Brian is spot on with most, if not all, of this video. Something interesting to note for the 6:44 mark - there probably was a tendency, and reasoning, behind getting stronger engines (500 HP or more) - higher torque often followed with higher HP. Back in the day, peak torque ranges were narrower from today (from what I can tell). The old-school drivers who were, and some still are, driving manuals found a lot less shifting to keep going in rolling hills with the souped-up engines and miserable fuel economies. This explains the desire, and hold-overs, to thinking they need higher HP. What they really wanted was higher and broader torque ranges. In the modern day (trucks built over the last five to seven years) the trucks have become pretty danged smart. A driver using an automated transmission can just put his or her foot down to the floor on hills and let the truck's powertrain and ECM choose gearing and RPM's. Coupled with the advent of broader, earlier peak torque curves, the old ways of spec'ing trucks - which very well may have been valid - are not applicable to spec'ing modern trucks. With peak torque happening as early as 950 RPM now, that should be taken into consideration when choosing the correct rear-end ratio for given routes. 2.64 and 2.47 can work a lot of routes, now, and I've been hearing about some being built with 2.26 and 2.15 rear-end ratios (with special considerations) all in the name of fuel economy.
_Dude, this is 100% this makes my knowledge about gear ratios horsepower and torque tire size completely obsolete because the trucks computer make the adaptation no matter what gear ratio or horsepower I have for optimal fuel economy and, however, I beg to differ, the Cummins X 15 has made a very heavy comeback in some of the old knowledge us old heads would use_
A truck that runs a 2.21 direct drive ratio is multiplying the horsepower and torque to the wheels until it is in the 1.00:1 gear ratio. If it has an overdrive transmission it is reducing horsepower and torque in overdrive gears. If you want to run a direct drive set up I agree with the premise of running 455 or 475 horsepower engines. With the Detroit DD15, DD16, and Cummins X15 engines if you are at 500 or more you are better off with an overdrive set up. The place where I disagree with Brian is in his understanding of horsepower and it's relation to efficiency in a load pulling engine. I know plenty of wiser drivers that understand that horsepower and torque when run at the right RPMs is a game changer.
@@hudsondonnell444 I would not recommend a Cummins X15 to truck drivers who are seeking high fuel economy. Even with the Efficiency Series paired to an Eaton Fuller Endurant 12-sp auto, we did not see high fuel economy numbers (mid-7's) during testing.
I’m buying a brand new Freightliner Cascadia with DD15 I’ll be doing OTR (48 states) 75% flat roads,25% NE or NW, I’ll be pulling dry van or reefer (80k lbs.) thank you for your help & sharing your knowledge.Brian & Ronen. Merry Christmas & Happt New Year.
I run from the Carolinas to California X15 565-2050 3.36 gears and have been getting 7-7.8mpg since I bought my truck what I have found in my time on the road around 15years driving habits make more of a difference than any truck spec
Biggest thing is managing your speed and truck maintenance I do have an apu and I use it I only drive around 65mph and I try to drive overnight less traffic normally and it is cooler so I don’t have to use my engine fan as often
I think with the 565 2050 torque, that high rear end might be costing you in mpg and efficiency. Look into the 3.08 rear for that peak torque, and you'd be sitting at about 1200-1250rpm. That's assuming 22.5 lo pros, and 70 mph in 18 speed, top gear operation. Since you're only at .75 in double overdrive, if you're in 16th gear (or 11th if you're in a 13 sp) you're actually operating at a higher rpm with less available torque which is why I suggested the 3.08. Though you may have got the truck off the dealer inventory in which case that makes sense because most trucks on the paccar or Detroit lots I've seen are either 3.24, or 3.36. Good luck in any case.
I got a tip: Get a navigation system which shows how much feet you gonna climp up hills total on certain routes and then you can chose a route which is maybe longer but you only have to climb up half as much which could you save you a lot of fuel. A video with different navigation options would be good😊
KW W900/Pete 389 565hsp 2050trq 13/18sp transmission 3.55 ratio Personally, when I buy my dream truck, I wouldn’t own an automatic……while I live in the south east, I run a lot of the NW……while I won’t get the greatest fuel, I will also live comfortably on the road. Yes I agree fuel mileage is most of it, a long hauler must also be able to be comfortable and enjoy what he/she is doing in their own equipment…..just my personal opinion
3.55 is going to absolutely destroy your fuel economy. Go with 2.73 or something if all you're doing is five axle freight. The extra gears will help you compensate for lower rpms.
Hey Brian and Ronen just wanted to say I love the channel you guys have given me so much valuable information I always watch your guys video. Im currently in Toronto doing my CDL school and would love to work for you guys . If you guys are hiring new drivers please let me know! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks Brian your the best good info on the motor horsepower I got a used t680 It has a 500 Cummings and if I don't pay attention she guzzles fuel the next will definitely be a 450
Good thing I spec'd my truck (Pete 389 with a low roof sleeper) with a 550hp, 1850lb-ft C15 CAT, and an eaton fuller 18 speed with 3.23 rears. I run around california, nevada and arizona, mostly with a flatbed. At 65mph, the engine is turning about 1250rpm in 8H, and the same rpm in 8L at 55mph. It seems pretty happy.
I’ve noticed with the way I drive I have a heavy foot and I get the best fuel economy with a vehicle that has a lot of torque on the bottom of end. Where the weight of the vehicle and the motor has enough power to easily make it motate with barely any action on the throttle
Brian, I must disagree with you on the fuel tank size. On the 579 Pete's I ran, I had 110 gallon tanks and if I filled them full, I'd be too heavy on the steer axles for the US (12000 lbs), and right on the limit for Canada (5500 kg - approx 12125 lbs). US DOT just LOVE pulling in Canadian trucks that are too heavy on the steer axle and giving them a "donation demand" (overweight ticket). I found that out the hard way, so after I got a warning (used my gift of gab to convince the Montana DOT officer to not give me a ticket), I'd only fill to 3/4 on the fuel gauge. That said, like you I very very seldom fuelled in Canada, I usually fuelled up in Shelby MT before I'd cross back heading for Calgary. Good video, though!
Or you could just spec trucks properly with a proper front axle....they do make axles that have a higher weight rating 🤷🏻♂️ yea it might take away from weight to put elsewhere but how often are you really running heavy? Many moons ago I ran a international 9900i with a 13450 steer (edit: with 150 a side) and never had an issue
_This is great information, how I measure my fuel intake is 19 to 25 gallons per 100 miles depending on what engine I’m using with the size of my tanks or how many gallons I can haul_ _He’s 100% correct when it comes to choosing gear ratios a lot of owner operators have no idea what that is especially owner operators who only buy their trucks privately; The higher your gear ratio the more fuel you’re going to burn and the higher your gear ratio the higher your RPMs will be_ _You need to know what states will cost you more fuel because of their mountains valleys and hills, that’s how you can range between 19 to 25 gallons per 100 miles, but the measurement is different during the summertime because fuel expands during the summertime which is the reason why fuel test to be more money per gallon during the summertime_
Helpful as usual, ordering KW, cummins with 525 hp, 1850 torque, 3:55, hauling up to 45000lb, east coast and hills, still debating on 500hp, 1750 torque and 3:36. Just for fyi, when you go to dealership, they use their software which pairs your specs. I am leaning towards 500hp, 3:36 . Might haul flatbed in the future. Please give your thoughts on that. Thank you for your effort!👍👊
I run east coast step deck 75k 19 pete 579 paccar mx13 455 1750 3.10 13 spd 7.2 mpg @65 Empty gross 32k 10.2 @65 Had a 2011 386 rgn avg gross 105k Cummins isx 550 2050 deleted 18 spd 3.73 6.8 @60. Empty Gross 42k 11.3 @65 I'd rather have the almost million mile 2011 back There is alot more drag in open deck applications with spread axles Spend the extra 1500 for aperia halos
Hey fellas! 1st, thanks for being so helpful. I'm looking to buy my own truck (used, nothing newer than 2007). I also plan to pull a double drop 2-3axle. Im primarily out of NC or GA, and I run anywhere😁 but I'm looking for the best truck I can find to do the job. I'm also looking for a little mentorship, but heavy haul guys are tight-lipped. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hello! I'd love your opinion on how to spec a tanker tractor. We load on a scale and often (almost always) get as close as we can to 80K. I'm more interested in maximizing my fuel economy than how fast I can climb a mountain. You didn't mention why one would prefer a 15 or 13 liter engine??? I couldn't agree with you more on the 150s. Buy fuel when/where it's cheap.
I think it depends on how heavy you’re running. Never want a truck that struggles to climb a hill, if you’re OTR, that’s burning more fuel than the guy in a 565 Cummins 3.55 on the rears with 39k in the box. He’s running up that hill and not even breaking a sweat.
I’m buying a Volvo 2020 and up for transporting steel coils from toronto /Hamilton area to Michigan/Ohio on a flatbed with 6 axles.My max weight will be approx 120000lbs
It’s funny this video comes up now because I was just looking at the Freightliner website an hour ago and Specing a new Cascadia. We haul household goods and are currently running a 2012 Cascadia with a DD 15 and a 10 speed manual not sure what the final drive ratio is. I am paying 1850 a month to rent the truck from a friend but the repairs are starting to eat me up. I know that if I purchase a 2022 I will be paying more per month but with the added fuel economy in the lower repair cost I think I might end up ahead of the game for the next couple years at least.
So I’m not too knowledgeable but maybe you guys can add you two cents. So I know pickup truck and car enthusiasts swap ties, axle gear ratios, and flash there “ecu” (Or whatever the flash program) to gain power. You guys advocate new trucks for fuel savings (I know stats “new saves fuel”), but you have a high finance payment. So this video got me thinking, why not get a quality older truck take it to a shop and get your rear and ratio down like in the video, d-tune the truck power, and get low resistant tires. Wouldn’t that make you similar to new trucks minus the new aero dynamics? And a better built quality, lower to maintain truck, with cheaper repair parts, and a much lower financial obligation? I’d really like your guys opinion on this as I’m looking to get in the game but I think your new truck analysis my be wrong for the new comers. It might be great for those who have there houses hold, and finances in order. Example you wouldn’t necessarily buy a brand new car for fuel savings when and older one can do the same job as long as it’s not a lemon and nickeling and diming you. A new vs used civic or Corolla or f150 or 1500 fuel economy isn’t all that different when spect the same.
Great video, thank you so much. Partially out of curiosity and partially out of planning for the future, I've been curious about the pros and cons of the DD13 vs the DD15 since they are essentially the same hp and torque. Thank you.
I can tell you from having driven a t680 with a Cummins and a mx13 that the Cummins has a wider range of peak torque from about 1000 to 1700 rpm while the 13 liter mx13 had peak torque range from maybe 1200 to 1500,thats just what i felt.i would always choose a bigger engine,also its the fuel thats doing the work,so it takes a certain amount of fuel to perform work regardless of engine.
Used truck only Southeast and Midwest.... Volvo VNL 780 or Peterbilt T680 prefer pre-emissions; but to be reasonable in today's market will consider 2015-2018 Why Volvo/Peterbilt? Fuel efficiency and Aerodynamics
Just ordered in Edmonton AB Cascadia 600 hp 22.5 rubber 3.58 ratio 13300 steer 46000 drives. Will haul b train flatbed across western Canada to ad far east as Montreal . Delivery time 4th quarter of 2022
I ordered a 2022 back in April for December delivery Freightliner pushed it back till February so 1st quarter 2022 but they upgraded it to a 2023 model for the delay paid cash so no truck payment I can’t wait
Well got a call from sales guy yesterday afternoon. Freightliner pushed all their cascadias to 1st quarter of 2024. He thinks that a big US carrier bought all the spots up.
_You’re partially correct about the Mack truck, the Mack truck is still America’s truck, however, there are two types of Mack trucks, the bootleg Mack truck and the Mack Mack Mack truck which is the real Mack truck, the bootleg Mack truck is the Mack truck that has Volvo parts including the Volvo engine and that Mack truck has a silver dog ornament on the front hood that’s how you can tell it’s the bootleg Mack truck, now, the Mack Mack Mack truck, the real Mack truck has a gold dog ornament at the front hood indicating that it has the all original parts from Mac, American made, American forged, with your powerful Mac engine_
Gentlemen, I will be hauling cars with a 22,000 pound Cottrell auto haul trailer. My runs will be Southeast and Midwest. What specs should I look for in a semi?
Great videos and love all the info as I'm looking to become an owner operator but I need to know more basic info about why certain gear ratios are chosen so I can better apply the knowledge and make better decisions for what I need instead of basically cookie cutter setups. I want to know why you choose those specs and gears and specifically not another spec. I need more indepth explanations. Thank you for your videos.
Brian and Ronen you guys has been so great with wonderful advices so far. Personally I am greatful. Dear Sir please tell us how we can find the truck these days especially from this November 2021 to November 2022 New or used , where can we find it ??? Or shall we wait for a bit before going out to find the truck. In my case I have been approved already with the bank recommended by you guys of course
Great vedeo mate 👍 I agree with you for today at the last generation of the truck drivers it's not easy finding a good drivers 🙄 about American trucks I import a one from 98model I driving over a million kms on that just I making a normal maintenance change engine oil, greased the points and adjust the brakes because I replaced a automatic for all mechanical brakes and after this mileage when I a compared with a European truck I save money for driving a 6months more than other truck!! just in some 1million kms!! of course depending of the driver 🤔 we making money with a correct truck for a right caind of the work 👌 for making money the best trucks it's without electronics stuffs and full mechanical systems 👌👍👍 the more bigger problem is finding a really professional truck drivers 🤔😕 great vedeo cheers from North of Norway 🇳🇴
If running South Carolina Tennessee Texas 10 percent 3 axle trailer. I'm looking at used because prices agree on 475 horse torque 1750 to 1850 but gear ratio puzzle 355. Just because lighter gear ratio won't pull
Hi guys! Thanks for the so useful video. I am going buy a truck Freightliner cascadia. And I'm gonna pull a heavy load Gross 125000 lbs four axls dry van. Most on flat road. The thing is I'm going one way loaded and return with the empty trailer. Diller recommended DD15 505 HORS 12 speed transmission and 3.55 ratio for this job. In my case is it good spect or you can recommend something different. Watching you guys a lot. Thank you for your job!!!
Looks you are experienced driver, once OTR leaves home don’t know going to Wes coast or east coast or south, I need truck can go all 48 states, Volvo or freight liner, advice please! I have seen new 2024 Volvo and freight line overheating to much, burst radiator, coolant tank
I know this video is a year old, but living in southern Illinois and buying a t680 next gen, especially after seeing your video on them! Running mostly the 44/40 corridor from St. Louis to L.A and accost I-10, but don’t want to rule out Tennessee or the Carolinas. Cruise speed desired at 70; or up to 75 if I needed it. Whatcha think…?
Why 3.08 for Freightliner and 2.64 for Volvo? I have a Cascadia 2018 old body with DD15 455hp DT12 2.64 ratio. I mainly run SoCal to NC on i10 and i20. There are some hills but not big ones. Average weight is 25k and I’m getting 7.2 to 8 mpg.
Hi, i need help with selecting Gear Ratio on a Volvo with 455 HP I-Shift Driving Mid East Flatbed trailers. Weights around 92K LBS total includes Tractor trailer.
Great video. Looking fit first truck. One man small ( tiny) company. Looking to run dry van general freight in the tri-state area: Pa, NY, De, Va, Md, and there about. Any good jewels you can drop would be appreciated. Oh, my n addition to any spec advice, is one brand and or year better than another? Thanks in advance
Thank you so much for your channel !!!! I’m running 87,000 gvw daily from king of Prussia Pennsylvania to Newark New Jersey . Turn like the entire way. What would you recommend if i wanted to go the automatic route ? It’s port work so people advise against it since we run more than is recommended for the truck
Morning, my question is what would you recommend for purchasing a truck that's going to run from GA up to Ohio down to Memphis and back to GA? I love your content. Thanks for any suggestions you may have
Good work Brian!! I'm planning to buy 2 macks (delivery time is shorter than Volvo) and will be running them to east coast. Max load will be 44k. Need your advice plz
This video and u engine blow is from last year Brian. Are u still driving? If u read this don't be so hard on urself with those decisions. At that moment u have that Chace to get that engine fixed without cash and in a situation that's a blessing. My shyt is simular and even tho it's draining I love getting that truck and drive it when fixed. Fix rollll fix rollll. Stacks of drivers are spoiled and don't get this shyt. Get a 10 grand week ck and less money won't makkem happy no more. Anyway good luck
Hello how are you, what can you tell me about a volvo 780 with a D13 425HP, 12 speed Direct Drive, and gear ratio 2.47, will it be fuel efficient? Thank you
Let's say your flexible.. your hauling power only.. so you can haul flatbed, oversized load, reefer, dry van, connex.. your also willing to travel in the flat grounds & mountains.. My question is.. is there a Default Spec for that?
I will be buying a brand new next Gen. T680 I prefer to have a 13th speed. I drive mostly 11 Western States and I run reefer. But sometimes in the Winter I go East Coast like Pennsylvania. According to you how do you think I should spec my truck
Hey! I am planing to buy new Perterbilt 579. I will haul groceriy loads 35000 to 50000 pounds to the northern Ontario. What should be the specs? Thanks.
We are purchasing a 2019 567 and paying cash for it. My motto is If you cant pay cash for it, you cant afford it. Dont finance anything. You can save up for it.
I have a question if you could answer it. My kids haul armour stone around ontario mainly pits in orillia to fort erie ,sarnia ect. He has 2 trucks 96 pete with a cat in it and a 15 pete that he just rebuilt the cummins to 605. i try to tell them to watch your vids but they seem to think bigger the better. Weight very 80 -100 . trying to talk him into a new kenworth t680 what would you recommend .
I’m gonna do a lease purchase from Wasatch Leasing. I’ll generally be running in Texas with every now and then running California loads from west to east so I’ll be doing hills from time to time. With ordering a 2022 Freightliner solo reefer driver, what should I spec the truck at?
Great video I would love some help changing my rear differential I drive an old w9 (I know not the most feul efficient ) with a cat engine 500hp and 390 something rear differential am based out of Tennesse so I do encounter hills , is the 350 differential the lowest I could go and cope with hills or what would you recommend? Ps my loads are usually under 30,000 dry van
Hi brian, looking to spec a new freightliner cascadia. Mostly local driving in ny pulling construction equipment loads from 50k - 80k Want to stick with a eaton 10 speed stick What hp and gear ratio would you recommend?
If you are planning on running coast to coast primarily I40 and I80 sometimes I20, what would you recommend? Mainly North Carolina to California. A couple of mountain ranges that you might deal with a few times a week but a lot of flat land as you cross the U.S.
Hi Brian I'm looking to buy a used 2007 Freightliner Fld 132 classic xl with Detroit 60 on it 13 speed manual transmission how would I spec my truck is it worth it to buy this truck I'm running west coast and east coast and I'm hauling a reefer freight with 60,000 to 70,000 pounds of load with 12.7 L 455hp can I make it up the hill
