I was talking to a fellow with a truck like mine, pulling a 5th wheel larger than mine, saying that he gained 1 1/2 MPG by replacing the tailgate with a louvered one. Does anyone confirm that ?
I pulled for several months with my stock tailgate on, then we had a "V" rear mounted tool box that we ran with for about a year. During this last year the tool box was taken out and we have had a light weight fifth wheel tailgate.
I constantly monitor my fuel mileage and I can tell you that in my truck non of those configurations have made any difference. The only difference I have noticed was keeping my new bed cover closed, and that difference is extremely slight.