Hello,
Several months ago, I was asked to be part of a fuel economy test project with Freightliner and Detroit which would be scheduled sometime in May of 2012. Of course, being the fuel mileage conscious person I am, this seemed like a great opportunity in which to participate. For me, this would be an experience like no other and the chance to interact with the highly skilled engineers of Freightliner and Detroit. The tour date was set for the week of May 17-22, 2012. This would be a six day cross country test project launching from San Diego, CA to Gastonia, NC. I was told there would be two additional drivers, myself, six engineers, two technicians, test observer and an on site fuel truck to offer consistent fuel for the entire trip in order for nothing to affect fuel mileage results in any way.I first thought to myself six days is quite a long time to just travel across the country. However, I realized quickly that much more goes into conducting an “official test” than just driving the truck.
My job is to drive the new 2014 Cascadia Evolution with additional enhancements. (A fully designed aerodynamic modified trailer and new Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission with wide base tires and a 6×2 drive-train configuration). This truck and trailer combination represents an updated version of my current 2011 Cascadia w/trailer. The tour would be a side by side comparison of an EPA 2010 compliant Freightliner Cascadia and the new 2014 Cascadia Evolution – The tour would put the latest technologies and innovations to the test in real world situations. My fellow drivers Leanna and Jeremy drove the two trucks for this test purpose. To further ensure consistency, drivers and trailers were swapped between tractors at the mid-point and end of each day. Following precise testing procedures would ensure the integrity and accuracy of the test.
I flew from Charlotte, NC to San Diego, CA on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Participants arrived at the hotel in the afternoon for a meet and greet reception which was held in the evening. After dinner, preparations and specific instructions were given to all participants for a smooth departure and launch to take place the next morning. For the next six days, we will travel over 2,400 miles at a cruise speed of 62 m.p.h. and each truck/trailer combo will have a gross weight of 76,000 lbs.
Tomorrow, I’ll post Day 1 of the trip along with fuel mileage results.
Henry