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Without regard for Mythbusters saying an open tailgate doesn't help fuel economy, I believe it does. I bought a 1992 4.3L V6/Automatic S-10 new and made several trips on I-75 at about 70 MPH. With the tailgate closed (bed empty) I got 19 mpg. With the tailgate down (bed still empty) I got 26 mpg. Both trips using cruise control. My commuting mpg was 21 with the tailgate in either position, speed rarely over 50 mph.
I'd lower the tailgate if I was going very fast until I came up with a better solution. Then there are lightweight mesh "tailgates" that may also show substantial improvement.
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