weight of the tailgate, can 1 person remove it?

[zmanep]

I took mine off recently and thought it was pretty heavy, if you have any doubt you should ask for help it is awkward and putting it down can put strain on your back. I also noticed my bracket is cracked most likely from putting my quad in the back.

[xtopherfishing]

Originally Posted by UpFront

Just curious... Why are you removing it?

The reason I am wanting to remove it is can some better fuel mileage. I have read some blogs where they are reporting 2-3 miles per gallon improvement with the tailgate off. I won't be carrying any load in the pick-up bed when its off.

[mustard23]

Originally Posted by xtopherfishing

The reason I am wanting to remove it is can some better fuel mileage. I have read some blogs where they are reporting 2-3 miles per gallon improvement with the tailgate off. I won't be carrying any load in the pick-up bed when its off.

thought that was pretty much disproved.

[linexguy]

I remove several tailgates a day... Yours, although heavier than a Silverado, is pretty light. Unless you are removing the step gate off of a Super Duty, which we still usually do 1 man, you should have no problem...Side note- once you reach about 30mph the air is redirected off of the winshield over your tailgate, so you are unlikely to see any gain. If you still believe that myth, just leave the tailgate open, same theoretical result.

[808Chaney]

Originally Posted by mustard23

thought that was pretty much disproved.

That's what I heard as well. Anyhow, I can remove and replace mine by myself and I live with Degenerative Disc Disease not to mention 3 herniated discs.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by xtopherfishing

The reason I am wanting to remove it is can some better fuel mileage. I have read some blogs where they are reporting 2-3 miles per gallon improvement with the tailgate off. I won't be carrying any load in the pick-up bed when its off.

Daily Fuel Economy Tip » Fuel Economy Tip - Keep Your Tailgate Up

[ffips]

Before you remove the tail gate don't forget to remove the negative battery cable. This step is forgotten by many until they accidentally drop the tailgate causing a spark on the drive near an open container of flammable liquid that once ignited somehow manages to get spilled sending flames rushing under the gas tank. Then it's just 5 seconds to KYAG.

Yeah, you can probably do it alone.

[UpFront]

there is a vortex effect created with the open truck bed that actually has a positive foreward force on the truck cab. Removing the tailgate, or covering the bed will ruin this effect and create drag instead of foreward push. A good example is how those with trucks equipped with sliding rear windows end up with stuff in the cab that got blown in from the bed through the open window.

[maclufrontier]

Increased fuel economy by removing or lowering the tail gate was disproved this on Myth Busters as well if I remember correctly. What about a tonneau cover? I wonder if it would it offer better fuel economy, or if it would also reduce the economy?

[dkeeling]

Havent taken it off yet!