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Old 01-14-2010, 07:05 PM   #12 (permalink)
aerohead
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fourfa View Post
the tall cap didn't seem to increase or decrease MPG. However I'm a tall guy, and I can sit up in the back comfortably - function trumps all else with this truck (I basically live in there like an RV all summer/climbing season).

There is a hitch receiver tiregate for around $600. Maybe I could add some storage for gear and gas cans and eliminate the need for the cartop box. Can you describe more what you were envisioning as a swing-away short boat tail? I'm all ears.

It would need a very tight fit to the receiver though. There are full bumper replacements which would be sturdier, but more like $1000. 4 mpg savings could be $4-500 a year for me so it's worth looking at...

also, being a double cab truck with 6 foot bed, it's already unreasonably long for maneuvering. Any length extension would have to not detract from departure angle, and allow other cars to park their front bumper underneath (street parking in San Francisco).
Looks like the length issue is going to scuttle any plans for the back.An inflatable cone works,but would require a full-scale rigid mock-up just for tailoring all the complicated panels for sewing.Not as big a challenge for a pickup tailgate as it would be for the cap and rear visibility.
I wrecked my trailer before I got more than 350-miles on it so I don't have much data to share with you there.It did prove that you can add 1,130 pounds,drive 8-mph faster,in winter conditions,and get close to 4-mpg better,than "naked."That's all I know so far.
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