Effects of a truck flat bed?

[nwbabybronco]

Hi! I've read through all the relevant posts I could find and tried research elsewhere, so I have to ask.

What effects might there be from switching a regular box style bed to a flat bed tray style?

I'm thinking the angle available for a fastback cover would suffer most. As far as benefits I see less weight and viscous drag. There is give and take with the utilitarian aspects of each bed style, too.

If I were to put sides on the new bed, would straight vertical sides have a disadvantage over the curved OE sides?


While I'm trying to think conceptually here, I am specifically dealing with a '94 Ranger x-cab 4x4. Talking to other Ranger owners has suggested that exhaust upgrades may be the most effective mpg mod, but none of those guys tend to think about aerodynamics.

Thanks for your thoughts! I'm gathering info for the truck as a pending project vehicle.

[aerohead]

I did a bed deletion on the Dodge pickup and lost 2-mpg,from 18.6mpg,to 16.6mpg.Without the box behind the cab,there is no airflow support mechanism,and the flow simply separates into a horrendous turbulent wake,never to re-attach.The aeroshell,as used on Ford Motor's F-150,my D-100,and T-100,offers the lowest drag reported so far,as it allows the displaced air to better re-organize itself as it was before you came along,much like a bird,or airplane.

[nwbabybronco]

Good to know! Apparently the aero disadvantages outweigh the weight savings. An aero cover over the flat bed should provide a good mix.