Freightliner classic preemissions pulling a van mpg?

I’ve had 2 Classics, since 2000. 500 Detroit’s, 13 spd., 355 gears. 6 mpg avg. I did get real good mpg’s with the first one, running flatland, and very light. Sometimes 8 using my foot. 7-7.2 with cruise. Add a hill, and weight, down it goes right away. Lack of Torque is the reason. The difference between Classics and Centuries mpg are .5 mpg. That’s from a fleet of 5000 Trucks, in late 90s. Computers set for progressive shifting, 1800 RPMs, and 67 mph top speed. I gave up .5 mpg for better resale and especially ease of maintenance. They’re great Trucks. Simple in design, Sturdy Mechanically, Very dependable. Lacking in quality on doors, dash, and bunk cabinets. Parts are relatively cheap, compared to others. And as my friend the Pete only guy says, Junkyard’s full of them. Lol.

 

2006 will be a 14L Detroit. They weren’t quite as good on mpg’s as the 12.7’s but git rid of egr and you should do well with it.

 

The 14L came out in 01, I believe and 12.7 was made through 06.

 

The few months i drove my uncle's 280wb classic i got 7mpg avg. 13sp 3.42 with 24.5LP

 

I would think that a more aerodynamic FL would be better. I’m looking into getting a 2007 or older with a Detroit series 60 12.7 myself.

There’s a YouTube channel Blue Ribbon Logistics that emphasize MPG and I think they said they get like 7 - 7.5 MPG with same motor but it has to be aerodynamic model not a classic.

Here’s a video from them on truck specs.

 

Same reason I don't work for a Mega, I will take my 6 and be happy. And I have had aero trucks.

 

Its a truck. Who cares about fuel mileage lol.

 

Yea but fuel is the biggest expense expense. There’s a difference between getting 6 vs 7 MPG. More money in your pocket and can keep 100% of that savings.

 

A few years ago I got one of those scanners that plug into the ecm ,and tell you what the mpg is , plus other things. At the time we were doing a lot of 0/S loads, ugly loads, wide and long, not over weight, that little scanner would show 1.5 , 2.5, didnt care, the loads paid very well. Any way that little device is worth what it cost. I am surprised the fellows that do the heavy super size loads dont have a fuel truck behind them.