Purpose of rear air deflector?

[phippsj]

Anyone actually know the true purpose of the rear air deflector? I don't call it a spoiler since I'm not lacking in rear downforce on track day!

I'm sure the Toyota engineers thought it was necessary, but maybe it's just a North American tack-on like the running boards.

Every time I stop and look at it, it screams "Mommy Mobile".

 

[TXLX100]

It's there so is something for the garage door to catch when your wife comes home with groceries.

 

[OregonLC]

Keeps rain moving down rear winder, in theory.

 

[MtnAddict]

Keeps rain moving down rear winder, in theory.

And dust also, I thought.

 

[FlammableFishie]

I remember hearing it was for additional stability when at highway speeds?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Works great for keeping dust off the rear window for me. Don't know what else it does.

 

[Bismarck]

Dust and water when wet out

 

[TeCKis300]

It's a air guide to manage the turbulence behind the vehicle, to reduce drag, and ultimately increase mpg marginally.

 

[jonharis]

All of the above are correct and it makes a HUGE difference in keeping the window dust/dirt free. My rhino rack would not allow the tailgate to open with it so I removed it and wish I would not have had to. If you don't need to remove it I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[hankinid]

All of the above are correct and it makes a HUGE difference in keeping the window dust/dirt free. My rhino rack would not allow the tailgate to open with it so I removed it and wish I would not have had to. If you don't need to remove it I wouldn't recommend it.

/Thread.

Drive around in a dusty environment like agricultural Idaho or wait until winter with rain, snow and ice, and you'll see a major difference.

You can call me "Mommy" if you want.

Steve

 

[SmoothLC]

Unless of course you have a fairing in front of your rack, then not so much . . . Otherwise, keep it.