Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/165354
Evolution evolves Behind the wheel, I was reminded what a great job Freightliner does to deliver an automotive-like feel to the driver. The way the seat, instruments and dash are configured provides a snug, contoured feel. The addition of hoodmounted wide-angle mirrors is a nice touch and makes traffic checks a cinch. The mirrors are virtually vibration-free and are integrated seamlessly into the vehicle's overall aesthetics. Hauling a tad more than 50,000 pounds, I found acceleration, cruising and passing to be no problem. Thanks to 400 natural gas horses coming out of the ISX12 G in front of me and an optimized Allison 4000 Series automatic transmission putting that power to the drive axle, there was no need to wring my hands about the "power deficit" you hear people talk about when it comes to natural gas. Configure the truck properly, and your drivers will have no problem reaching and remaining at highway speeds. Cummins has delivered a perfect midrange natural gas engine that can serve a wide array of on-highway and regional-haul applications. The Leaders in combining advanced & proven technology to create the ultimate truck Freightliner Cascadia 113 Daycab Specs Engine: Cummins ISX 12 G Horsepower: 400 Torque: 1,450 lb.-ft. Transmission: Allison 4000 Series Automatic Fuel: Compressed natural gas Fuel System: Agility, 115 diesel gallon equivalent with 75 DGE cabinet back-of-cab (three 25 DGE tanks), 40 DGE saddlemount tank on left rail; about 90 DGE useable fuel Range: 450-500 miles Wheelbase: 190 inches Rear End Ratio: 3.55 What's a Glider Kit? Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com Jack Roberts is equipment editor for Overdrive. To read other drive tests by Roberts and Steve Sturgess, scan this code or visit OverdriveOnline. com/drive-tests. For over 20 years, Fitzgerald Truck Sales has been the largest glider kit dealer in the country. We have refined our production of gliders into a steady enterprise, which earned us the name of "The Glider Kit Specialist". A glider kit is a completed chassis purchased without an engine and transmission. We then install a custom built pre-emission engine and remanufactured transmission to create the ultimate truck! We have over 400 units in stock to choose from! What are the Benefits? • Our price averages 25-35% below MSRP of a new comparable truck • More fuel efficient, Lower maintenance cost, Less downtime • 3 year/300k nationwide engine warranty • 3 year standard nationwide transmission warranty • Daimler and GE financing available LOWER YOUR EXPENSES. INCREASE YOUR PROFITS! The added savings of the fuel efficient rebuilt 12.7 Liter Detroit 60 series are very substantial with an average of 6.8 - 7.5 MPG. SALES (888) 748-7153 www.fitzgeraldgliderkits.com September 2013 | Overdrive | 41 Fitzgerald_OVD0813_PG019.indd 1 Test_Drive_0913.indd 41 8/12/13 8:23 AM 8/28/13 11:31 AM