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Old 11-25-2011, 05:57 AM   #1
hawkeye
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tail gate on or off

Do you tow with tail gate on or off for better mpg?
 
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Old 11-25-2011, 06:25 AM   #2
coyoterick
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Tailgate ON:

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1909907

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Old 11-25-2011, 07:03 AM   #3
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Based on that link I'm in the middle. I took off the stock tailgate (weighed a ton) and added a vented, composite fifth wheel tailgate that's light weight and lets some air through.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:10 AM   #4
RichR
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Fifth wheel tail gate-been on for 13 years.Had same on old truck.On edit,I don't have a 5th wheel tail gate for milage change or any other reason,it makes hooking up much easier.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:18 AM   #5
tim43
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Tailgate up, old vented tailgate I used on the 04 Chevy won't fit on the 2011 model and I like the back-up camera built into the stock gate.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:43 AM   #6
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I actually transferred the camera into the new composite gate. Wasn't very hard, but I agree loss of the camera would have been a deal breaker.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:46 AM   #7
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The University of Michigan did an in depth study on this and proved that you get better mileage with the tail gate on - but that wasn't when towing a 5th wheel trailer. As far as I know, no one's ever done a study on what the effects are once you add a trailer. Regardless, I use the stock tailgate because after we unhook, I can roll out the tonneau cover and keep prying eyes away from the bed contents.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:46 AM   #8
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I've also thought about getting the notched tail gate but as tim43 pointed out...I likes my backup camera. So color me tail gate on.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:55 AM   #9
CamillaMichael
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by tim43

Tailgate up, old vented tailgate I used on the 04 Chevy won't fit on the 2011 model and I like the back-up camera built into the stock gate.
Same here on back-up camera and tailgate up....
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Old 11-25-2011, 10:00 AM   #10
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Tom S. Do you know what was the result in gain of MPG. Did the use a tonneau cover.
Joe
On Edit. Checked site from MU and no numbers were posted and yes with a flat bed cover the less drag, which was what was measured.
Joe
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Old 11-25-2011, 10:38 AM   #11
Gorgeguy
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Vented fifth wheel tailgate. It sure makes it easier being able to see through it when parallel parking when the Monty is not hooked up.
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Old 11-25-2011, 10:54 AM   #12
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Tail Gate up. Tonneau cover once disconnected.
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Old 11-25-2011, 11:02 AM   #13
Bill-N-Donna
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Love the tail gate. Once I disconnect I can lock the cover and everything is out of site. I don’t worry about the cost of towing the Montana so I seriously doubt the tail gate would be noticeable at all.
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Old 11-25-2011, 11:43 AM   #14
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

Tail Gate up. Tonneau cover once disconnected.
That's the way we did it. Once unhooked and the tonneau covered the bed, the hitch was totally out of site.
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Old 11-25-2011, 03:02 PM   #15
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Ok you guys/gals got me confused(no comments on that please)!! When you talk about the backup camera where is it setup at? Mine is connected to the rear license plate mount. Where do you mount your?
I have the original tailgate on and a rolling tonneau which I roll back past the hitch and lock it into position when towing the Monte. When not towing, the tonneau is closed. I also have a locking tailgate and lock it as well as the tonneau cover if I put anything of any value in the bed.
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Old 11-26-2011, 01:50 AM   #16
tim43
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My camera is built into the tailgate.
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Old 11-26-2011, 03:52 AM   #17
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Will continue to use original factory tailgate with tonneau cover when unhooked. Love the security of being out of sight.
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Old 11-26-2011, 03:52 AM   #18
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New Dodges have them in the tailgate as well. That's why I had to move mine to the new tailgate.
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Old 11-26-2011, 03:55 AM   #19
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Thanks! I have an OLD Chevy (2007) and mine didn't come with the built in camera! Only thing I wish is that I could use the camera while going down the road instead of just when the truck is in reverse! Oh well maybe some day!
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Old 11-26-2011, 04:49 AM   #20
stiles watson
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OEM tailgate with camera, up when towing. Love the camera. Great in WalMart parking lot. I do a lot of back-in parking with the camera. It is a more valuable tool than I had expected. The only V-gate I have seen that I would want is the one fabricated by Bruce Lenhardt. He cut down his OEM and it looks like it came from the factory.
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