!
As many of you are aware, I’ve been trying to reach the goal of attaining 11 mpg. for an entire fuel run. My Cascadia Evolution with the Detroit DD15 engine and DT12 transmission combination has been able to reach well in excess of the 11 mpg mark on a regular basis for one day. In fact, on occasion this truck has exceeded 12 mpg on a single day run. The record on a single day is 12.3 mpg at 68,000 pounds GVW for 430 miles. This record setting trip began in Meridian, Mississippi to Vidor, Texas. I knew that if the conditions were favorable that this truck was capable of attaining over 11 mpg for a normal fuel run.
After many unsuccessful attempts at breaking the 11mpg barrier, I found myself getting closer and closer as the figures came in at 10.86, 10.87 and a few weeks ago, the number reached 10.981. Wow! How much closer can you get?
Last week, during my regular shipping route, I filled up in Meridian, Mississippi and set off for Laredo, Texas in an attempt to attain my 11 mpg fuel mileage goal. In regards to rush hour traffic, I managed to properly time my travel through Baton Rouge, Houston, San Antonio and back to Meridian, Mississippi. With traffic running smoothly, I was feeling confident as even the crosswind was cooperating between Houston and Laredo. Add these factors along with a slightly lower than normal GVW of 59,000 lbs. as compared to my normal 60-65,000 GVW /cruise speed of 62 mph when applicable and you have the perfect scenario for outstanding fuel mileage results!
Upon returning back to Meridian, Mississippi with an added 1,770 miles on the odometer, it was time to refuel the truck. As I pulled into the fuel island at the TA Travel Center, I noticed the dashboard readout was at 11.7 mpg. At this point, I was curious to see what the actual number would be according to the gallons from the pump. The total gallons for the fill up came to 154.071 which calculated out to 11.488 mpg. My price per gallon with the NASTC fuel discount was 3.5541 which made the fuel cost per mile 30.9 cents per mile.
I was more than thrilled at these results as the number surpassed my goal by a wide margin. The next order of business was to celebrate my victory by treating myself to a steak dinner that evening.
I want to thank Freightliner and Detroit for creating the Cascadia Evolution with the DD15 engine and DT12 transmission. Also, big thanks to the additional companies who made this goal possible. (Michelin Tire, Nose Cone, Fleet Engineers – trailer side skirts, Real Wheel s – wheel covers and finally ATD Dynamics – trailer tail).
The total package of the Cascadia Evolution has reached fuel mileage numbers which I could not have imagined just a few years ago.
Special thanks to Jeff Clark for thinking of the title for this blog. Click on the following link to see where the title came from . These go to eleven !
What milestone will fall to the wayside next ?
