My Cascadia Evolution is about to reach its 35,000 mile mark. For those of you new to the blog, I’ll give you a quick rundown of the specifications on the truck… 72" raised roof sleeper, wheel base 225", 6x2 axle configuration, Detroit DD-15 455 HP 1550/1750 multi torque engine, Detroit DT12 direct drive 12 speed automated manual transmission, 13,300 Detroit steer axle Meritor fuel light tandem axle 2.50 rear axle ratio, locking drive axle, tires, Michelin steer axle XZA3Plus 275/80R22.5 LR H Drive axle XDA Energy 445/50R22.5 Tag XTA 445/50R22.5. I have chosen all of these components to be as efficient as possible. In addition to these specs, my trailer is equipped with a nose cone, side skirts, wheel covers, plated cross members from the skirts to the rear, covered rain gutter and even the license plate has been moved out of the air stream to improve efficiency.

My GVW has been between 63,000-65,000 lbs. and my route usually consists of unloading/reloading at the same location. This enables me to have nearly zero empty miles. My cruise speed has been 65 mph were permissible. The results are that my average fuel mileage for the entire 35,000 miles is just above 9 mpg. This number would be a bit higher if I had not been doing numerous demonstration rides which typically have a negative impact on fuel mileage. (A normal demonstration ride usually includes demonstrating transmission shifting often.)

This outstanding fuel mileage is a tribute to how well the entire Cascadia Evolution package works in harmony with the latest aerodynamics, engine and transmission technology from Detroit combined with my aerodynamic trailer. During this initial 35,000 miles, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how well the DD15 engine and DT-12 transmission from Detroit communicate with one another. Having the engine and transmission vertically integrated from one provider allows for the complete drive train to work in complete unison.

The new DT -12 transmission from Detroit is a marvel in itself as it seems to almost know what gear you’re going to need before you need it. Its abilities to skip shift and slip into E-Coast builds upon the overall efficiency of the Evolution package. On one occasion, I stopped at a traffic light on a steep downward grade and the truck was able to tell we were pointed downhill with a nearly 80,000 GVW. When the light turned green, the truck pulled out in 5th gear and quickly skipped to 7th gear. The skip shift function and the truck knowing to launch in 5th gear, enabled me to gain speed in rapid and efficient fashion. The other feature “E-Coast” slips the truck out of gear every time it senses when the engine is not needed. When performing this function, it’s so smooth that you’re not able to notice the action if you’re having a conversation with someone.
Below, I’ve listed the last 14 fill ups for your review. Note: these figures are not from the ECM as they are calculated from figures at the pump.

9.510 – 8.549 – 9.236 – 9.129 – 8.862 – 9.086 – 9.170 – 9.002 – 8.653 – 9.100 – 9.061 – 9.69 – 9.007 and 9.629

Note: On the 3 fuel mileage figures which are below 9 mpg, I conducted several demonstration rides with the truck and trailer which included shifting, lots of in town and shipping yard maneuvers. This tends to drop my fuel mileage significantly.

Comments (8)

Henry Albert

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc., based in Statesville, NC. Before participating in the "Slice of Life" program, Albert drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class S/Tâ„¢, and will use his Cascadia for general freight and a dry van trailer. Albert, who has been a trucker since 1983, was recognized by Overdrive as its 2007 Trucker of the Year.

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Cory,
I have not really given much thought in regards to using the under tray system in conjuction with my side skirts. I think the improvement would be small due to the fact the air flow is not real high speed under the trailer due to the side skirts. It is however a interesting thought in which I will have to ponder on for awhile.

March 14, 2013 21:47:23 PM

Jeff ,
The transmission has a sensor which senses the degree of incline your on and combines that iformation with memory of how hard the truck has work. Then it combines all of this data and choses the proper gear.

March 14, 2013 21:42:25 PM

Henry,

In your pursuit of effeciency, have you considered something similar to the Smartruck undertray, in addition to the skirts? What are your thoughts? It seems that there would still be a fair amount of airflow under the trailer, albiet channeled, but still there.

Corey

March 04, 2013 16:27:34 PM

Help with a few things?

How do we keep mirrors clear during a rainny time?

They seem to get lots more water on them than other trucks and mirror hear won't keep up.

March 01, 2013 22:49:55 PM

I am really getting intrigued by the transmission. I would have never thought of pulling away with a trailer in 5th geat. Skip shifting absolutely. How does the DT-12 know that you are pointing downhill when you are sitting at a dead stop?

March 01, 2013 17:24:50 PM

I have a really nice Peterbilt I'll trade you, Henry. Then you won't have to work so hard to lower your fuel mileage.

February 25, 2013 8:25:19 AM

Even after all this time conversing with you about your MPG, I am still astounded at the numbers you turn up on a regular basis. Can't wait to start posting averages from my Cascadia Evolution, though being in town more often will probably cause mine to be not nearly as high. You definitely give us all something to strive for though! Keep up the awesome work in taking fuel efficiency to new heights!

February 21, 2013 20:36:09 PM

Very impressive Henry!

February 21, 2013 8:47:19 AM