Tail gate locking / unlocking
Gold Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 536
Likes: 213
From: Rocky Mountain high...
Here is a good article about MPGs with the tailgate down, or a tonneau added. Verdict: at best, no change and at worst, you lower your MPGs (except at 85 mph apparently).
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/will-dr...s-gas-mileage/
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Last edited by Trio; Jul 31, 2021 at 02:03 PM.
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Dielectrically 5w30
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 13,263
Likes: 5,465
From: Oregon
That's some interesting information i might try and investigate some time - i knew the old tailgate down thing always hurt the aerodynamics, but i'd also seen that a tonneau, whilst not consistent (oddly) on average, increased or stayed the same aero-wise.
I'm curious how specific (if at all) doing it on the RAM would be - makes me wonder if i should be running my tonneau folded, but again, i've now seen conflicting info on that, so i'll have to keep digging.
I'm curious how specific (if at all) doing it on the RAM would be - makes me wonder if i should be running my tonneau folded, but again, i've now seen conflicting info on that, so i'll have to keep digging.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 135
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From: SE Texas
Ever since wind tunnel testing became commonplace, tailgates have been shaped to optimize airflow (recall that old school 'gates were usually narrow and rounded at the top edge. Bad for clean airflow)
Soft tonneaus, tho, do improve airflow, but at what costs....
Soft tonneaus, tho, do improve airflow, but at what costs....
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Timbuk3, MI
jess1 - Ever since wind tunnel testing became commonplace, tailgates have been shaped to optimize airflow (recall that old school 'gates were usually narrow and rounded at the top edge. Bad for clean airflow)...
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 135
Likes: 22
From: SE Texas
90s trucks still had a "rolled" outer edge of the tailgate, and aero wasn't so critical... especially after the styling changes influenced by Dodge (yay, the Twister movie). By the 2000s, aero showed the need to disrupt (or spoil) flow there - thus flat topped and ever thicker tailgates. 2009 on have fairly pronounced flare to accomplish this.
Dielectrically 5w30
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 13,263
Likes: 5,465
From: Oregon
90s trucks still had a "rolled" outer edge of the tailgate, and aero wasn't so critical... especially after the styling changes influenced by Dodge (yay, the Twister movie). By the 2000s, aero showed the need to disrupt (or spoil) flow there - thus flat topped and ever thicker tailgates. 2009 on have fairly pronounced flare to accomplish this.
5 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 565
From: Denton County TX
Back to the original post, while you're at it, check/make sure your spare tire access lock, located by the license plate, works freely. It can/will suffer the same dirty conditions as the tail gate lock.
Dielectrically 5w30
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 13,263
Likes: 5,465
From: Oregon
Good call, and to the OP, you have direct access to Bilt Hamber Ferrsol, if you don't already have some, get it and spray all the locks with it.
5 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 5,053
Likes: 1,631
From: Arizona
A drop of light oil on the key then work it around should free up the latch. If after one or 2 tries you don't have success, then use WD or some type of penetrating oil like mentioned earlier.
I am a bicycle rider and have chain lube around the house all the time (of course). I use it on some of the door locks at home when my key is rough in the lock. 3-in-1 oil or TriFlow or silicone spray should work too.
The tumbler is small and doesn't need much at all -don't get crazy with your spray lube.
I am a bicycle rider and have chain lube around the house all the time (of course). I use it on some of the door locks at home when my key is rough in the lock. 3-in-1 oil or TriFlow or silicone spray should work too.
The tumbler is small and doesn't need much at all -don't get crazy with your spray lube.
https://smile.amazon.com/Graphite-Lu...7842997&sr=8-2