a tailgate with just the tube bars (has a handle to latch) ....I've seen them on a few different brands of trucks locally, but always on the road ...I'd love to get one of those to cut down on wind resistance and save on gas.

 

Like this one ...but with a latch that works like the OEM handle ...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...4961_200314961

 

Not sure it'll cut down wind resistance much unless you have a single cab and a longbed. I've seen a few reports (and a mythbusters episode) that says you get better economy with the tailgate up because it forms a cushion of air in the bed and the main flow goes right over it.

 

Episode 43: Seasickness Cures, Finger in the Gun Barrel, Tailgate Gas Efficiency
[*]You save more gas with the tailgate down in a pickup truck: mythbusted. You save more gas with the tailgate up.

Episode 64: More Myths Revisited

Tailgate Up or Down Revisited: in addition to tailgate up/down, also tested hardcover over pickup bed, tailgate removed, and tailgate mesh. Tailgate mesh was most efficient by 5%. busted

Taken from: http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2005/11/e...s_cures_f.html

 

So why try and put on the new tail gate with those results? Unless you really like the look and functionallity of it.

 

thats cool, i had never heard the second part of that... plus you save the weight from the tailgate, so i guess it would also be just a smidge quicker... as far as where to get one, i have no idea... you could check 4wheelparts.com or truckaddons.com

 

Didn't know about the second episode, guess I'm a little behind. But then their sample size is pretty small.

 

So southbay (here it comes) ---- Evidently you like it light in the rear.

You know I had to throw that in there. Anyways I also had not seen the second episode. How did the solid cover over the bed perform?

 

IIRC, Cabelas sells a tube tailgate. Also most RV retailers should be able to get you one.

 

I guess it's better than liking it heavy in the rear like you Smoke.

I didn't see the episodes, I just read the synopsi.