Tailgates, Wings and MPG

[Chief409]

I'm considering taking off the tailgate, and perhaps getting a air deflector/wing.

Has anyone noticed any difference im MPG with either when towing?

[Mike Clay]

I seen somewhere that test have proven the wings really do not work. Dont know about the tailgates towing but you get better MPG with the tailgate on while empty.

[Rob & Cathy]

Myth Busters performed an experiment to test gas mileage with the tailgate on or off. They found better mileage with the tailgate on. However, they found the tailgate nets gave the best mileage.

For the best mileage towing I suggest keeping your tires properly inflated and most importantly slowing down.

Rob

[Chief409]

I was just thinking about how, now that the leaves are dropping and filling the bed, they really swirl around when the trailer is on, eddies use energy and I'm wondering if the airflow would be smoother without the tailgate while I'm towing.

As for the wing, I was wondering if it might help keep some bugs off the front cap, and it'd be a good place to place a large decal of my "fouled anchor". A MPG gain would help too .

[Shields]

I have towed with a tailgate and a slotted tailgate and never noticed a real measurable difference. I like the slotted tailgate because it is easier to back into the hitch with it. But stuff will blow out between the slots.

[Chief409]

Well, I think I'll leave things alone. The tailgate is heavy, the wing costs money, and I'll take the easy route.

Thanks for the answers.

[campswithcritters]

I had a wing, but ditched it when I bought the Cardinal. My bird has the extended pin box and sat too far back to be effective. With my former rig (short pin box) I did get 1 mpg better with wing than without (2000 mile test 1000 with 1000 without) and could feel more effective power in a head wind (ie lower EGT and boost). Bugs: do you want to clean them off the camper or clean them off the wing? They still leave a mess!

[lapriester]

I was just thinking about how, now that the leaves are dropping and filling the bed, they really swirl around when the trailer is on, eddies use energy and I'm wondering if the airflow would be smoother without the tailgate while I'm towing.

As for the wing, I was wondering if it might help keep some bugs off the front cap, and it'd be a good place to place a large decal of my "fouled anchor". A MPG gain would help too .

They would be worse.

L

[Chief409]

I ditched the idea for the wing. It would of been cool for putting my insignia on, but that was it. Not worth the cost.

[Travelers]

Curious if there's been any updates?
I have a crew cab short box and found a simple wing for $125. The frame is on suction cups with tie downs to the door openings. The angle is adjustable. The actual wing is fiberglass. Cleaning bugs off the wing would be far easier than the rig.

Thanks

[rpfan]

I used a wing when I went to SC, I got 1.5 mpg better than without on my Cedar Creek. I will most likely buy one with all the travelling we do. As for tailgates, I build my own from a factory gate with power latch so it can't be stolen.

Rich

[bigbunkhouse]

What do you build for a tailgate? any pictures?

[rpfan]

Matt,
I sent you a PM

Rich

[Jim&Peggy]

I have both a slotted tailgate and a wing. I don't think the wing does any good on a long bed except to keep most of the bugs off the front of the rig. I think the wing would be more effective on a short bed, but have no experience with it. As for the tailgate. to me , it makes sense that high speed air could pass more easily through the slots rather than have to flow up and over the solid tailgate. Too bad we don't have a wind tunnel available for testing!!! Regards----Jim

[Tim]

I bought a slotted RV tailgate when I bought my present TV because I knew that one day I would ding the original OEM gate up when either hooking up or unhooking and the slotted V gate is much cheaper to replace. Also a lot lighter as well and when you consider the pin weight of today's 5ers, every less pound you carry counts.