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OverZealous

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TL;DW: Same conclusion as Mythbusters came to years ago.

The tonneau open or closed doesn't make a serious difference in range. Tonneau open had very slightly better range (1.8mi/kWh vs 1.79 mi/kWh).

The tailgate being down, however, does make a difference (1.73mi/kWh). So leave the tailgate up.
 

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Thanks for the video, Branden! I know it’s been studied before, but still nice to see it done with the Rivian. Mine will be delivered with no tonneau so it’s good to know it holds true.
 

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TL;DW: Same conclusion as Mythbusters came to years ago.

The tonneau open or closed doesn't make a serious difference in range. Tonneau open had very slightly better range (1.8mi/kWh vs 1.79 mi/kWh).

The tailgate being down, however, does make a difference (1.73mi/kWh). So leave the tailgate up.
…crossbars? Didn’t watch yet but it would be nice to know all those numbers with crossbars on as well
 
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…crossbars? Didn’t watch yet but it would be nice to know all those numbers with crossbars on as well
That testing to come - I'm thinking crossbars on roof vs crossbars on bed vs control - any other configs you think are worthwhile?
 

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That testing to come - I'm thinking crossbars on roof vs crossbars on bed vs control - any other configs you think are worthwhile?
I’ve been curious what the efficiency is with a tent on the crossbars.
 
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I’ve been curious what the efficiency is with a tent on the crossbars.
Let me see what I can do to borrow one for testing
 

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That testing to come - I'm thinking crossbars on roof vs crossbars on bed vs control - any other configs you think are worthwhile?
The bars on the roof have been absolutely loud for me, so I assume that is the least efficient, but I’ve been curious if the bars on the bed end up amplifying the open/closed tonneu numbers.

So I think just each of those with the cover open & closed, unless you wanted to test it with gear tunnel open to see if this thing can fly.
 

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So I think just each of those with the cover open & closed, unless you wanted to test it with gear tunnel open to see if this thing can fly.
Flight would be the ultimate over-the-AIR UPdate.
 

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Kayak on roof mounted crossbars please… I know it’s a lot to ask for. Was hoping to do this test myself but the racks shipped towards the end of the season for me.
 

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I’m kinda shocked tailgate open is worse.
Myth busters did a test of this. The tailgate closed ends up collecting air. As you move, you bring that pocket of air with you. That pocket - or bubble - ends up being an invisible bed cap which allows other air to flow around the back of the truck.

With the tailgate down, that pocket can’t form. The air ends up dropping and gets turbulent inside the bed area.
 

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Myth busters did a test of this. The tailgate closed ends up collecting air. As you move, you bring that pocket of air with you. That pocket - or bubble - ends up being an invisible bed cap which allows other air to flow around the back of the truck.

With the tailgate down, that pocket can’t form. The air ends up dropping and gets turbulent inside the bed area.
It's been years since I watched this, but wasn't there also a test with a bed net, as well, and that was the best of all? Something about "less weight", or am I mis-remembering?
 

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^ I think you are correct.. the mesh/net tailgate gave the best results of all IIRC.
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