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Karl
Dodge Dakota
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11/09/2003
03:43:42
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 Subject: Gas MPG Study
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I seen a study either on the board or when I was just surfing the web that showed various mpg with an open bed, open/closed tail gate, tonneau cover, etc,etc.
I have been trying to relocate this study, does anyone know where this information is? THANKS
Karl
2002 Dakota Sport cc v6
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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11/09/2003
05:52:45
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Don't have the info you seek, but I do remember reading about the aerodynamics of the Ram when it was being readied back in the early 90's. First, it was cleaner than the pre-'97 Dakota despite being much larger. Also, according to wind-tunnel testing, the Ram was cleaner with the tailgate up, as intended by the engineers. Dropping the gate actually disrupted airflow around the back of the truck. Turbulence=drag.
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Karl
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
00:05:42
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Thanks gen1dak. This is what I thought I remembered from the study I seen. I was in a discussion with a friend and I told him the mpg was better with the tail gate up vs down. He was having a difficult time believing this. I thought if I could find the study I would print it and show it to him.
Has anyone else seen this study and know where to find it? Thanks!
Karl
2002 Dakota Sport cc v6
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
00:51:39
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
http://mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~ehaffner/did.htm
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Karl
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
01:43:07
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Thanks jeremiah2360--THATS IT
Thanks again!
Karl
2002 Dakota Sport cc v6
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Dr. D
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
08:09:18
|  RE: Gas MPG Study
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Newer aerodynamic trucks have been designed with a turbulance drop point that is just aft of the tailgate.
This design started with the 1988 GM pick-up.
Dr. D
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Karl
Dodge Dakota
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11/10/2003
22:03:28
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Thanks Dr.D - I'm learning alot about pickup trucks, and enjoying every bit of information.
Thanks everyone!!
Karl
2002 Dokata Sport cc v6
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
11/10/2003
23:06:05
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
WOW. I think I know alot, but I didn't know they engineered trucks like that today.
I was going to drop my tailgate one of these days to try LOL!
I had a 1986 RAM and it made a BIG difference to lower the tailgate on that gas hog!
If these things are designed for the tailgate UP, that's awesome.
Now, I've heard people here claim the tonneau cover DID help. What do you think?
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
11/10/2003
23:36:36
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
Pre mods, my bed cover got me an extra 2 MPG on the highway...never noticed a difference in the city.
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
Custom tranny VB Mod
Demon long tube headers
Ported/polished heads w/ 1.92" Intake/1.60" Exhaust Valves
One dead stock LSD unit (POS...)
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PurpleRT
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
09:07:55
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
Okay if you read that study it states that with the tailgate DOWN the drag is reduced but if you REMOVE the tailgate then drag is increased. Lowering the tailgate is better then leaving it up but removing it is worse then leaving it up.
So for better gas mileage lower the tailgate just don't remove it.
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Dave Mitchell
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
10:16:29
|  RE: Gas MPG Study
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My 2001 Dakota Quad Cab increased the gas mileage by 2MPG with the tailgate removed, rather than down. Could it be that the aerodynamics of the Quad Cab be that much different? I am thinking the extended Cab/shorter bed actually moves the turbulence further aft as mentioned earlier by Dr. D. I went from 21MPG highway to 23MPG highway. It could have been the reduction of weight, also, as teh tailgate is quite heavy.
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Karl
Dodge Dakota
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11/11/2003
20:51:18
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
With todays gasoline prices anything that helps mpg is worth trying. I went ahead and got a fiberglas box lid I hope I will see a nice jump in mpg.
Karl
2002 Dakota Sport v6 cc
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jer
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
00:32:43
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Why don't you strip the body off for weight savings you ricers.
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Jag1
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
07:40:37
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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What alot of people don't take into consideration is the tailgate is your rear support for the sides of your bed. So to maintain the integrity of your truck I would leave the tailgate up, besides it realy looks stupid when people drive around with there tailgates down.
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01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
10:26:41
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Message:
The bed sides aren't that flimsy, Jag1. An Isuzu, maybe.
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BadMoFo
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
17:39:57
| am I missing something?
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why do people buy a fiberglass lid with the hope of getting better mpg? didn't that lid cost about $800!!!! how much gas do you plan on saving?
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BadMoFo
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
17:41:43
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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to that guy who talked smack about Isuzu's. I use to have an Isuzu pick up and, let me tell you a thing or two....who am I kidding? that thing sucked. nevermind.
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GT
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2003
23:21:50
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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I put on a soft bed lid and a k&n filtercharger and noticed a few mpg better.
95 Sport
3.9 V6
5 Spd
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Handy Hank
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2003
14:06:05
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Why does everyone spend a lot of money on upgrades to try to save money for gas when they are spending more than what they would save buying the parts?
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GT
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2003
15:53:04
| RE: Gas MPG Study
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Handy H,
I didn't get those just for better mpg. I needed the cover for work, and the k&n was more for hp than for mpg. I think this is true for most people. Although they appreciate the gain in mpg they have other reasons for buying them.
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Hubermania
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2003
23:32:22
|  RE: Gas MPG Study
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I made two weekend round trips between Chicago, IL and Allegan, MI, about 300 miles each way. First trip was 15.48 MPG at 70-80 MPH. For the second trip, I put in Mobil 1 5W30 (note my engine), upped the tire pressure from 32 to 35 psi, and drove slower. Second trip, 17.40 MPG at 65 MPH.
I've got an Extang FullTilt on order, and I'm anxious to see what it'll do for gas mileage. If the 11.8% reduction in drag produces an 11.8% increase in MPG, (whips out calculator) I'd be up to 19.45 MPG. That's 25% better than the 15.48 MPG I started with.
Tom Huber
'03 SportPlus CC 4x4 4.7 AT
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