9+ MPG Class 8 5 Axel Trucks with Trailers

Maybe the body style may be the same, but the guts can be light years apart. The 16 pages of spec sheets I have on the truck I just ordered tells the tale. Not just the typical axles, engine, tranny junk. I spec'd clear down to the brand name of wheel seals, slack adjusters, etc. While on the outside, it may look like another fleet truck, except for the paint. On the inside, I know of no fleet that even contemplates spec'ing a truck the way I did this one.

People get hung up on the outside looks, when it is really what is inside and underneath that makes the difference. Those kind of choices will not go away soon. Maybe everyone's truck will look the same, but you can be sure, there will be some of those that will put the others to shame.

 

Truck: 06 Volvo 780 ISX565/1850 13spd - 3.58 rears, Michellin 22.5 all around with balancers . Diesel Spec flash with EGR delete, PDI Intake manifold, Pittsburgh Power quite flow muffler, Detroit Radiator big rad. and ic. Fleet air filter. 800k original miles. Delo oil and Lucas lubricants.

Trailer: 06 Utility/Carrier reefer with side skirts and Michelin 22.5 rubber, weighing between 65-80k lb. Trailer even with the truck splash guards as to reduce the space between the cab and trailer. Dedicated runs from Montreal to south TX.

Running at realistic 65mph@1400rpm. if allowed, more only when passing or downhill. I average 7.5 US mpg this winter. Summer can go up almost an extra mile to 8.5. If running at lesser speeds, no head winds or empty during summer months I can go up to 9.x. Always calculating per gallons pumped vs miles driven, never trust those display computers.

 

Good ride! You obviously drive it right. Mine coming in on order will be 500 Detroit 12.7, 18 speed with 2.79 rears (run 16th direct for max performance/economy), low pro wide based rubber, ported/coated exhaust manifold, 30% larger turbo, Walker Megaflow mufflers. No EGR/DPF/DEF. It ought to be a low 8 mpg ride most of the time, and more on a good day. Guess we'll see.

 

Thanks! I'm very easy on the throttle unless it's up the grade. Clutchless shifting helps as well. Nice ride you'll be getting. I understand it's a glider kit?

 

Yep. I don't go west of I-25, so going the emissions truck route wasn't a requirement. I am pretty easy on my accelerator as well.

 

Diesel is over $10 a gallon here now! Transport companies are dropping like flies here now, owner operators are a thing of the past now too, if there's anything you can do to save fuel now is the time to be doing it! You need to be prepared, the price of fuel is going one way : up ! Combined with carbon taxes and the middle east situation it's going to rise sharply again,

 

I am trying this now with the 2 cycle oil and it is a hell of alot cheaper than the motor honey that lucass sells. And so far I am happy with the results I will keep everybody updated on this.