ticket from the highway patrol and you also run the risk of hitting a road hazzard that the truck was able to pass over but will nail your pick- up.(Don't ask how I know about this). My advice; follow at a safe distance and pay the few bucks you would have "saved".
(snippage of what this AMSoil mouthbreather needs to hear).
Wasting your time, bud. These people are like radical islamists. Brain has turned to oatmeal once they buy into it.
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