Tundra Tailgate Down = MPG Drop? Myth or Real?

TRD JON

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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.
 

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