Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

I'm replacing the rear bumper on my truck and it occurred to me that not only is it a bumper, but also a giant air catcher that is the exact opposite of aerodynamically efficient (and yes, I know the overall truck is a giant box). So I was wondering, has anyone "filled-in" some of the empty inside space or done anything else to make the bumper less of an air catcher, and if so, did it seem to make much difference, especially with mpg at speed?

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

I think if you left the bumper completely off you wouldn't notice one whit of difference in the fuel mileage. A brick is a brick.

But you did make me smile...

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

I don't believe there is much or anything to be gained there. If there were all the OE manufacturers would be doing it in the quest to get their CAFE averages up.

You see some car manufacturers doing stuff with rear air channeling and effects but mostly they are doing it as a styling exercise. To truly make effective gains there you need to have properly designed under chassis aerodynamic panels.

More to be gained by front spoilers or air dams.

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

I tried all of the gas mileage "tricks" - tailgate up, tailgate down, tailgate off, rear bumper, rear roll pan. All of these options gave me the same, remarkable 11 mpg :-)

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

On the C20, I ran around for about a month with no bumper. After my Pick-n-Pull bumper install, I got the exact same 10mpg. :lol: Yep, a brick is a brick!

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

I removed the ends of the bumper on both sides and it made a huge difference when I was cruising at 253 mph. My gas mileage almost doubled to 3 mpg over the 1.5 mpg I usually get.

Definitely worth the effort.

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

Well, looks like that question was good for laughs all around! But, you guys did unanimously agree on the answer and I appreciate that - no need for me to create an extra side project, I can concentrate on the ones that really need to be done. On the other hand, if I can locate that carb screw that takes the truck to 253 mph, then all bets are off...!

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

You would be better off putting a large wing over the tailgate area.....hey if it worked for Ferrari......and all those boys racers I see on the street.....I mean come on....

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

No wait Dodge already thought of that....darn...now what to do.....but hey look how fast that thing is going standing still....

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

Truck is a Suburban - I think that Ferrari wing on the back end of the roof combined with that Dodge-style racing stripe would definitely do the trick!

Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
 

this just might be one of the oddest posts....hum