Guys, I need some help...
 

2003 4.7 V8 Dakota Quad cab, how can I get better MPG? - Page 5 - DodgeForum.com

The truck ego guys have confused the piss out of me. I need help with this post.

DodgeForum.com - View Single Post - 2003 4.7 V8 Dakota Quad cab, how can I get better MPG?

I have said basic things, they have misconstrued them, and now think i'm trying to insult their intelligence.

Yes, I started acting like a butt in the thread, excuse that. I got mad and posted without thinking.

LOL... I read that from the linkback on Bondo's thread. Of course, I instantly knew your handle.

Unfortunately, While I'd love to help you, I'm not going to, for the sole sake of not starting a "fight" between forums. If I had even the slightest thought that the people in that thread were interested in anything other than supporting their ego's, I'd sign up and post references.

You should know that a tonneau cover is not universally better. There are cases where it does nothing, usually with shortbed trucks (like some quad cad micros with 4 foot beds) because the flow detachment from the roof line never really reaches the tailgate to begin with.

You should also note that the flow simulators don't show real world conditions, they simulate a static shape in static wind conditions at a static speed.

Those things should not be the basis for your argument, rather points to consider when doing more research to figure out what you should be saying next.

I am a member on that board, but haven't posted there since I sold my 1971 Dodge Demon.

Did you watch the flow illustrator videos? They're proof on their own that the tonneau is better aerodynamically.

Watch them, then come back and tell me why.

Because the air is having to circulate vs. just running off of the truck.

I know i'm right. I knew that covers didn't help short bed trucks, but I figured that most of the beds on that site 5.5 feet, they should help.

It's the oscillation of the flow into and out from the wake that makes the difference. The key to smooth flow is none other than smooth flow. Oscillation requires extra energy which is extracted from the inertia of the vehicle.

That oscillation also can cause stability issues on some shapes. I think the rear end of the truck is heavy enough to not really be bothered by it.

throw a Perkins diesel in it....40+mpg??? nt
 

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MadisonMPG -

Yeah, I know it's frustrating, but I try not to post without thinking. One way to de-pressurize is to write the response and *not* post it. Just save it to disk and sit on it for a day.

I've posted stuff in good faith on other forums and been mocked. I just keep posting as if they didn't say anything. The main thing is getting your message to the people that are receptive. Remember, there are lurkers reading your posts. If you lose your composure, you undermine your argument and *they* win.

CarloSW2

This is a good suggestion, actually. There's been times when I've done this myself in my email, saved it to drafts and went "If i REALLY feel this way tomorrow, I'll send it. Otherwise....."

Of course there is times when things DO get the best of me and I ignore that....

Madison,
A wise man (Robert Heinlein, I believe) once said,
He wrote this long before the internet, but it is my guiding principle here. Personally, when I am overwhelmingly provoked to "straighten somebody out", I click the little "post a response" icon, type furiously in the little tect box, then just close the tab. I feel better, having proved to my satisfaction that I have a good argument, but I don't aggravate someone that I will never meet. I realize that I really don't care if they ever see it my way. There are pigs out there that are not capable of singing. There are dunderheads out there that are not capable of changing their minds. C'est la vie.

Just from a quick look there, it seems as though the only sensible person is the one who suggests inflating the tires to 40 psi or more.

And for the last post, why NOT have two cars? Or a high-mpg car for the commuting, and a truck for doing what a truck does?

I thought I was teh only one that typed, and then closed the tab. :) Guess not.

I think we all do it... some more effectively than others.

I often type, close the tab, undo close tab, post, then go back and edit out the not so nice parts.

Problem... once you've posted, it's too late to edit effectively. Someone will still get to read what you've posted in their email.

You can't really convince these bozeaux. Don't try. It merely raises your blood pressure for nothing.

After 150,000 miles, my money is on a tonneau - or better yet - a fastback bed cover.

You want big MPG? Quit piddling around.

Shirtcan the automatic and put a NV4500 in the truck.

Shirtcan the gas pig engine and get a Cummins 4BT3.9. To add insult to injury, put a Cummins Diesel Power badge on it and sneer at the gas pig jockeys.

All that "maintenance" stuff is OK, but you should be doing it in the first place.

Christ -

I am actually worse. I copy-paste the post into an e-mail or PM and send it to myself so that I have the option to "reference and reuse" the argument in a less abrasive form. I read once that e-mailing yourself is the ultimate geeky-nerdiness, but I find it efficient because my e-mail is my database (brain no have to remember stuff).

CarloSW2

Carlos -
Gmail kicks ass. I text myself. :)

For instance, if I find a reference to something I was discussing while I'm out, I'll text it (along with an image of the book, article, etc.) to my Gmail account, for future reference.

Unfortunately, having been an only child brought up in less than ideal situations, I've never been particularly cautious about removing any doubt as to how caustic I really can be.

This is the most recent post there.

Wow... That's not even insulting. That person is a newb to the game, for sure.

MadisonMPG -

Here's some folks making fun of a teeny non-mpg mod I did :

Sun Visor Speakerphone Mod - SaturnFans Forums
In this thread, some people made fun of me because my definition of "hill" wasn't macho enough for them :

MP2 5th Gear Swap into MP3 Online ... - SaturnFans Forums
I ignore mosts flames and just keep posting. The people that "got it" liked it or added constructive information. The people that didn't are not my audience.

CarloSW2

It's functional, right? The visor, I mean.

That's all that really matters. I try at first to make things look OEM as much as possible, but if I can't get OEM parts to fit, or make the look properly, then screw it. Or nail it. Whatever works.

Christ -

Yes, I prefaced my mod with "proof of concept". That was the key. Show that it works and let the Monsta Garage folks run with it. I knew before posting that I would get trashed by the "make it OEM" people, but I also knew I would reach someone who would like it. Soooooo, that person was worth it to me.

CarloSW2

For sure.

I just mod stuff. If noone likes it, tough. I do. :)