Louvered Truck Tailgate

[RetiredFifthWheeler]

We are thinking of replacing the original tailgate with a louvered one that supposedly gets better fuel economy. Does ayone have any experience with these?

[ski boy]

Mythbusters program tested these against factory tailgate up, tailgate down, tailgate removed and nylon webbing. The best mileage was obtained with the factory tailgate up. The best way to improve mileage (when not towing) is to use a tonneau cover. Most of the drag on a pick-up is caused by the vacuum created behind the rear window, not the tailgate.

[snoking]

Not raising and lowering the tailgate to hitch is the only real value. I like my solution better. Not made any more, but my Truck Trunk V-Box holds two sets of golf clubs.

[bfast54]

Yep........not having to raise................... lower the tailgate is the real advantage.........v shaped (outward) tailgates..are EXPENSIVE .................

[RetiredFifthWheeler]

Mythbusters program tested these against factory tailgate up, tailgate down, tailgate removed and nylon webbing. The best mileage was obtained with the factory tailgate up. The best way to improve mileage (when not towing) is to use a tonneau cover. Most of the drag on a pick-up is caused by the vacuum created behind the rear window, not the tailgate.

So does this mean I should open my back window to get better mileage?