Tundra Tailgate Down = MPG Drop? Myth or Real?

Next Upgrade: Acumen “The Legend” Rear View Mirror for My 3rd Gen Tundra

TRDLEGACY · 2025-07-03T23:33:29+00:00

One of the next mods I’m excited to add to my 3rd Gen Army Green Tundra is something small—but incredibly useful: the Acumen “The Legend” Digital Rear View Mirror. If you’ve added oversized tires, a roof rack, bed rack, or carry gear often, you know the factory rear view mirror becomes pretty useless real quick. That’s where this upgrade comes in. Let me break down why this is high on my list, what it offers, and how it ties into the way I use my truck. The Problem: Limited Rear Visibility Between my 35s, blackout tint, roof rack, chase lights, and occasional gear in the bed, my rear visibility is constantly compromised—especially at night or in bad weather. The factory mirror works fine if you keep your truck bone stock. But once you start modifying, it becomes more of a decoration than a functional piece of equipment. I’ve found myself relying more on side mirrors and the backup camera, which is fine—but having a reliable rearview display 24/7, no matter what’s blocking the glass, would make daily driving and trail maneuvering way smoother. Why the Acumen “The Legend” Stands Out Acumen’s “The Legend” digital mirror is basically a smart rearview mirror with a full-width digital display and an HD rear camera that provides a constant live feed of what’s behind your truck—independent of your rear window view. Here’s why it’s on my radar: ✅ Full HD 1080p Display – The mirror transforms into a sharp digital screen that shows exactly what’s behind you in real time. Crisp, wide-angle, and way more detailed than any factory mirror. ✅ Day/Night Performance – Great low-light sensitivity and automatic brightness adjustment means you’re not straining to see in early mornings or dark trails. ✅ Loop Recording Dash Cam Function – The unit also functions as a front and rear dash cam, giving you peace of mind for insurance claims or capturing trail footage. ✅ Integrated Touchscreen Controls – Smooth and responsive interface lets you toggle between modes, adjust viewing angles, and playback footage. ✅ Clean OEM-Style Look – It doesn’t look out of place—it blends into the cabin like it was factory-installed, which I appreciate since I try to keep my interior clean and practical. How It Fits Into My Build This isn’t just a tech gimmick—it’s a real upgrade that makes sense for how I use my Tundra. Whether I’m: Crawling down a dusty fire road in Baja Backing into a tight trailhead campsite Loaded up with gear, boards, or the roof rack stacked high Driving at night with reduced rear visibility …this mirror would give me a clear, consistent, and real-time view of what’s happening behind me. Plus, the added dash cam feature is just smart. I’ve had close calls on the road and unexpected moments on the trail where I wished I had recorded footage. This mirror checks that box too. Install & Integration From what I’ve researched, the install is relatively simple: Replaces the stock mirror with a direct-fit bracket Runs one wire to power Rear camera wires discreetly through the headliner and tailgate area Optional hardwire kit available for parking mode or clean dash integration I’m planning to pair it with my existing Rave Off Road chase light setup and backup lighting for full rear visibility day or night. Final Thoughts The Acumen “The Legend” digital rear view mirror is the kind of smart upgrade that just makes sense—especially if you’ve modified your Tundra for off-roading, , or just functional daily use. Small mod, big upgrade. It’s not flashy, but it enhances the driving experience in a way you’ll feel every time you put the truck in reverse—or just look over your shoulder. I’ll share more once I get it installed, but if you’ve already got it on your Tundra, let me know how it’s working for you! #3rdGenTundra #ToyotaTundra #AcumenLegend #DigitalMirrorUpgrade #TrailReadyTech #OffRoadLife #BuiltNotBought #ArmyGreenTundra #TundraMods #OverlandEssentials

TRD JON

Administrator

Staff member

Jun 12, 2025

So I’ve seen debates for years about whether driving with the tailgate down (or with a tonneau cover) helps fuel economy. On older trucks, some said it helped airflow. With newer trucks like the 3rd Gen Tundra, I’m wondering if it still makes a difference — or if it’s totally irrelevant now. I never really noticed a difference with my cover that I had on my bed.

Anyone done real-world testing with your MPG screen or trip meters? Tailgate up vs. down? Cover on vs. off?

I’ve got a soft roll-up tonneau and haven’t noticed a big change, but maybe others have?

Would be cool to crowdsource some data and bust (or prove) this myth with modern trucks.

Tundra Tailgate Down = MPG Drop? Myth or Real?

TRD JON

Administrator

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