Hardtop lids save fuel

[VSBOY]

hey guys just wondering if hardtop lids on utes save fuel? and if so how much?

 

[WazzaVN]

All I know is mythbusters taught me having your tailgate down won't save fuel. So don't do that!

 

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The jury is out on that one. The theory that works for me is no, not really.

As you drive, the rear tub generates a lot of turbulence, this causes the air that comes over the roof to "skim" off the turbulence and go over the tail gate.

With a hard lid, the turbulence is eliminated so the area behind the rear window becomes a low pressure point. This "drags" on the back of the ute causing it to use more fuel.

This is evident by watching the rear tonneau cover while driving. Because there is no turbulence there, the air is pushed down onto the tonneau cover creating a concave at the rear.

 

[EYY]

Yep you need to watch mythbusters more OP.

 

[Sabbath']

If they did...not enough to notice.

 

[mpower]

hey guys just wondering if hardtop lids on utes save fuel? and if so how much?

 

[VSBOY]

hey guys, thats on a pickup truck with complete different aerodynamics to a VU ute.

 

[EYY]

but the principle is the same. chuck some confetti (or something more environmentally friendly - try rose petals for something a little romantic) in the back and go for a drive. You'll see the circulation of air in the back. It's pretty cool actually. I've noticed it in my ute from some leaf litter in the back a while ago.

 

[Sabbath']

hey guys, thats on a pickup truck with complete different aerodynamics to a VU ute.

If you know so much about aerodynamic principals already, why ask?

 

[Bubba]

Surely the difference would be minuscule!