I've had a new Cascadia for just over a month now and I have some questions for others who have one. First of all, it was really difficult to give up my old truck. I've had that truck for over a year and it has been a good truck for the most part, but the shops just don't seem to know how to fix a simple problem. Ok, so the questions are: 1. Obviously, How do you refill the DEF fluid? I've had to refill twice so far and was able to do it at a terminal. But what if I'm away from a terminal and need to fill up? Do you buy one of the 2 gallon jugs then turn in the receipts to get reimbursed? Pilot has been advertising DEF at the pumps, although I really haven't seen that anywhere yet. How does that work? Do you pay for it with the comdata card or cash? 2. The engine brake. Do you leave your engine break on all the time? I find that downshifting with the brake on isn't too bad, but upshifting is a whole nother matter. Do you turn off the brake to upshift? Also, in the drivers manual for the truck, it said something about the engine brake is most effective at 1800 rpms. Does that mean that the engine should be at 1800 when going down a hill? So far, it doesn't seem to be very effective trying to maintain a safe speed and not over revving anything. 3. Is there anything else I should know about the truck? Anybody have any problems with there truck? I know when I got mine in Memphis, there were a couple other drivers also getting a new truck and there were some that had some problems right off. Thanks for any info and advice you can offer.
I can answer number 2 for you. If you need it away from the terminal, get it in bulk. I think that the company drivers can use their fuel card to purchase it. Try not to purchase the 2 gallong jug. they are about $16-$17 a jug. Bulk at the loves and Pilots, about $2.80 gallon. the best suggestion, if you are starting to run low and you are getting fuel and they have bulk, get it then. I am not sure how Swift s about just getting bulk when needed and not a fuel stop.
i get def every time i go through a terminal whether i need it or not. if it's not at the fuel island then it's in the quick lane. also, i treat half tank like empty tank and make it a priority to get to a terminal. i have not bothered to hassle with truck stop def. i leave my jakes on all the time. if i don't want them to kick then i touch the clutch pedal with my left foot. with a cummins, they'll bend you over the steering wheel all the way down to 1100 rpm. the week i drove a detroit i had better results hanging my hand out the window like an airbrake.
Thanks for the replies. So far I have been getting the DEF at the terminals, but the last time I ran it down pretty low. The suggetion about treating half a tank as an empty tank sounds like a good idea. The 2 gallon jug was about $13 the last time I checked. It had been suggested to me before to get the jug and when filling up at a terminal to refill the jug also, thus keeping extra on hand. That's funny about using the hand like an airbrake, but it sure sounds about right. At least with this Cascadia anyway. My old Columbia was much better on the engine brake than this truck.
I have heard the Phoenix mechanics say "park the F/L's over night and parts just fall off them!" My company we are getting new T660's and Cascadias. The Cascadia has a Detroit. I up shift with the Jake on when I am loaded. No problems. It's a 10 speed auto shift! They sure do have switches etc in weird places. I was wondering if you were still at Swift. Guess this answers my question.
When I am at a terminal, I will fill up, but I am not by them much, and really not going to take the time to get off a interstate just to get to one for DEF. I guess that you are on E-logs, so you have to remember, the time that it will take to get off the interstate, then wait in the Pre-Qual lane if that is where the DEF is, and then get back on. Terminals like Denver, Columbus and SLC to name a few. Columbus is still in the pre-qual lane, and if you are stuck behind 3-5 trucks waiting, then how long of a wait, and time from your log book. Getting bulk def is not that bad at the Loves and Pilots.
I know that as far as O/O, yes. Just started about 2 weeks ago. Not sure about the company side. I wonder if when they plan a fuel stop, is it one that has bulk DEF, and if not, then do they have to call in to have it opened at another one.
