Whats the fuel economy on Detroit DD16 looking to buy new truck

One of our local companies runs DD16's. They run heavy reefer loads from Twin Falls, ID to San Francisco on a very tight schedule, and the extra power makes the hills flatter. Other than a DPF issue, they are happy with the engine. Fuel economy not enough different from their DD15 trucks to make them give it up.

 

I got 4.84 IMP mpg ( 4.12 US mpg ) with mine in January pulling 140,000 super b-train hopper bottoms on the Canadian prairies with several days below -20.
In the summer time I get just over 6.1 IMP mpg (5.08 us mpg) for the month of August.
Bobtail it does closer to ten, never hauled five axle yet.
2016 Cascadia, DD16 600 hp 1,850 ft-lbs, 18 spd UltraShift, 3.91 46,000 lb rears, 24.5 tires, 21,500 lbs truck only, 42,240 lbs empty.

 

If you have to ask, you can't afford it...



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The days of spec'ing a new truck with a 600 horsepower engine with intentions to haul general freight (reefer, dry, flat @ 80,000 lbs or less) ended back in 2007.

You can do it but unless you want constant, expensive DPF problems from specing too much power for your application you'd probably be best off to get a 12L or maybe 13L with the right gearing to keep that DPF functioning and burning things clean as it should.

If you want a hopped up motor 600+ hp or more for typical freight get something 2007 or older....

 

What transmission is your DD15 paired with?

 

10 speed over . A lot of guys burn a lot of fuel getting up to speed. Get it moving and up into high range before breaking 7 to 800 rpm . Let the torque work for you, most loads under 80k you do not need HP till high range .

 

I have a DD16 600 1850, 18B and 3:55's. I like this engine. When I spec'd the truck it was with intentions of pulling a three axle rgn, and maybe occasionally pulling a 9axle. That market dried up and I started pulling a flat at legal weights. Later on bought a dry van as well. Pulled both trailers only last year and MPG was better than any truck I had owned prior. Been pulling a livestock trailer since Thanksgiving and mileage out of this truck is better than a buddy of mine who does the exact same loads with his 6NZ powered T6 and his Acert powered W9.

I have not had to take this truck into a shop other than for an overhead. It has 158,000 miles on it now, and when it comes time to replace it I will definitely spec the next one with the biggest engine I can get.

 

I don't have that book with me this week, but if IIRC I was in the high 6's running 65-70mph. Several tanks were in the low 7's. And my truck is far from aerodynamic. I'll look this weekend when I get home.