To tailgate spoiler or not to tailgate spoiler... That is the question.

[TORQUERULES]

Do I keep the clean look and not put on a tailgate spoiler (and also not have to buy a new tonneau cover), or do I go with the tailgate spoiler (Air Design)?

Give me your opinions please.

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[Aherpa]

We live on a gravel road so I wanted to see if a spoiler would keep the tailgate and rear bumper cleaner so I went with the Ford tailgate spoiler. It worked better than I thought.

https://www.ford.com/product/spoiler-tailgate-satin-black-p2886386724

 

[Manollo3]

Definitely a no for me. What is the purpose of a spoiler on a truck? Just for looks? Would spend that money for other improvements.

 

[Backin15]

Definitely a no for me. What is the purpose of a spoiler on a truck? Just for looks? Would spend that money for other improvements.

The purpose is to break the vacuum on the back of the truck and if it can do that I would be all for it, that would keep the back cleaner on dusty roads and hopefully keep the dust from being pulled into the cargo area.
That is a great looking truck you have there, if it makes you happy, go for it!
What are you using on the rear bumper to keep it looking so good?

 

[Waterick]

If I become convinced that a given spoiler will significantly increase my highway speed fuel mileage, maybe I will change my opinion. Until that time, it's a pass for me.

 

[TORQUERULES]

The purpose is to break the vacuum on the back of the truck and if it can do that I would be all for it, that would keep the back cleaner on dusty roads and hopefully keep the dust from being pulled into the cargo area.
That is a great looking truck you have there, if it makes you happy, go for it!
What are you using on the rear bumper to keep it looking so good?

I keep it off gravel roads/lots. Lol. I also use a ceramic coating as a drying aid with every wash. I use Optimum Opti-Seal.

 

[Deleted User 109142]

If you are looking for added drag, go for it. Put on the tailgate appliqué and call it a day.

 

[Escapologist]

There's spoilers, spoilers and spoilers....

There's the type which make the vehicle aerodynamically cleaner, which also detatch vacuum vortex bubbles off the back making for a physically cleaner ass end. On 80s and 90s truck caps and wagons you may have seen those down tilted ones. Those are what a high vehicle needs to do much at that end. A sedan trunk or the back of a bed needs something angled flatter.

There's the type that increase downforce, while usually costing drag, the kind of speed where it would count i) you haven't got enough power at and ii) what power you've got is going through the front wheels and you're gonna lift weight off them???? .... .... if you're trying to get cornering downforce at lower speeds you need practically a barn door on each end, nothing approaching subtle will do anything.

Then there's the type which both ruin your vehicles aero, cost mileage and do nothing... hopefully not the cheap "appearance/dressup"" type, but no, they have a purpose, these are the RV spoilers just for towing. AKA wind slammers... with the tow vehicle on it's own they mess it up, but when there's a bigass trailer behind it, they try to sneak some air up high so it's not slamming into a vertical surface. Thus while towing, MPG is improved and there is less strain on the tow vehicle, the combo is made more aerodynamic.... those are more of a front spoiler for a trailer than a rear or mid spoiler for the tow vehicle.

 

[Escapologist]

If I become convinced that a given spoiler will significantly increase my highway speed fuel mileage, maybe I will change my opinion. Until that time, it's a pass for me.

Ditto really, if I see mpg gains I'll bite. That Ford one linked looks promising though, seems to put a high energy stream toward the middle, shotgunning vortices away. But is that just to make up for the "appearance" look of the raised sides, i.e. does nothing over all because what the middle buys the ends spend.

 

[Clarkdonbran]

 

[TORQUERULES]

It would be for purely aesthetic reasons and not MPG (not worried about that in the least). I actually prefer the clean look it has now, but my wife mentioned getting me one for Christmas as a suggestion and I told her I was not sure, so I went on here seeking opinions. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[MaverickDragon]

My vote is yes - For you.
After you install it, you can let us know if you find any discernable difference of dirt accumulation or any other measure of performance.
Although, if you follow the feedback advice, the current trend is for No.
Looking at the Air Design Site, it seems kinda pricey for what it is..

 

[Cherokee]

We live on a gravel road so I wanted to see if a spoiler would keep the tailgate and rear bumper cleaner so I went with the Ford tailgate spoiler. It worked better than I thought.

https://www.ford.com/product/spoiler-tailgate-satin-black-p2886386724

At speeds below 90-100 mph spoilers have little aerodynamic effect other than increasing the drag co-efficient.
They are for looks only unless your on a closed circuit race track and need the down force.

Gravel road dirt, dust kick up, zero effect.

 

[Deleted User 109142]

A short old school observation.
I put on the Ford roof spoiler last spring. Last winter after about a 4 inch snowstorm the top of
the tailgate had about 4 inches of snow on it, which I left on to see if the roof spoiler had any effect on getting the air over the tailgate. Left for work, about 5 mile country run. The roof spoiler is angled down at the sides. The snow on the tailgate was blown off about 6-8 inches on either end, the rest of the snow made it to work.
So I guess the roof spoiler does keep 70% or so of the air hitting the tailgate. Probably more at highway speeds. A little added benefit I would say.

 

[SP1966]

Nah, but I am in favor of a large swing out stop sign!

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