Mythbusters often threw Ford models in the hot seat in tests of efficiency. The Ford Expedition was the test subject in a classic episode that sought to determine whether driving with the air conditioning on or the windows down is more efficient. The Ford F-150 played a part in another test of efficiency, helping the crew determine if it’s nicer on the fuel tank to drive with the tailgate down – or if it’s better off left up.
Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman each picked up a brand new (for the time) Ford F-150, setting the tire pressures exactly the same. They devised a set of driving rules to make sure the test yielded appropriate results: no drafting, all acceleration must be handled by cruise control, and maintain the legal speed limit. The test took them on a run out into the desert to see which F-150 ran out of fuel first.
The myth suggested that Hyneman – who was driving with the tailgate up – should run out of fuel well before Savage, who was driving with the tailgated down. But after eight hours and 200 miles traveled, Savage actually ran out first, petering to the side of the road as his tank ran dry. Hyeman’s “tailgate-up” pickup lasted 30 more miles before it, too, gave up.
The real-life test prompted Hyneman and Savage to rein it back in to start a scale-model test with colored water. The tiny Ford F-150 models were submerged and subjected to a water current with food dye to study how flow broke over the top of the pickup. However, what they found was that there was no real difference in the models, but introducing another visible medium – oats – proved that aerodynamics do create a “bubble” that directs air out of the truck bed.
Dropping the tailgate proved that doing so actually created more drag than leaving it up, putting an end to the theory once and for all. So, long story short – Ford F-150 owners are far better off driving with the tailgate in its appropriately secured position than trying to outsmart physics by driving with it open.
Laurent Mekies is quieter, but has engineering experience.
Special lease deals in select markets on refreshed compact pickup truck.
Another nice example of the discontinued sedan.
Sales decreased 0.1 percent to 36,211 units during the first eight months of 2025.
Hitting a parked monster truck is... impressive.
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Proves ZERO. first statement of 200 miles in 8 hours. That's 25 mph. Zero aero effect. Drive them both at 65 mph.
Why is this an article of interest here besides the "sales are up 50% in mongolia". Great, sol3 instead of two? Other "big" news is either a new paint color or a use car going 2 auction. Kind of sad......really sad as non is news and non make a difference today.
Back to office is now 4, going 2 b 5 in January. J.d. power is 20% worse for I itial quality (facts) yet spun managing is on it and improving . Want to get into the 6 billion ford land has blown, or the battery factory fiasco (a new billion dollar lawsuit) to support 15k a year (or spin it to sales are up 20% in the last week).
Site is way tooooo biased to corporate spin vs. reality.