Ok, DML,
I hafta double <snip> this one.
<snip>Of course, removing the tailgate eliminates *most* of that
resistance<snip>.
<snip> Maybe, maybe not. Wind tunnel tests with a Ram showed that dropping
the
tailgate actually made things worse as compared with a tonneau<snip>
I tend to disagree with the first statement & agree with Andy. There have
been aerodynamic tests done with the tailgate up (& without a tonneau) that
showed the design of the cab caused the airflow to furl around the cab &
form an air mass which actually increases air pressure behind the cab. The
result is a greater "pushing" force forward which slightly overcomes the air
resistance caused by the front of the cab, & thus effectively lowering the
air resistance in front of the vehicle...kinda like riding with the jet
stream instead of flying against it...
By lowering or removing the tailgate, this aerodynamic effect is reduced &
the truck is actually slowed by the air mass in front of it...
HTMS...
Bob Smith (DAKSY2K on AIM)
Averill Park, NY
2K DAK SY Sport + V6 4X4 5 Speed
WebPage URL: http://home.nycap.rr.com/daksy/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Feb 06 2004 - 11:48:16 EST