Need help regarding gear ratio

His X15 probably has a variable speed fan and doesn’t rely on engine rpm for high fan speed to cool it down.

 

That is what a transmission is for. Just find a lower gear.

 

I fondly recall my 2019 Freightliner, powered by the robust Detroit Diesel DD15 engine that I maintained myself. This powerhouse delivered a solid 505 horsepower coupled with an output of 1760 lb-ft. Its rear axle, geared at a ratio of 3.63, was particularly adept at handling demanding hill climbs, providing exceptional pulling power in challenging terrain. Moreover, I had tweaked the speed settings to optimize performance. This allowed the truck to tackle steep gradients at speeds exceeding 70 mph, a feat that left many other company rigs struggling at significantly lower speeds in similar conditions.

 

What kind of mileage were you getting? Also, what happened to her?

 

Most improvement in mpg was addressing overdue maintenance underscoring the direct impact of proper maintenance on fuel efficiency. Going from 5-5.3 mpg loaded to 6-6.5mpg and from 7-9 mpg empty to 9-12 mpg was a significant improvement. Although preventive maintenance might seem more costly upfront, it often results in lower overall costs by avoiding significant repairs down the line.

I chose to leave the company when they shifted from a salary-based pay structure to compensation per mile. The cpm arrangement failed to adequately compensate for the additional maintenance tasks I was undertaking, and with the new management, it became evident that all drivers would be severely underpaid.

 

Additionally, it's worth mentioning my experience with the next company, where I operated in the same territory. I was assigned a 2023 Pete with an MX11 engine, 395hp, and 3.08 gears. Despite its newer model, the truck only achieved 4 mpg when loaded and 9-13 mpg when empty. Even minor inclines significantly reduced its speed, and it struggled considerably on grades above 5%, essentially crawling. Right from the start, on its first day straight from the factory, I had to put the truck out of service. These trucks proved to be unreliable, with frequent repairs needed even before reaching 5,000 miles. Combining mountainous terrain with underpowered trucks is a recipe for poor efficiency. The additional strain on the engine in such conditions significantly impacts the truck's ability to maintain efficient fuel consumption.

 

Well, that's what the company paid for. 395hp? Really?

 

I bet their brake cost went up as well using a 11 litre in the mountains. 95% of drivers won’t go at a slow speed required to avoid braking.