Help my MPG

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by truckereddy, Apr 19, 2014.

  1. truckereddy

    truckereddy Bobtail Member

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    I have an 09 Volvo cummins isx 400 13 speed 3.55 rears. I recently got a new job its local drive around 60 miles one way loaded 68 to 80k mostly high 70s backhaul is empty most times or very light 60k.Also its different trailers all the time dry van and flat beds I wont know what they are till I go hook up to it. No matter what I do my avg is 6 mpg I slow down speed up all the same. What can I do to help improve this. I have read some post of guys getting 7-9 mpg is that even possible I think its lies idk what to do. Do fleet air filters, air tabs, work what else? I cant do super singles that's for sure.
     
  2. Mev

    Mev Road Train Member

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    I have a international with a 10 speed .... it gets about 5.5 mpg at 79,000 lbs

    Thats Iowa to California ..... those are my routes

    The tractor is brand new with all the latest high tech stuff on board

    cruise holds it at 65 mph
     
  3. freightlinerman

    freightlinerman Road Train Member

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    Your engine is not running right, hence the 6 MPG. You should be able to get 7-10 MPG if it is running correctly. There is a whole thread on doing a DIY tune up http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...3-cummins-isx-cm871-technical-discussion.html . I had a Volvo like yours but with a 9 speed, the engine would regenerate three times a day. I was also burning coolant and I got poop MPG's. It was a company truck, but the mileage was still bad. DOn't blow money on air tabs yet, fix the root course of the problem. REad that thread.
     
  4. truckereddy

    truckereddy Bobtail Member

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    I have read that, my egr is in test mode so no alarms anymore.
     
  5. Davidlee

    Davidlee Medium Load Member

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    I am almost certain you can save a few pennies, by making sure the trailer tires are properly inflated before pulling off.
     
  6. milskired

    milskired Road Train Member

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    This is crazy!!! The truck I am looking at is a 379 with a 550 Cat and the owner right now runs no less then 68 and runs a reefer with no roof fairing and is usually 75-80K and manages to get 5.5-5.7 mpg!!! That is with cheap high rolling resistance tires too!!!
     
  7. Davidlee

    Davidlee Medium Load Member

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    By todays standards that would be poor fuel economy, right?
     
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  8. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    Still not horrible, But not great. I'd rather pay for a c15 fuel mpg than deal with a new Dpf truck.
     
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  9. dynogt16

    dynogt16 Light Load Member

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    try keeping your rpms around 1400 or speed down but run in 12th not 13th. Check and set tire pressure at the beginning of the day not middle if you do. if youre drop and hook chances are you got crap tires on the trailer. Keep an air hose to air trailer tires. cause honestly how many drop and hook drivers check tire pressure most kick and go. hope that helps.
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    stop and go is a killer on fuel mileage.

    you want better mileage. take cross country trips.

    get the right truck with engine. and trailer. 7 isn't hard to accomplish. but man, i struggle to hit 9. BOBTAIL.