Mesh/cloth tailgate

[Rhondasway]

I'd like to get one of those tailgate net thingies (excuse my technical jargon), and was wondering if there is a good place to get one inexpensively. If it had a Ram or Cummins "C" on it, all the better. I leave my tailgate off from spring to winter for racing purposes, and would like something lightweight and foldable that I can stuff in my toolbox at the track.

Suggestions are appreciated.

 

[testraub]

Might try here http://216.60.144.111/ecatcust/getx.asp?custid=56675&nextkey=pn seems like a fiarly nice looking one, but no Cummins C that I saw.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

http://www.aztrucks.com/category.asp?product=264



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[testraub]

:-laf Same one I sent her after Hope she likes it :-laf

 

[SConklin]

I don't know if you care, but I recently saw a study (can't remember where though, for what it's worth), about the tailgate "myth". They proved that removing the tailgate can actually make drag worse. I know id doesn't make sense, but from what I remember, it made sense when I read it, and they were able to prove it, and show the airflow.

So anyways, just something to think about, if you care... hehe.

 

[rowilson]

There is also some information saying that not running with a tailgate will promote bed cracking at the corners where the sides meet the floor. If you must have a bed net get a brace to hold the sides so that they don't flex and crack.

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks for the links! I'll call them for details. I want to make sure it's easily removeable.

I read that aerodynamics article in TDR a couple years ago. It made sense to me too, but in practical application, it did not seem to hold up. I was making a weekly trip of 300 miles each way, and experimented with it. Mileage was definitely improved running with it down. Of course, in the article they had a certain mph (like 55? ), and it is entirely possible that my speeds averaged just a wee above that... :-laf

On the race track there is a definite weight savings as well as the fact that according to NHRA rules, we are not allowed to run with tailgates down (although people do it frequently). The mph factor comes up again, with my speed through the traps at well over 100mph. Oo.

I don't know about the bed cracking, but it's a risk I'm willing to take (although I will watch for it now).