Ford air tunnel testing: tailgate myth and tonneau cover (aerodynamics / MPG)

[Scott Asheville]

I raise the BS flag for a very simple reason. OEMs will spend insane amounts of money to improve MPG. That's why the ecoboost comes with a stupid stop-start system and an AGM battery to support it. Because a 1/2 MPG improvement across a fleet is HUGE when avoiding CAFE fines.

So if the OEMs knew that there was a significant fuel economy boost from having a cover on the bed, you can bet every pickup truck in the USA would come with one. Maybe a cheap one - but if it gave 1/2 mpg, it would be standard equipment.

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[Redline]

To me, it's more a matter of whether you need a tonneau cover to protect your goods or you don't. The mpg difference is negligible and won't change a thing in your day to day life. No sense picking nits.

 

[RichardCranium]

Most new cars do not have spares, they have inflation kits. My mustang came with fords fix a flat. I put a spare in it anyway. Its all about meeting CAFE standards. I dont care about their standards.

My 2022 Prius has a spare. It is just the eco version that does not.

 

[jewc75]

Well, honest to F*****g God. If you're totally into MPG you wouldn't be driving a pick-up.

Its not a pickup, its a focus with a bed lol

 

[Dad]

So tailgate spoilers actually have some function other than aesthetics? I wonder how the cab spoiler changes things.

Yeah. I always figured the tailgate spoiler thing was purely aesthetic, but this video shows that it has a useful function. Good question about the cab spoiler. If it has a significant difference, I might be tempted to get one. If just for looks, then I can spend my money on something else.

 

[K5Blazer]

Ever wonder why there is no square corner on back edge of cabin roof and the flat bevel edge points to about 6" above the top of tailgate?

Yup.
Purely a drag reducing feature, it smooths the airflow across the cab roof towards the bed area.

Many aerodynamic models prove this feature improves airflow across the bed area and reduces drag at the trailing edge of the roofline. The models will specifically point out that design as a key area on a truck to improve Cd.

Another reason I am skeptical about the roof spoilers. They appear to direct airflow UP instead of smoothly downward like that dropping curve of the roofline.

 

[surfstar]

Well, honest to F*****g God. If you're totally into MPG you wouldn't be driving a pick-up.

These weirdos beg to differ

 

[surfstar]

 

[Bushpilot]

Ever wonder why there is no square corner on back edge of cabin roof and the flat bevel edge points to about 6" above the top of tailgate?

So that it will look like something important if a flowerpot and stick are placed on top?

 

[RichardCranium]

These weirdos beg to differ

Well that doesn't look safe...

 

[Guv]

I raise the BS flag for a very simple reason. OEMs will spend insane amounts of money to improve MPG. That's why the ecoboost comes with a stupid stop-start system and an AGM battery to support it. Because a 1/2 MPG improvement across a fleet is HUGE when avoiding CAFE fines.

So if the OEMs knew that there was a significant fuel economy boost from having a cover on the bed, you can bet every pickup truck in the USA would come with one. Maybe a cheap one - but if it gave 1/2 mpg, it would be standard equipment.

I can only imagine how the dealership service department would view inexpensive bed covers. I bet every other bugger out there would be bitching about how much they leak, squeak and rattle and roll!!
Besides, if it was bought to use occasionally as a truck, depending on the type of cover half of the people would be complaining about where to store the stupid thing when wanting to haul an appliance or similar item.
I would wager most are added for extra storage.

 

[Automate]

Interesting, what is the source for this?

 

[surfstar]

Interesting, what is the source for this?

Ecomodder. User stated it was University of Texas study ?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Well, honest to F*****g God. If you're totally into MPG you wouldn't be driving a pick-up.

I did not drive a pickup for 34 dam years because they were crappy whales that did not get 27+ mpg. I do not need to get 50+ mpg either.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

So that it will look like something important if a flowerpot and stick are placed on top?

Duh!!!! The "stick" is at the angle of the level of the roof line and shows how a large portion of the air at highway speed will mostly flow

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