It is time to give an update on my 2018 New Cascadia Aero X known as New Blue, 72” raised roof sleeper, Detroit DD15, 400HP/1750 FPT, DT12 AMT Transmission, 6 X 4, 2.16 rear axle ratio, with active lube management and 223-wheel base.
Early on in the first 27,972 miles was an exciting moment for me as the truck reached the lifetime average of 10.114. I was thrilled as this included numerous demonstration rides which typically curb my fuel mileage efforts. When I shared this news, it was met with enthusiasm by some and skepticism by others. The big question was, how would my New Cascadia perform in the mountains with heavier payloads. I answered this question by taking two trips from the Carolinas to Detroit through West Virginia. Weight was 36K payload on north bound leg and 43K payload on south bound leg, this trip to Detroit was competed twice that week. The results were three fuel fill ups of 8.989, 8.783, and 9.221 for an average of 8.997. I felt this was pretty good fuel mileage for the terrain traveled. To read more about this visit the blog titled “Answering the Question”.
The next question to be answered included some higher speed operations, as I typically run 63 – 65 MPH cruise speed. Due to a tight schedule and revenue opportunities and a few questions on how the truck would perform at a higher rate of speed I tested it. Depending on the speed limit I had the cruise set at 70 to 75 for six fill ups and still had a fuel mileage average of 9.786. To read about this test see the blog “Life in the Left Lane”.
Due to the outstanding fuel mileage, my New Cascadia has been averaging I was asked to be part of NACFE’s, Run On Less campaign. During the seventeen days of non-competition – competition I constantly monitored my behavior to get the best out of New Blue. While the demonstration was not a competitive event, it was filled with drivers that are very competitive.
It was amazing how much each of us were able to step up our game when all of our data was available to our peers on any given day. The Geotab, which recorded the data from our trucks was a constant reminder to stay on my A game from the time I turned my ignition on till I turned the key to the off position at the end of the day. The end result was a few milestones were personally surpassed, my previously all-time record for a fill was 11.488 which was in a 6 X 2 equipped Cascadia from the past. During “Run On Less” one fill up nearly tied it at 11.466 and two fill ups surpassed my previous all-time record. These two fill-ups including the record are 11.590 and 11.934. Unfortunately, my last leg of the journey to end this campaign in Atlanta was not part of the recorded results, I had picked up a load in Statesville, NC which was a high cube/full trailer with a weight of 18,000 pounds. Unbeknownst to me the data was no longer being recorded as I drove very competitively to Atlanta, the results for this leg of my journey yielded a 13.4 MPG result. Yes, I know 13.4 is high and yes, I know I was milking it as I was in a tie with one other truck for top fuel mileage. The interesting item for this event was of the seven trucks mine had the highest speed of 58 mph for all seventeen days combined.
This average speed should not be confused with cruise speed as the 58 MPH includes moving through truck stops, traffic jams, construction, and shippers and receives yards. Click here to read more about my “Run on less” adventure.
The mountain testing and high speed test had reduced my lifetime fuel mileage to 9.755. My competitive 
actions during the “Run On Less” event followed by my fuel mileage after the event back to a lifetime average of 10.011 with 64,848 miles on the truck. Keep in mind these results have all been obtained while pulling my 2008 Utility 4000 DX 53’ dry van, equipped with, Nose Cone, Fleet Engineers Side Skirts, Stemco Trailer Tail, Flow Below Wheel Covers, and the complete truck and trailer shod with the latest Michelin Wide Base fuel efficient tires. Another item not mentioned is my ENow Solar Power which has extended the range my Park Smart battery powered HVAC system. The next blog will be giving an update on the ENow system and how solar panels have benefited my operation.
At this point I have been thrilled with the performance of my 2018 New Cascadia Aero X.