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lip
The big boys encourage case-specific scenarios over broad generalities and shy away from making a claim they know will fail in certain applications.------ After Texas Tech published their pickup aero research findings with SAE,Sport Truck Magazine picked up on their data for a piece on MPG.--------- Industry gurus were interviewed and they felt it inappropriate to make any sweeping claims,say in the debate over tailgate up vs tailgate down.--------- The F-150 demonstrated lower drag with gate up,but we're splitting hairs here,as the difference was 1% in drag.--------GM published data in the 1970s which indicated positive gains with tonneau.I've never seen data from Chrysler or Daimler.--------------- Presently,GM incorporates a token lip spoiler on Silverado,etc..Aerodynamically,the thing is a wash.It's only purpose is the hope that the owner will keep the tailgate "UP",for lower drag,as the target market for those trucks statistically will be following the NASCAR Truck Series.---------------- You'll notice that all those race trucks have full tonneau covers.It's the only thing which allows the tailgate spoiler to function for downforce.--------------- Certainly,anything which increases the fineness ratio or prevents separation is going to reduce drag,but for significant reduction the vehicle is going to need something rather dramatic.No cheap,easy fixes.
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