Range impacted by lowering the tailgate?

[Mtbaddict]

My apologies if this has already been asked and answered (I did a search and couldn't find anything). I'm curious if people have already determined what, if any, impact lowering the tailgate on road trips has on the efficiency/range. I know it can significantly impact mpg on ICE trucks.

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[VSG]

Why would an EV truck be any different? Rule of thumb, if you loose MPG on your ICE because of roof racks, bikes on the back, RTT, kayaks on the roof, etc., you're going to lose range in your EV for the same reason. As a first-order estimate, assume the same hit on range - you won't be that far off.

 

[Rivian_Hugh_III]

Months ago I saw a post on this forum where someone included a li k to engineering data on this question. Turns out open-bed and tailgate UP is as aerodynamically solid as having a tonneau. The trappped air in the bed acts as a cushion. Tailgate down is actually worse as it emphasizes the big drop from the top of the roof to the bottom of the bed.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

 

[Mtbaddict]

Why would an EV truck be any different? Rule of thumb, if you loose MPG on your ICE because of roof racks, bikes on the back, RTT, kayaks on the roof, etc., you're going to lose range in your EV for the same reason. As a first-order estimate, assume the same hit on range - you won't be that far off.

Thanks. I generally agree, however I thought, with the significant aerodynamic shaping on the back of the cab, etc., that maybe it wasn’t the case and/or curious to see if anyone had actually tested it yet.

 

[Eeyore]

Keep your tailgate closed unless you are hauling something in the bed that needs to lay flat and is longer than the bed.

 

[Mtbaddict]

Keep your tailgate closed unless you are hauling something in the bed that needs to lay flat and is longer than the bed.

For range/efficiency purposes or just because you don’t like tailgates being down? ;-)

 

[MoreTrout]

I'm as guilty as the next guy in obsessing over minute range/efficiency changes caused by multiple variables, but why do we all care about something that ends up costing a few cents or a couple bucks at most. Even in the obscene electricity price states, it takes a ton of efficiency/range changes to match the cost of one set of tires. And although tire wear is discussed, a lot more people post about how fun it is to zip around in sport mode, impress passengers with launches, obsessively drive in conserve, and keep it in low ride heights that have a far greater economic effect because of tire wear and replacement cost than the small percentages in efficiency gained/lost.

 

[Zoidz]

Discussed in this thread

 

[Ozmt]

My apologies if this has already been asked and answered (I did a search and couldn't find anything). I'm curious if people have already determined what, if any, impact lowering the tailgate on road trips has on the efficiency/range. I know it can significantly impact mpg on ICE trucks.

Several years ago, on a TV show called myth busters, they tested this exact question. Better mpg with it up, down, bed full of empty. I always was told that open the tailgate for better mileage. Myth busters found that the best mpg was with the bed empty and tailgate closed. It appeared that a bubble formed in the empty bed that forced the air to continue rearward in a positive manner resulting in the best mpg. Opening the tailgate caused turbulence in the bed which caused drag which resulted in lower mpg. I found it interesting.

 

[JamboF4]

Months ago I saw a post on this forum where someone included a li k to engineering data on this question. Turns out open-bed and tailgate UP is as aerodynamically solid as having a tonneau. The trappped air in the bed acts as a cushion. Tailgate down is actually worse as it emphasizes the big drop from the top of the roof to the bottom of the bed.

You are absolutely correct, sir!

 

[eRacer]

Something along the lines of the tailgate being place down... I was just curious what happens to the tailgate when you go over any 'bumps' in the road, does that thing just bounce up and down? Is there a way to lock it down other then with the actual load that may force to keep the tailgate open?

 

[Mtbaddict]

I'm as guilty as the next guy in obsessing over minute range/efficiency changes caused by multiple variables, but why do we all care about something that ends up costing a few cents or a couple bucks at most. Even in the obscene electricity price states, it takes a ton of efficiency/range changes to match the cost of one set of tires. And although tire wear is discussed, a lot more people post about how fun it is to zip around in sport mode, impress passengers with launches, obsessively drive in conserve, and keep it in low ride heights that have a far greater economic effect because of tire wear and replacement cost than the small percentages in efficiency gained/lost.

My primary concern is range when I’m road tripping. When the trip calculation says I’ll only have 50 miles at arrival, I was wondering if I could not cut it quite so close by putting the tailgate down. Looks like the answer is no.

 

[emoore]

My primary concern is range when I’m road tripping. When the trip calculation says I’ll only have 50 miles at arrival, I was wondering if I could not cut it quite so close by putting the tailgate down. Looks like the answer is no.

Tail gate down will only hurt your range. Put it in conserve if you are concerned making it to the next charger.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Wasn't there also a Mythbusters where they tried with tailgate up, tailgate down, removed the tailgate, and tried with a bed net, and the net did best of all? ? Something about balance of weight reduction and airflow, or something. #shrug

Like one of these:

Imho there's as many threads/opinions on this as there are stars in the sky. Just do what meets your workflow.

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