I would like to pick up an inexpensive tailgate net. I found something called the turbo net that uses some steel rod to string the net across the back of the bed. Anybody have that product and have any comments on quality and installation?

Thanks,

If your wanting it for improved mpg, do some searching as there have been threads about reduced mileage with the tailgate down.

Like the first response said, if you are planning this to increase your mileage, it's not likely to happen. I'd say read the following link and then save your money.

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/um.gm.truck

Seen a few running around and would probably see more if they really did improve mileage. Don't believe they live up to the mfg. claims and they are coyote chow ugly.

Very impressive!!!! Wonder what the effect of a canopy would be?

Canopy ought to increase fuel mileage by a little bit although if you do a lot of stop and go driving the weight of the thing might actually hamper fuel mileage.

University of Michigan study was very interesting and informative. Thanks Bluenote.

"The increase in drag caused by the removal of the tailgate was unexpected and seems counterintuitive. We believe when the tailgate is in the upright position, there is a “bubble” of slowly circulating air in the truck bed that forms a virtual “bed cover” of air and keeps most of the airflow around the truck from hitting the bed bottom and the inside of the tailgate. Removing the tailgate does not allow this bubble to form, which allows the faster moving air to interact aburptly with the bed bottom. This is very non-aerodynamic and causes the increase in drag. After testing was completed, we researched this phenomenon and found that results of a similar study confirm our hypothesis."



Like the first response said, if you are planning this to increase your mileage, it's not likely to happen. I'd say read the following link and then save your money.

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/um.gm.truck

Canopy ought to increase fuel mileage by a little bit although if you do a lot of stop and go driving the weight of the thing might actually hamper fuel mileage.
It weighs about 250#'s, level with the cab. Just thinking there might be a big vacuum creating a suction on the area of the tailgate and canopy door.

Also I would think about safety concerns. You are severely weakening the bed by removing one of the sides. In an impact, this could have a big effect. Best advice, leave it like the General made it. But hey, what fun is that.

OCDUNE

I run a cab high fibreglass shell on the box. If there is any difference in mileage you couldn't prove it by me. There has to be some suction created by the addition of a shell or the rear end would not get heavy layers of road dirt piled up on it. Station wagons have a similar effect.

If your wanting it for improved mpg, do some searching as there have been threads about reduced mileage with the tailgate down. Nope. Nearly always have a gooseneck behind the truck. Situation here is that the tailgate could be left down or up at the wrong time with all the goings on. On a previous truck had one accicent where the tailgate dropped while wife was driving, and the tailgate wedged into the tailer on a turn.

Don't want to spend $350 on a louvered V shape gate that could still get destroyed. I saw the turbo net at summit racing for $30 (including shipping). Cabellas also carries it. Don't usually have a lot of stuff in the bed. The other common net is the pro net by covercraft, but its more expensive and does not have bars accross the top and bottom. Would probably pay a little more if it is better looking. Have not see nthe turbo net on the street.

Haha, we didn't know that. What's that saying about assumptions? They make a A$$ out of you and me ;)

Turbo net also makes the "V-Net" which is the same idea as the regular net, but is shaped like a louvered gate. Its still not that expensive at the pice of $59. You may have seen this before and might not be interested but its just an idea.