The Freightliner Cascadia is the future and the evolution of the Freightliner Columbia. As the truck in one of the most fuel-efficient semi-tractor in North America, other truck manufactures such as Volvo, Kenworth, Peterbuilt, Hino and International have some tough competition. However, the Cascadia was not always one of the best trucks for truck drivers. From 2008 to 2011, Freightliner attempted to create a revolutionary truck that releases cleaner air and is very fuel-efficient, but failed. They had fatal errors and purchasers of the Cascadia always had second thoughts. That had all ended with the 2012 model of the Freightliner Cascadia, with its new DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system. With improvements like this in such little time, today I am going to be quickly reviewing the Freightliner Cascadia.
Transport truck drivers admire the Freightliner Cascadia. As buyers can pick the engine they prefer, Cascadia’s come with two engine manufacturer choices: Detroit and Cummins. As Detroit offers Freightliner Cascadia’s DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines, Cummins also competes with their ISX15 and Westport ISX12 G. However, as many transport truck drivers choose Detroit over Cummins for maintenance, Cummins engines do offers a lot of horsepower and torque as well. This is one of the main reasons why the Freightliner Cascadia excels, as it is easy maintain. Many truck drivers who purchase a Volvo 670 or Volvo 780 always seem to experience expensive repairs and maintenance issues.
Another reason why the Cascadia is a dream truck for transport truck drivers is its aerodynamics. Freightliner did hire some expert industrial designers as the truck just rips through the tough winds on the highway. As transport truck drivers’ drive anywhere from 11 hours to 16 hours a day, aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency is very important. Easily, due to the truck’s aerodynamics, the Cascadia is able to get 8 miles a gallon to even 10 miles a gallon. The truck may get lower mileage such as 6 or 7 miles a gallon if the trailer or load is heavy and fully loaded as well. Fuel-efficiency is key as truck drivers fuel every two days or so and spend thousands of dollars doing so. As the ride is very quiet as well, the tight seals give the driver peace and save him a few extra dollars as well.
Now, let’s move to the negative facts of this truck. From the sale representatives and drivers my dad and I have talked to, the only point many drivers bring out is the transmission. Drivers seem to complain that the automatic transmission in Freightliner Cascadia’s is just terrible. According to most drivers, they have terrible shifting times and they do not do to well on up hills. Many truck drivers, including my dad prefer the I-Shift automatic transmission Volvo has to offer with their 670’s and 780’s. All in all, drivers prefer more of the I-Shift transmission then Eaton for automatic transmission and driving.
Overall, the Freightliner Cascadia is a phenomenal truck. Though the truck lacks the technology for automatic transmission, the fuel-efficiency and engine choice make up for that. Giving drivers the travel distance needed, the Freightliner Cascadia is a quiet and smooth ride. With all the trucks I have been in, I would easily pick the Freightliner Cascadia over any Kenworth, Peterbilt, Hino or International, as there are more repair shops and are more fuel-efficient and spacious as well. As I am still having difficulty choosing between the spacious Volvo 780, or the powerful and fuel-efficient Freightliner Cascadia, both trucks excel at great things and still need improvements overall.
Transport truck drivers admire the Freightliner Cascadia. As buyers can pick the engine they prefer, Cascadia’s come with two engine manufacturer choices: Detroit and Cummins. As Detroit offers Freightliner Cascadia’s DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines, Cummins also competes with their ISX15 and Westport ISX12 G. However, as many transport truck drivers choose Detroit over Cummins for maintenance, Cummins engines do offers a lot of horsepower and torque as well. This is one of the main reasons why the Freightliner Cascadia excels, as it is easy maintain. Many truck drivers who purchase a Volvo 670 or Volvo 780 always seem to experience expensive repairs and maintenance issues.
Another reason why the Cascadia is a dream truck for transport truck drivers is its aerodynamics. Freightliner did hire some expert industrial designers as the truck just rips through the tough winds on the highway. As transport truck drivers’ drive anywhere from 11 hours to 16 hours a day, aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency is very important. Easily, due to the truck’s aerodynamics, the Cascadia is able to get 8 miles a gallon to even 10 miles a gallon. The truck may get lower mileage such as 6 or 7 miles a gallon if the trailer or load is heavy and fully loaded as well. Fuel-efficiency is key as truck drivers fuel every two days or so and spend thousands of dollars doing so. As the ride is very quiet as well, the tight seals give the driver peace and save him a few extra dollars as well.
Now, let’s move to the negative facts of this truck. From the sale representatives and drivers my dad and I have talked to, the only point many drivers bring out is the transmission. Drivers seem to complain that the automatic transmission in Freightliner Cascadia’s is just terrible. According to most drivers, they have terrible shifting times and they do not do to well on up hills. Many truck drivers, including my dad prefer the I-Shift automatic transmission Volvo has to offer with their 670’s and 780’s. All in all, drivers prefer more of the I-Shift transmission then Eaton for automatic transmission and driving.
Overall, the Freightliner Cascadia is a phenomenal truck. Though the truck lacks the technology for automatic transmission, the fuel-efficiency and engine choice make up for that. Giving drivers the travel distance needed, the Freightliner Cascadia is a quiet and smooth ride. With all the trucks I have been in, I would easily pick the Freightliner Cascadia over any Kenworth, Peterbilt, Hino or International, as there are more repair shops and are more fuel-efficient and spacious as well. As I am still having difficulty choosing between the spacious Volvo 780, or the powerful and fuel-efficient Freightliner Cascadia, both trucks excel at great things and still need improvements overall.