Does anyone remember that drag test on rams

[jponder]

Does anyone remember the test on drag coefficient for the ram with different configurations. It had tailgate on off and other things

 

[BCFAST]

yes, I remember it. It was a thesis study using a wind tunnel and a regular-cab ram, experimenting with different toppers etc. If I recall the results correctly, the study showed a strangly shaped topper with a sloping back to be best. With not cover on, the worst was with NO gate, the best with the gate down.

 

[KMeek]

It clearly established that having the gate UP was more fuel efficient than having the gate down.

 

[jponder]

exactly! how can i search for it? what topic would it have come under?

thanks

 

[B9Mile]

Here it is. Click on the links for some pictures.



http://mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~ehaffner/did.htm

 

[Whitmore]

I remamber that

they hooked a flower smoke up to a Dodge/Cummnis and drug it around the parking lot 3 times then they hooked er up to the dura cracks aand the Ram did it 3 more times Is that the drag test you were looking for?



Kevin

 

[Chris N5CWM]

No, tailgate UP increases drag compared to a lowered tailgate..

Originally posted by KMeek

It clearly established that having the gate UP was more fuel efficient than having the gate down.

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This is from the site:

Baseline (Tailgate up) Cd=0. 432

With the Tailgate down Cd=0. 414, a 4. 17% decrease

in drag. Here's the rest of the data:

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1. Solution to Did You Know?

2. Drag Coefficient

3. Baseline condition Cd = 0. 432 (without mirrors)

4. Square Cap Cd = 0. 480 11. 11% Increase in drag

5. Replace tailgate with a cargo net Cd = 0. 461 6. 71 % Increase in drag

6. Removed Tailgate Cd = 0. 447 3. 47% Increase in drag

7. Lowered Tailgate Cd = 0. 414 4. 17% Decrease in drag

8. Tonneau Cover Cd = 0. 381 11. 81% Decrease in drag

9. New Cap Design Cd = 0. 302 30% Decrease in drag

 

[redneckdr]

drag

i think this test was done with a model, not a full size truck??? may still be correct. of the setups, i have the on e with the least drag, that i would consider--hard tonneau (Are Lo Pro).