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Downsped Freightliner for flatbed?

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by basedinMN_, Nov 10, 2020.

  1. Nov 10, 2020 #1
    basedinMN_

    basedinMN_ Medium Load Member

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    Jan 21, 2011
    St Paul, MN
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    Local city work, 75-80k, 69mph, flatbed, some mud and gravel and definitely snow but not many hills.

    Fleetwide fuel economy was 7.3 mpg last quarter on summer fuel, with 51% deadhead (turn and burn). I want to do better. We have a couple Macks with RAR's in the high 3's like the rest of the fleet. I'm wondering if a more downsped setup would stand up to the type of work we do. Like I said, city/traffic, construction sites, snow, etc. and heavy steel loads but nothing over 80k..

    Anyone recommend a Freightliner setup and reasonable MPG target for this type of work?
     
    basedinMN_, Nov 10, 2020
    basedinMN_, Nov 10, 2020
    #1
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  3. Nov 11, 2020 #2
    RocketyMan

    RocketyMan Medium Load Member

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    Jun 5, 2015
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    What's your average road speed for city traffic? What about idle time? These are usually good indicators for economy related things you might be after, and the you can spec direct drive vs over-drive transmission and final drive ratios. Also, do you need a PTO for anything for a fancy flatbed? Or maybe can you consider a low-boy trailer setup for a midroof to help with wind resistance.

    Just trying to think of configurations that might help with mileage....
     
    RocketyMan, Nov 11, 2020
    RocketyMan, Nov 11, 2020
    #2
  4. Nov 11, 2020 #3
    062

    062 Road Train Member

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    @Misesian has a good grip on the down speed setups.
     
    062, Nov 11, 2020
    062, Nov 11, 2020
    #3
    Misesian Thanks this.
  5. Nov 11, 2020 #4
    Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Nothwest Arkansas
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    you mentioned 51% DH, how many miles are these trucks on the highway a day?
     
    Misesian, Nov 11, 2020
    Misesian, Nov 11, 2020
    #4
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  7. Nov 11, 2020 #5
    basedinMN_

    basedinMN_ Medium Load Member

    388
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    Jan 21, 2011
    St Paul, MN
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    430, just over half of those are deadhead
     
    basedinMN_, Nov 11, 2020
    basedinMN_, Nov 11, 2020
    #5
  8. Nov 11, 2020 #6
    Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    Nothwest Arkansas
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    Freightliner has the Optimaax liftable 6x2 available, it could be up on your deadhead miles. If your construction site stuff is fairly often and really uneven ground, I’d stick with a 6x4. You could spec a a 2.47 and over drive transmission. It would run in direct most of the time and only be in overdrive on the return trip. If you’re pretty heavy it would only go to top gear for a small portion of the loaded trip. That’s assuming 22.5 low pro duals.
    The Gen5 DD15 is available in January and makes full torque down to 900 rpm.
    If they’re wanting manual transmissions, I recommend the Fuller Advantage 10 speed, the Advantage is not the same as the classic FR series. Direct drive with a 2.31 ratio. With the higher cruise speed you guys have, and probably want to main it, a 2.79 over drive Fuller Advantage would be good to. Getting the 75w/85 axle oil and Eaton PS386 lube in the transmission. These are the lightest full synthetic oils you can get right now.
    I’d get all disc brakes too. You guys probably start and stop multiple times per day.
     
    Misesian, Nov 11, 2020
    Misesian, Nov 11, 2020
    #6
    basedinMN_, QUALITYTRUCK and 062 Thank this.
  9. Nov 13, 2020 #7
    basedinMN_

    basedinMN_ Medium Load Member

    388
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    Jan 21, 2011
    St Paul, MN
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    Thanks, very helpful. What do you think MPG would average out to with this configuration-

    126" daycab, low roof
    6x4, detroit axles all around
    no extra aero trims except the fuel tank fairings
    75k loaded 49% of all miles
    69 mph highway
    Gen5 DD15
    Fuller Advantage direct drive 2.31 manual
    regular transmission lube
    B20 fuel in summer/B5 in winter
    22.5" Yokohama drive tires, trailer, and steer?

    I'm not married to this transmission or axle, or even the tires. 6x4 is a must, so are fairly knobby tires. 69 mph speed is non-negotiable probably. But, would the DT12 or OD manual get better mpg instead of the direct drive @ 2.31? Meritor axles > Detroit? Sorry for all the questions, I do appreciate any advice you can give.
     
    basedinMN_, Nov 13, 2020
    basedinMN_, Nov 13, 2020
    #7
  10. Nov 14, 2020 #8
    Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    May 21, 2014
    Nothwest Arkansas
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    If they’re not married to the manual, I’d go for the DT12 and 2.47. Detroit axles. Henry Albert of Team Run Smart runs a 2.16 axle direct drive DT12 and has a lot of success with it. I only recommend the over drive since you guys do a lot of the local type stuff. Probably easier on the drive line than a direct would be.
    With the manual and that fast of a gear ratio, they’d have to educate drivers on a truck that doesn’t operate at 1400+ rpm going down the highway.
     
    Misesian, Nov 14, 2020
    Misesian, Nov 14, 2020
    #8
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