a few newbie questions

Discussion in 'Prime' started by Woodys, Apr 25, 2013.

  1. Apr 25, 2013 #1
    Woodys

    Woodys Heavy Load Member

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    So got a few simple questions that mostly pertain with prime, as I just started solo.

    Dealing with MPG. If your driving mountains or rolling hills. Does rolling down (obv not exceeding the speed limit) hurt or help your mpg? I would think having the trailer and gravity pulling you down would help mpg, but your engine has to keep your rpms matched with your speed still so is it still as bad? Is it better to get a running start on a hill to try and prevent downshifting?

    Have a thermoking apu which I didn't have on my trainers truck. All the buttons work, screen says its working, generator engine switch is on, and its topped off with coolant and oil. HOWEVER, I never hear the engine actually run. Are they just really quiet?

    I have a lightweight peterbilt and it has some EBERSPACHER heating system for the bunk. Any info on this? Does it use my fuel when heating the bunk?

    Also, have some silver ON/OFF toggle switch located right above my tire air alert system. Can't find it in the owners manual either.

    Last but probably not least. Does the engine break use fuel?

    Answers to any of these are appreciated. Thanks. =)
     
    Woodys, Apr 25, 2013
    Woodys, Apr 25, 2013
    #1
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  3. Apr 25, 2013 #2
    Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    I can't answer the mechanical questions, but regarding mpg on rolling terrain it is best to ease off on the throttle as or even before you top out on a hill then roll down the next hill. I apply enough accelerator as I'm nearing the bottom of a hill (before starting the next climb) to bring the boost up to about 1/2 maximum boost (the maximum turbo boost) and try to hold 1/2 boost as I'm climbing, downshifting as necessary.

    The secret to saving mpg climbing grades is to not get to maximum boost. However, if the grade is sustained or very steep then you may need to get to maximum boost in a given gear. If I try to go with maximum boost in top/top gear in the truck I'm driving that will yield 2.7 mpg, so anything I can save above that as I'm climbing is a win. Coasting down the backside of a rolling hill, as much as possible, will make up for any fuel loss during the climb.

    The end result of going through rolling terrain always seems to be a net reduction in mpg compared to running flat terrain.
     
    Lepton1, Apr 25, 2013
    Lepton1, Apr 25, 2013
    #2
    Woodys Thanks this.
  4. Apr 26, 2013 #3
    ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Make sure you stay in gear. If it's a steep grade, downshift, turn on the jake, and let the transmission and jake brake hold you back while you go down.

    No, they're not that quiet. You need to select one of the operation modes (FAN, HEAT, or A/C) and have the temp set to something that will turn it on. Don't select a FAN level if you want the heat on.

    Yup, the bunk heater burns diesel to heat the sleeper. It's controlled by the TriPak control panel.

    Can't help you with that one...

    No, when the jake brake is engaged, the ECM does not allow the engine to be fueled.
     
    ironpony, Apr 26, 2013
    ironpony, Apr 26, 2013
    #3
    Woodys Thanks this.
  5. Apr 26, 2013 #4
    sazook

    sazook Road Train Member

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    You can run the heat and the fan on a TriPak at the same time. I never ran the heat without running the fan as well to keep everything circulating in the truck.
     
    sazook, Apr 26, 2013
    sazook, Apr 26, 2013
    #4
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