Stepping Out With My Own Numbers

Not yet. My last sample was 71k miles and it was still good. I’m going to do 80k on this one. I was running the Ultra Performance synthetic blend, I’m now running the Ultra Performance full synthetic, Schaeffer 723.

 

The main hurdle was I didn’t want an automated transmission. Going forward, I will though. I’m glad I ended up where I did though. I’m looking to see what the manufacturers will be doing. I’m very interested in the super downsped option with Mack/Volvo using the turbo compound engine. I’m also very interested in the new Gen5 DD15. Those two engines are pushing the envelope. You can also get a liftable pusher 6x2 instead of tag with them. International has a lot of things coming in 2021 and 2023. They’ll be further enhancing the A26, adding a fully integrated powertrain, and have said they’ll be offering additional engine options based on the same platform as the A26. They’ve been very tight about it though and not releasing any details. I’d like to see them take the A26 in the direction of Detroit and Volvo, increasing compression ratio, higher fuel pressure, and these next gen piston designs. The new Gen5 DD15 has a 21:1 compression ratio, the out going DD15 was already hitting 38k PSI in amplified mode, and that’s going to be greater on the new one, and they’ve managed to control the EGR process well enough that they’re going to a single geometry, ball bearing turbo. Really cool stuff happening right now.

 

I’ve been doing great on my truck. Still having some issues with the Freightliner. The Volvo is doing great now though. It’s moving along. It’s more work for me, but seems to be working out. My guy in the Volvo is looking to quit though. He’s the guy I trained when I was at Knight. He’s tired of trucking. Once I get an idea when he’s leaving, I’ll have to hire someone.

 

I added the Air Dog to my truck today. Going to test it out and see if it lives up to the hype. It’s popular in the 9+ mpg Facebook group. It has the 200gph pump, the 150 wasn’t enough for the A26.

 

I’ve been posting updates in the 9 mpg club Facebook page. I have 4 quarters in a row in this truck of 9mpg. I had a huge fill up the other day. 62k gross, Bloomsburg, PA to Casey, IL 10.87 mpg. I’ve hit 11 once in it and that was a 55k run from Noel, MO to Mankato, MN. It would seem the AirDog is making a difference. What I noticed right away, the computer is now way off, and I have much less vibration when lugging up a hill at low rpm. The computer said I had 9.2 when I really had 10.87.

 

Really powered through the end of the month. Currently at 70,613 revenue, 29,013 total miles, 2.43 all miles, 15% DH. I might get one more in on one of the trucks. Had several big loads come through for the weekend.
Had my APU serviced, yearly PM, found a faulty fuel pump and failing water pump. About 1200 for all that. A little over 7k hours on the APU. It was running pretty good. Usually once or twice in a 10 hr+ period it would try and die on me. It would always figure itself out and stay running though. Running like a champ again though. Did the steam clean again as well. Removes all the dirt and stuff out there and looks new again.

 

I don’t plan on getting beyond 3, anytime soon at least. Dry van doesn’t excite me much. Right now rates are outstanding, but that’s not normal. Dry van is tough. It’s the easiest to get in and out of and the most common trailer. I’m all about reefers. There are many factors that keep people away from the reefer side. Cost, maintenance, scheduling, mainly. Flats have potential, but I haven’t put much thought in that yet.