Here we are at the end of June 2023 and Celeste has just turned over 200,000 miles on the odometer. So far, the only real maintenance other than 2 oil changes at 75,000 miles each, has been the replacement of the shocks at approximately 150,000 miles to maintain ride quality.
The ride has been fantastic so far. The Detroit DD15 engine has been performing efficiently. And the Hendrickson OPTIMAAX liftable suspension has allowed for the unprecedented efficient operation of our truck. Having the flexibility of going from 5 to 3 axles on the ground was well demonstrated in a series I called the Garden State Express.
Next was a test run called the Motor City Express where heavier weights and some mountainous operations were added to the mix.
During the Motor City Express, the fuel mileage average was right at the 10.0 mile per gallon mark as opposed to the 11.8 mpg recorded during the Garden State Express run.
I have been enjoying the addition of the Merlin Solar Panels which have afforded me the ability to have idle free rest periods with the Freightliner electric dual HVAC system.
While it is not new to this particular truck, I find myself spoiled by the Freightliner driver’s lounge option with the lower Murphy-style bunk bed which can be folded into the wall to allow for the table and two chairs to be set up to eat at or to do any necessary paperwork. In addition, the ride has been magnificent with the combination of the Hendrickson OPTIMAAX rear suspension, AIRTEK air ride steer axle, and the LINK ROI active cab suspension.
From February to the end of June, I have run nearly all my weeks between 3,800 – 3,900 miles. The combination of product offerings on our Cascadia has minimized the amount of fatigue that would have otherwise needed to be tolerated in the past. The advancements in these technologies have provided a smooth and comfortable ride for these journeys.
Oh, and I almost forgot! The Freightliner Active Lane Assist has made driving in a crosswind much less strenuous as it reacts to keep the truck centered in the travel lane with much less effort as it reacts incredibly quickly to the wind forces which would affect my directional stability.
The first 200,000 miles have been great! I look forward to continuing the journey down our Nation’s highways efficiently with Celeste.
The specs for Celeste can be found here.