Looking for a new truck to pull refer, need advice.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BJnobear, Apr 8, 2019.

  1. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Sep 17, 2012
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    I'm driving a 2017 Cascades with DD13 and DT-12 I can get 7.4MPG without even trying. It's a complete truck and they have no APU. We have the Optimized Idle system. The engine will start and run forfor heat or a/c and to recharge the batteries. I would say it runs about 5 hour every night maybe more. Plus it does parked Regen every 8 hour of idle time. So it normal won't Regen when stopping just for 10 hour break. When we do 34 hour reset we get 1 or 2 parked regens.

    The DT-12 trasnmision take a little getting used to. Most driver want use engine brake like regular one. It's programed to always drop a gear and raise the engine RPMs to give you crazy strong engine bake. That messes up a lot of new driver because they are using it all the time and the truck seems out of control they always say.

    It really made for hills, not every stop light or stop sign. Stage 1will Always keep engine RPM 1,200-1750. The same for stage 2 but strongrs. Stage 3 will ALWAYS keep RPMs 1750-2200. It keep engine RPMs high to give you crazy strong engine brake. So going downhill at 1750-2200 RPMs is normal. So obviously you don't use it in snow or ice.

    It never gives up if truck slows down and you keep stage 3 engine brake when you hit 1700RPMs you should switch to stage 2. If not it will downshift and raise engine RPMs to 2200 and keep slowing down. That what I mean it never quites untill you turn it down or off. It will keep slowing truck down and keep dropping gears. It a cool feature because one you learn it you can go downhills without touching brakes. You can just switch from stage 3 to stage 2 and the transmission won't shift gears.

    The DT-12 trasnmision also has a special downhill mode most people don't seem to understand. You can set the cruise control and lock the truck into a set speed like down to 30MPH and the transmission will hold that speed by switching engine brake from stage 1,2,3 automatic. It can hold a truck and trailer on like 8% hill at speed you set if for down to 30MPH.
     
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    I don't do one speed downgrade unless Black Mountain requires it. (Hey it wants 30 mph so right, off we go then 30...)

    I drive according to a balanced tractor trailer downgrade against the jacobs in the correct gear whatever it might be. Nothing is allowed to disrupt it where possible. When everything is in order all the way down with that run out at the bottom there is no problem.

    As far as truck choices, pick whatever strikes your fancy. Your life is too short to drive something you hate.
     
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  4. BJnobear

    BJnobear Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 24, 2010
    PCB, FL
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    Thanks for the opinions, I have driven DD15 with DT12 and super singles. Nary a problem. But looking at upwards of $230k in a new truck and trailer, I just want to be sure of my choices. I'll pretty much run I-40, Tennessee to Cali and back.
     
  5. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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    Jul 29, 2015
    Midwest
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    379 Pete, yellow engine, strait pipes to scare away gremlins when hitting the jakes, big gap between cab and trailer to allow full view of back door red lights, and 18 speed is a must. Good fuel card should take care of all the happiness.
     
  6. Tropsnart

    Tropsnart Road Train Member

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    Jun 8, 2015
    Pavilion New York
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    Don't forget lots of chrome for the added horsepower it brings. And those mudflaps with the Yosemite Sam holding a shotgun just for the coolness. Most importantly, the teeth surrounding your grill to let the world know you bite.
     
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