It's a Team's Life
Day 2 of 58 mph to 65 mph test
The second day driving was much easier and the speed felt comfortable. Our Detroit Diesel DD13 370 hp motor is a constant source of amazement as it quietly goes about its job. The DD13 has climbed many mountains now and I know the sound of when the motor goes to work, which is not often. While I am working through running faster and changing my driving habits the DD13 quietly works away doing what is asked of it quietly and efficiently.
On day two across Kansas and Missouri I hit cross winds, tail winds, and head winds which I could tell in Kansas by the grass waving around and the trees in Missouri. Often I do not realize the wind is blowing due to the stability of the truck. I have stopped in the past and about had the door ripped out of my hands because I had no clue how bad the wind was actually blowing.
Another clue I had the wind was blowing was my fuel mileage on the dash never was able to get about 10.48 which was disappointing. We cannot tell when our motor is performing a regen, which could have been happening and would contribute to the less then stellar fuel mileage. The temperature was not a factor as it staying around 50 degrees. We fueled in Texas and I am guessing it was not a winter blend.
We fueled in Foristell, MO and using the odometer we averaged 10.08 for 1026 miles. While this is a good number it is not what we are used to seeing for this many miles. Things that I think did or could have contributed to this fuel mileage:
Driving on back roads and slowing down many times for small towns
Wind
Rain
Possible regen
Pusher axle lowered for part of our trip
Henry Albert numbers going for 65 to 60 also suffered a little yesterday due to wind. Even with the wind for a T/T he is showing amazing results. Read more on his blog:
Henry Albert's Slice of Trucker Life Blog
Bob & Linda Caffee
Leased to: FedEx Custom Critical 

TeamCaffee

Saint Louis MO
Expediters 7 years been out here on the road 12 years
Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 

Expediting isn't just a lifestyle, it's an adventure;

Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;

Expediting isn't just a job, it's a business.