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Old 03-23-2015, 04:39 PM   #1
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Louvered Tailgates

Looking for opinions on using a louvre red tailgate. Supposedly saves fuel although I can't imagine it's significant.
We have a tonneau cover so will the louvre gate fit?
Appreciate any guidance.
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Old 03-23-2015, 04:57 PM   #2
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No savings (or at least measureable) when I had mine... sold it after 1 summer
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Old 03-23-2015, 06:53 PM   #3
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I put one of these on mine.
Heavy Duty Aluminum 5th Wheel Tailgates for Trucks | Husky Liners


I like the fact that it's cut out in the middle. Makes for a little more room for the pin box.
As far as increase in mpg----I can't say I have noticed any.
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Old 03-23-2015, 07:30 PM   #4
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I saw a mythbusters episode and have seen it discussed on some other show. The conclusion is No. Better off to have a full tailgate and keep it up or closed. This creates an air pocket improving how air flows over the cab. A tonneau cover has been shown to increase mpg up to 10 percent.
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Old 03-23-2015, 07:36 PM   #5
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I saw a piece on myth busters TV shows that did a test on the question of tailgate up or tailgate down for best gas mileage. The result was that tailgate up was most efficient on newer trucks because the engineers had figured in the shape on the top of the tailgate in the overall aerodynamics of the truck.

Here is the explanation

Driving With Tailgate Up Is Fuel Efficient | MythBusters | Discovery

I suspect that a louvered tailgat would eliminate the aerodynamics created by a closed tailgate and be less efficient.
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Old 03-23-2015, 07:56 PM   #6
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A gate like Lloyds is nice since you don't have to put it down to connect up. As far as more mpg, not so much.
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Old 03-23-2015, 08:40 PM   #7
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John,
that was a calculation we worked on in my ChemE flow dynamics test when I studied at LSU

Calculate the drag coefficient difference for the tailgate up or down -
very important to those southern pickup owners !!!

all that boundary layer theorem I've long since forgotten
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Old 03-23-2015, 10:51 PM   #8
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Yea, I was going to be an engineer but Calculus III at Auburn changed my mind ��.
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Old 03-24-2015, 04:48 AM   #9
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A mileage thread on a travel trailer forum is like that 0-60 thread over on the Prius forum.
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Old 03-24-2015, 11:46 AM   #10
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New member here. I am still working on an intro post but couldn't resist responding.
We downsized by 8 ft/4000lbs to a Cruiser Aire and I was amazed that I could not have hooked up to it to leave the dealer if I had to put the tailgate down. (the pin box is realllly short!) Fortunately I had a louvered tailgate which saves me a lot of time and angst anyway and, personally, I would not be without one. The only downside I have found is that mine is only rated for 200 lbs when open which means I can't stand on it or wrestle heavy items across it. Otherwise I love it.
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Old 03-24-2015, 12:32 PM   #11
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No benefit from Tonneau cover while towing but a cover and full tailgate provide bed security when unhitched.
Saw the same show and also you still get out to connect plug and final check.
I did notice the camera mount on Lloyds good place to mount.
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Old 03-24-2015, 12:52 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antares View Post
A mileage thread on a travel trailer forum is like that 0-60 thread over on the Prius forum.
Good one !!!

But in never stops those looking to buy a tow vehicle asking/comparing/FIGHTING over mpg
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Old 03-25-2015, 12:36 PM   #13
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In my opinion, The only reason to buy a louved tailgate would be to not have to jump out of the truck to lower and raise the stock one.
Even with a longbed, I have a slider hitch so I can lower it down in maneuver mode and have plenty of room to connect without fear of hitting the trailer.
In fact, if I carefully go straight in, I can do it in driving mode.
It saves me from opening, pulling in, closing, driving back further to hitch, and visa versa. I just have to open and close once. No big deal.
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Old 03-28-2015, 08:29 AM   #14
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I have used a Handy fifth wheel tail gate on my present and past truck. Goes on in the spring and off in the winter. Just makes it easier to hitch up - don't have to put the tail gate down. Good construction. could be painted to match the color of you truck - I left it gloss black.

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