Indian River

Things are still going good for me. I did have to make a Peterbilt dealership visit last week, though. It was the first time I’ve had to get a hotel over a breakdown issue in 2+ years. I was on the outskirts of San Bernardino, CA headed to Phoenix and my “derate in 59 minutes” warning popped up. Night dispatch told me to keep it in the wind and try to make it to Phoenix which is what I was hoping he would say. After the 59 minutes, I received the “increased derate in 4 hours” notification. I was empty and lost some power, but I was still able to run wide open once I crossed the state line into AZ. I was one mile from the Peterbilt dealership in Avondale when the 4 hours expired. For anyone who isn’t aware, you’re limited to 5mph at that point. Since I was already on the side streets and it was wee hours of the morning, I figured I’d save them a tow bill. I put the flashers on and drove 5mph for that final mile and waited in front of a locked gate for the dealership to open. After checking the truck in, I got an Uber and kicked back for three days in a nice hotel while they fixed everything. I’ve been running good miles since then.

If it ever happens again, hopefully it won’t be Summertime in Phoenix, AZ and will take place somewhere a little cooler (chuckling). I roasted for about three hours in front of that locked gate because the warning on the dash said “Level 2 derate status, do not run engine or damage will occur.” One breakdown involving a hotel stay in 2+ years is a good record, so I can’t complain much.

 

I had the warning come on last Winter in North Dakota. I took the cap off the DEF tank and put it back on thinking the fluid was vapor locked (had plenty on the gauge but was showing a red light as if it were empty). That actually caused the derate warning to go away when I did it. That, or it was just coincidence and it went away for another reason. It didn’t help last week, but just figured I’d mention it.