Do "vented" tailgates help on 5th wheels?
Friend of mine says he gets better mileage with a vented/louvered tailgate. Do they really make a difference or is it just another novelty item that's nice to have but not needed.
Forum Discussion
- Not to mention that when you do NOT have the trailer on, it improves close-in visibility to the rear (as in skimpy parking lots which are such a joy with a LB Crew Cab!).
- It may not help with economy, but it does cut the turbulance a lot in the bed with a fiver on.
N-Trouble wrote:
Ever see the Mythbusters episode where they tested mileage on a truck with both tailgate on and off? The truck with the tailgate on got better mileage. MYTH BUSTED...
I wish they had done a test with a 13' high wall above the bed pushing all that air into the bed :W
A must have? no. More MPG most likely a toss up. Make hitching up easier? yes- I bought mine for the ease of hitching and unhitching. It just happens to be louvered. And I do not believe my tailgate is "hideously ugly..."
bpounds wrote:
Some folks swear it helped their mileage. I believe they believe it.
Whether it does that or not, they sure do make hitching up easier and safer. Makes it easier to climb in the bed when not hitched up. I'm very glad I spent the money on mine.
same for me and never cared if others don't like them.
chevman- I prefer a bed cover as soon as I unhitched. Regular tailgate locks on newer trucks and makes for a better look when not towing. We're full time and the cover and locked gate is best - my opinion.
- fuel economy pulling a 5 ton brick down the road :r:
Me Again wrote:
If it is V'd in the center it will help with hitching and unhitching!!!!!!
+1
It may help a tiny bit with mileage but you'd have to drive 250,000 miles before breaking even with what the tailgate costs you.
If you are concerned about damaging your tailgate while hitching/unhitching (I am), a much less expensive way to go is with a mesh tailgate. I remove my stock tailgate and use this when towing: http://www.amazon.com/Covercraft-ProNet-Tailgate-Net-Black/dp/B0002Z9LUS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_6- Ever see the Mythbusters episode where they tested mileage on a truck with both tailgate on and off? The truck with the tailgate on got better mileage. MYTH BUSTED...
Not to mention those damn vented tailgates are hideously ugly... - Some folks swear it helped their mileage. I believe they believe it.
Whether it does that or not, they sure do make hitching up easier and safer. Makes it easier to climb in the bed when not hitched up. I'm very glad I spent the money on mine.
