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03-23-2015, 04:39 PM
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#1
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NY
Posts: 12
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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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03-23-2015, 04:57 PM
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#2
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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No savings (or at least measureable) when I had mine... sold it after 1 summer
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03-23-2015, 06:53 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,154
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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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03-23-2015, 07:30 PM
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#4
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
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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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Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
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03-23-2015, 07:36 PM
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#5
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 197
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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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03-23-2015, 07:56 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,715
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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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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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03-23-2015, 08:40 PM
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#7
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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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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03-23-2015, 10:51 PM
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#8
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 197
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Yea, I was going to be an engineer but Calculus III at Auburn changed my mind .
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03-24-2015, 04:48 AM
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#9
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Uhhiya
Posts: 96
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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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2013 Z-1 251BH | 2011 Nissan Armada | Curt WD hitch with no sway control
2014: 20 Nights & 1338 Miles
2013: 23 Nights & 1200 Miles
2012: 10 Nights & 254 Miles
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03-24-2015, 11:46 AM
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#10
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 274
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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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03-24-2015, 12:32 PM
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#11
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: , RI
Posts: 1,164
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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.
__________________
Al Laura (Lily & Breeze Portie Girls)
2011 F250 6.7 PS Tuxedo Black 4x4
11 305SKP- TPMS- RideRite air bags
Reese 16K Slider Wet Bolts
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03-24-2015, 12:52 PM
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#12
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antares
A mileage thread on a travel trailer forum is like that 0-60 thread over on the Prius forum.
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Good one !!!
But in never stops those looking to buy a tow vehicle asking/comparing/FIGHTING over mpg
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03-25-2015, 12:36 PM
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#13
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2011
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 577
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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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Bob and Better Half
2007 F-250 PSD, SW, CC, LB, 2WD
2006 TF32SS Cross Terrain Toy Hauler (sold)
Reese 16k slider
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03-28-2015, 08:29 AM
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#14
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 874
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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.
Picture if when it was new
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