Needing help from 5.6mpg to 6mpg+++

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by MagicMan83, Jan 21, 2020.

  1. MagicMan83

    MagicMan83 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2020
    Festus MO
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    I have a 2015 freightliner cascadia dd15 with manual Eaton 10 pulling a 48' spread axle flatbed and getting an average 5mpg at 70mph (10tth gear runs at 15.2rpm and 9th runs at 20.2rpm) avg gross 78,500lbs. I do leave my truck on over night but only if it really cold or really hot. I've been reading alot of forums talking about O/O getting between 6.5mpg and 7.2mpg (there 9th gear is at 13rpm) so I dropped my speed down to 60mph avg 5.6mpg (9th gear runs at 17.5rpm and 10th gear runs at 13rpm) how do I get my rpms and mpg to what they are getting.
     
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  3. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    Sounds like you have very low rear ends like around 390s or 370s. The only way you're going to get fuel mileage is slow down to about 65 around 1300 rpm. Only other option is change out the rear ends but that is expensive and may only get you a few 10ths.
     
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  4. MTN Boomer

    MTN Boomer Road Train Member

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    Try using a synthetic oil,I switched to Amsoil and the truck runs better, with a flatbed the wind is a big issue, get a scanner that plugs into your ecm and keep an eye on it as your driving and you will see what your best RPM is
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Return on investment there is so long its really not even worth it unless its time to rebuild the rears anyways.
     
  6. mover man

    mover man Road Train Member

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    Freightliner? Isnt there a red and green mark on the rpm gauge? Forget about speed keep the needle in the middle of the green. Use cruise when ever practical and SAFE to do so.

    When I said forget about speed, I meant driving by rpm should keep your speed legal or close enough. Sounds like your best place is 9th at 13rpm and 10th at like 9-11.
    Bear in mind I have been driving 13's for the past 15 years or so. So I might be off cause you have a 10
     
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  7. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    You want to drive in the highest gear while on the freeway. Don’t downshift a gear to drive slower. The higher the gear, the more fuel efficient your truck will be. I would recommend driving at 1300 on the highest gear as long as you can still deliver your loads for the week. By the way, everyone’s mpg lowers during winter.
     
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  8. MagicMan83

    MagicMan83 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2020
    Festus MO
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    Im doing 60mph at 1300rpm
     
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  9. MagicMan83

    MagicMan83 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2020
    Festus MO
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    Ok I will try that thanks
     
  10. MagicMan83

    MagicMan83 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2020
    Festus MO
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    I
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2020
  11. Final Drive

    Final Drive Road Train Member

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    Is your turbo boost on point ?
     
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