8 Diesel Power Innovations for Safe, Clean Trucking

Sometimes you have to toot your own horn to draw attention to your achievements. Why? Because there is so much other noise, and when the cause is worthy you want to draw attention to it, to be heard over the noise of the herd.

This seems to be one of the roles of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF). They don't toot their own horn, but instead make known the achievements of others who are working to advance clean diesel technology. These achievements seldom get the attention they deserve, hence the DTF keeps beating the drum.

On August 27 they published a story about seven examples of innovation involving diesel engine technology. Diesel advances are being demonstrated that will serve our nation for decades into the future. The article is titled Trucking Into the Future with 7 Innovations in Diesel Power but it actually lists eight areas where improvements are taking place. We'll elaborate on these below.

Whereas electrification and hydrogen are currently being ballyhooed as the future of transport power, improvements in diesel have been taking place and will remain with us going forward. These improvements are both in the engine itself and the fuels of the future.

For years the Department of Energy has been partnering with the trucking industry to move the industry forward. The partnership produced a SuperTruck Program with teams of engineers from engine and truck manufacturers to improve emissions and energy efficiency, the same drivers that were initiated a half century ago. Today the program is in a new phase called SuperTruck II.

The three targets for SuperTruck II are:
--Greater than 100 percent improvement in freight efficiency (relative to a 2009 baseline.)
--Demonstrate a 55 percent or better engine BTE at 65 mph.
--Development of cost-effective efficiency technologies.

Here's one example of what the Cummins SuperTruck II team achieved. Brake thermal efficiency is used to assess how well an engine converts heat from a fuel into mechanical energy. Cummins realized a never before gain of 55 percent brake themal efficiency in a heavy duty diesel engine. SuperTruck II improved CO2 emissions by 50 percent and doubled efficiency.

Here are seven examples of innovation highlighted in the DTF article.

1. Combustion Efficiency: To be achieved by means of new metal components, cylinder and piston designs, bearings, rings, valves, camshafts and more including specialized coatings. (See yesterday's story that mentions Nanoslide cylinder walls.)

2. Engine Management: By controlling combustion events, engines can be optimized in accordance with driving and weather conditions. Some of the innovations here include dynamic skip fire and cylinder deactivation. Recent announcements tout modest reduction of CO2 emissions here.

3. Future Engine Configuration: Most engines today are inline V configurations. Achates Power is testing an opposed piston (OP) engine that some are calling a game changer. OP engines improve efficiency will simultaneously reducing NOx. California likes what is happening with the OP engine that it is helping fund this research which aims to reduce NOx by 90 percent.

4. Electrifying Engine Components: This is another means by which greater efficiencies are achieved. This move may lead to great hybridization in some truck segments.

5. Optimized and Integrated Powertrain: Improvements in the way engines and transmissions work together can also deliver greater fuel savings and reduce emissions.

6. Emission Control System Optimization: Selective Catalytic Reduction systems (SCR) and particulate filters continue to become more efficient.

7. Fuel Revolution: Experiments with biobased fuels have been taking place for decades. Biobased diesel fuels deliver proven reductions in emissions compared to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel.

8. Synthetic E-fuels: Because a majority of internal combustion vehicles will be around for years to come (even decades), efforts are being made to improve their performance by means of fuels. E-fuels are created using clean electricity and purportedly have the potential to produce climate-neutral outcomes for the majority of vehicles. 

The bottom line: Diesel engines are "poised to continue to deliver the goods and the benefits in the decades ahead."

Read the complete story here:
https://dieselforum.org/policyinsider/trucking-into-the-future-with-7-innovations-in-diesel-power

Photo Credit:  Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash  

A Diesel Anecdote, Plus a Little Advice from Forrest Gump

No question about it, the film Forrest Gump was a major achievement for Hollywood as well as for its star Tom Hanks. It was one of the most original and memorable films of 1994. 

The story followed the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind hearted man whose life intersected with many historical moments in U.S. history. Borrowing a technique employed by Woody Allen in his short feature Zelig, in a number of scenes we see Gump is inserted into real footage from history, interacting with U.S. presidents JFK, LBJ and others. 

Woven throughout the film are various pearls of wisdom delivered by its hero. You've likely heard, "My mama said 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." 

Forrest Gump has a masterful and entertaining way of presenting valuable life lessons. Many of them are delivered as proverbial insights from Forrest's mother (Sally Field) whom he loves to quote. For example, several times in the film Forrest is asked if he were stupid. Gump replies, "My mama says that stupid is as stupid does." What she meant, and we need to learn, is that a person should be judged by his or her actions.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware hack earlier this month hit the Southeast like a jackhammer. In parts of the Southeast 85% of the gas stations were out of gas. The Colonial Pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey and supplies 45% of the fuel to this region. As of yesterday, two-thirds of all gas stations in Washington D.C. were empty.

Against this backdrop we came across a story that shows how dangerous it is to rely on advice you find on social media. The article appeared in USA Today's Fact Check column. It's titled, Fact Check: Watered-down diesel can't be used in a gas-powered engine.

This attention-grabbing headline implies that someone actually said you can do this. So I read further.

As you can imagine, people were panicking last week because of the fuel shortages. Some of these who looked online for solutions came across a post on Facebook that read, "Remember, if the station is out of gas you can put diesel in your car as long as you water it down."

What!!!?

To make matters worse, the post was shared 1800 times. Perhaps it was shared as a joke, but if someone actually attempted to implement this advice, they would be in a serious quandary. First, the USA Today piece explains, "diesel fuel is thicker than gasoline and can damage components in a gas-powered vehicle. Adding water doesn't help, though, and does its own harm."

No kidding. As the article goes on to note, just as water and oil don't mix, neither does water and diesel fuel. Inside the tank, the water will settle to the bottom and rust your fuel tank.

For the record, gasoline and diesel fuel don't mix either. That is why they have distinct dispensing nozzles and color schemes at the pump.

By the time you reach the end of the article they hardly have to spell it out, but they do. The claim that you can mix oil with diesel fuel is... False. 

* * * 

Related Links

USA Today--Watered-down diesel Fact Check

Washington Post Map of Gasoline Shortages

What Happens if You Put Diesel in a Gasoline Car?

Champion Blue Flame Named Official Oil of 2021 East Coast Diesel Nationals

Photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Here's another sign of spring, and evidence that things are opening up again for diesel enthusiasts and the economy.

This week Champion Oil announced that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has selected Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil of the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17^th  held at Numidia Dragway, 10 Dragstrip Road, Numidia PA. 

 

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. Diesel Motorsports holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year while also building a membership that offers benefits for business members as well as fans with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Diesel Motorsports events are all about diesels, and include a large Vendor Alley at each event. 

 

The prestigious event in Numidia, PA is Diesel Motorsports' biggest “diesel only” show of the year with drag racing, sled pulling, Show-N-Shine, dyno competition and more.  Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno and Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at  10am with pulling starting at 1pm. Visit the Diesel Motorsports website for specific class guidelines.

This year Champion Oil has designed a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here:  https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

Drag Racing Classes include:

• Street Truck: Competitors will run with street trucks with no times, just lane winner at end of track lights! Race against your buddies with no worries about anything but who the winner was on the pass!

• ET Bracket Class: Competitors race against their dial-in efforts to predict, react and perform better than the competition without breaking out from their timed number.

• 12.0 Quick Diesel: Indexed at 12 seconds, this class leaves the starting line together (heads-up style) and the first legal racer to cross the line without running quicker than the index wins.

• Heads-Up Truck: Full size trucks with proper safety equipment compete on an unlimited, heads-up racing in 1/8 and/or 1/4 track!

• Pro Stock: Fiberglass-bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads-up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4-mile action. 

• Top Diesel: Diesel dragsters designed for all out speed compete heads up in 1/4-mile action.

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited.

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

Sled Pulling Classes include:

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited. 

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

 

Champion Brands Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Motor Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion Brands Blue Flame® Diesel Motor Oil delivers unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Purchase oil here at  https://theblueflameblogger.blogspot.com/2021/

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

Intro to Diesel World's Chronology of Vintage Diesel Light Trucks

1959 Land Rover Series II long wheelbase pickup

The history of transportation is fascinating. One of the most intriguing transition points in that history was the invention of the automobile. Before cars and trucks, horses were the mainstay of transportation. When automobiles entered the picture, the only clue that horses preceded them was that we still use horsepower as a measurement.

Even though the diesel engine had been developed in the 1890's, the early 20th century became a battleground between gasoline powered engines and electric. In fact, electric cars were so popular that half of all automobiles were electric. The problem they had, however, was two-fold. They were not reliable, and there was a limit to how far you could drive on one charge, which was about 17 miles. A trip from New York to Boston would indeed be a problem. How many charging stations were there between home and any out of town destination?

Gasoline-powered cars weren't exactly safe either, though. If you've ever see old films from the beginning of the 20th century, you may recall seeing hand-cranks to start the car. More than a few car owners were crushed inside their garages when they cranked it, got it started and it lurched forward. The electric starter was a most welcome invention indeed. An oil boom made gasoline cheap and the path ahead became clear and easy. 

All these thoughts came to mind as I was reading the introduction to Jim Allen's 2019 Diesel World article "A Chronology of Vintage Diesel Light Trucks in America." His intro to the history of diesel light trucks begins with an important fact about diesel engines. In the beginning these beasts were massive. Allen writes, "In the early days of diesel engines, downsizing them was a huge challenge. Given enough capital, engineers can work through almost any technical challenge. But investors was a return on investment so there needs to be market incentive."

In short, the pace of development was dictated by market demand and the incentives weren't there. By the 1930s they could be fit into big trucks, some watercraft and other applications. Then the war came along, accelerating many new developments. After the war diesel engines were downsized enough to where a light truck market could development, but there were still further technical kinks to work out. 

The first issue was the problem of batteries. In frigid weather it took a lot of batteries to cold start a diesel engine. This mean that even though the engines were smaller, there still wasn't room in the engine compartment for those extra batteries. Starting a diesel engine wasn't so easy to begin with, and the public wasn't ready to embrace it. And initially, they didn't have the power we have all come to appreciate today. A V-8 under the hood could run circles around those 1950s diesels.

Early direct injection Mercedes-Benz OM 352

Then there was that other hurdle to get over. The infrastructure for diesel fueling was not yet in place either. That's one of the factors that killed the enthusiasm for electric cars in the first decade of the century, and diesel owners faced the same dilemma. 

By the 1970s, Allen write, the U.S. diesel market was at least 20 years behind where our European counterparts were. And then the 1973 gas crunch his. Suddenly, diesels began getting some respect for their fuel economy benefits. Until that time, light duty diesel trucks were something only nerdy people appreciated. Afterwards, the perception was that these people had been quite forward looking. And once infrastructure development was in place, it was possible to have a serious diesel car and truck market.

Not every move toward diesel went smoothly though. Oldsmobile's diesel cars were not a high water mark for the Oldsmobile brand. Allen calls that effort part of Olds' "Days of Infamy." Fiasco, disaster and a few other words come to mind, with much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But the diesel light truck market came through alright, even if U.S. diesel cars never fully realized their potential. 

Against this backdrop, Diesel World presents an overview of the various vintage diesel trucks that were part of our history. It's a little like researching one's genealogy. With the exception of a few "oddballs" they've dug out all the important contributions that were made through the decades. 

Part one of that story can be found here:
https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-trucks/vintage-diesel-light-trucks-part-one/

Continued Investment and Innovation Helps Advance Diesel Engine Technology

This past week the Diesel Technology Forum submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about ways in which technologies are being developed to decrease emissions and the progress being made. The following information was gleaned from a press release pertaining to these hearings.

* * * 

The presenters began by outlining some of the achievements of past investments in research regarding diesel efficiency and emissions. These investments have not only improved air quality and lowered greenhouse gases, they have also created jobs. 

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum began his remarks by giving a nod to Rudolph Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine, whose birthday was just a few days later. He would have been 163. Many are unaware of the significant role diesel engines play in the global economy, chiefly due to innovation, investment and continuous improvement.

“Today diesel engines are delivering substantial benefits to society in the form of efficient and clean power," said Schaeffer. "Thanks to sustained research and investment from leading manufacturers, suppliers and fuel producers, advanced diesel engines have undergone a fundamental transformation in environmental performance while boosting energy efficiency." 

Many critics of big government are unaware of the vast scope of the various branches of government and their functions. One example of this is the DoE's SuperTruck Program. The SuperTruck Program is a partnership between manufacturers and government that has produced new understandings about combustion and emissions reduction. "The SuperTruck program has translated fundamental research into new commercial technology on the road today that enables trucks to use less fuel and emit fewer greenhouse gases and other emissions," Schaeffer said. 

Research enables us to prepare for a cleaner, sustainable future. It takes investment to learn how to couple hybrid-electric technology with battery storage systems or to find the boundaries of thermal efficiency. We're still scratching the surface of our understanding regarding the full possibilities of renewable biodiesel fuels. We don't really know how much we still don't know.

* * * 

These kinds of hearings are significant because the legislators who make decisions regarding Federal spending need to understand what is possible and not possible in the short-, intermediate- and long-term futures. Schaeffer pointed out that although zero-emissions solutions are the objective, few are available today. This is why analysts predict that diesel engines will "continue to dominate the trucking sector well beyond the 2030 timeframe." 

Other key highlights that were made during the hearings included the following.

Diesel is an Economic Driver: According to research commissioned by the Diesel Technology Forum, industries that produce diesel technology and use these technologies generate $275 billion in economic activity.

Diesel is a U.S. Manufacturing and Skilled Workforce Success Story: Nearly a million diesel engines were produced in 2019. It takes a highly skilled workforce to produce these engines and an ever larger force to keep them runing.

New Technology Diesel Engines Deliver Clean Air Benefits Today: New technology diesel engines have eliminated more than 26 million tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) already since 2010. New diesel trucks are so clean that it would take more than 60 new-generation diesel trucks to equal the emissions from one truck sold in 1988.

New Technology Efficient Diesel Engines Are Delivering Major Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Reductions Today: More efficient diesel trucks now on the road since 2010 have already saved 12 billion gallons of fuel and eliminated 126 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2011 and 2018. This is equivalent to taking 26 million cars off the road for a year.

* * * 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:

Continued Investment, Innovation in Advanced Technology Diesel Engines Sustains Clean Air and Climate Progress

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/continued-investment-innovation-advanced-technology-165900489.html

Limited Edition Armed-Forces-Inspired Ram Trucks Bolt from the Gate

On March 2 another branch of the U.S. armed forces was honored with the introduction of a special edition Built to Serve Ram 1500 pickup. Now available with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, this fifth installment offers a maritime force-inspired theme with both Spitfire and Bright White exterior colors offered, along with a black interior with orange accent stitching. Ram is producing 500 models in Spitfire and 750 models in Bright White.

According to the news release, Ram has been celebrating America's five land, sea and air-based armed forces with Built to Serve editions of its popular Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck lineup. The Built to Serve Ram trucks will be available in Ram dealer showrooms beginning in the second quarter this year.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our armed forces and the brave men and women who serve them. These Built to Serve models are just one way we honor those who have selflessly served our country," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. "Whether civilian or military, Ram truck owners are very familiar with this adage as it's something we strive to build into every truck and van we produce." 

Each of the five U.S. military service branches have now been honored by Ram with two specially selected exterior paint colors that evoke the spirit, the mission and history of that service. One of each branch's "Built to Serve Edition" models is offered in a new low-volume paint option exclusive to this program.

Here are the paint options and quantities for each branch of the service:

• Gator (1,000 units) and Diamond Black Crystal (1,000)
• Ceramic Gray (1,000) and Patriot Blue (1,000)
• Anvil (1,250) and Billet Silver Metallic (1,500)
• Tank (1,000) and Flame Red (1,000)
• Spitfire (500) and Bright White (750)

There are a number of other unique interior and exterior features that set the five breeds apart, including a United States flag and "Built to Serve" decal on each of the rear quarter panels.

Stylish embellishments abound, including 20-inch aluminum wheels with a unique-to-the-edition Technical Gray finish. Body-color wheel flares also accent the exterior.

Each of the new Ram front ends gets a unique treatment consisting of an all-black grille and surround, black bumpers with black-bezel premium lighting. Complementing the look are black badges, black wheel-to-wheel side steps and dual four-inch black exhaust tips.

Inside, the Built to Serve Ram trucks are accented with unique, color stitching that corresponds with each branch of the military: Light Frost, Light Ambassador Blue, Light Diesel Gray, Medium Greystone or Orange.

Underneath the skin, each Ram Built to Serve edition is ready for action, loaded with 4x4 Off-Road Group content, including:

• All-terrain tires
• Electronic-locking rear axle
• Hill-descent control
• Front suspension skid plate
• Steering gear skid plate
• Fuel tank skid plate
• Transfer case skid plate
• Tow hooks
• Heavy-duty off-road-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers

Ram Built to Serve edition packages are available on all body styles and all powertrains.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 7% of the U.S. population is an active member, reserve member or veteran of the armed services.

As part of the Built to Serve initiative, Ram is bringing further attention to its volunteer initiative called Ram Nation. Ram Nation has been organizing grassroots volunteer events since 2015 and, through the launch of the Built to Serve edition trucks, is reinforcing its commitment to recognizing those who serve our nation and our communities.

Much the same way that the NFL encourages professional athletes to serve their communities Ram Nation has been recruiting individuals to donate their time and to volunteer in their own communities across the nation. It's an exemplary "leadership through service" mindset. 

In addition to activating the Ram Nation volunteer corps across the U.S., Ram is extending the invitation to all individuals, regardless of whether or not they are a Ram truck owner. To join and learn about new Ram Nation volunteer events, new members can register at www.ramtrucks.com/ram-nation.html.

* * *

Story Source
Ram Launches Final Phase press release
Related: Two Diesel Stories About Ram Fuel Efficiency

2021: What's New In Diesel This Year

A couple weeks ago Rick Popely assembled a story for Cars.com titled What’s New With Diesel Vehicles for 2021?

Popely begins with the disappointing observation of what is not new this year. If you love diesel power and fuel efficiency, you won't find it in a passenger car anymore. Diesel passenger cars are no longer an option in the U.S. market. Part of this pullback is due to recent scandals regarding emissions tampering, as highly publicized in a January NYTimes story. This issue has been a long time coming though. 

It's really too bad since, as Popely correctly notes, "diesels generate far more torque than gas engines, and that low-end grunt makes them the engine of choice for many who need to tow heavy trailers, so you’ll still see this powertrain option in truck and SUV lineups."

Fortunately, there are some pretty stylish SUVs on the market. As for the trucks, we have all the usual suspects, each one amping up their game to not only capture eyeballs but to satisfy the performance standards we've come to expect. Here's what's available for the year 2021. You should go to the Cars.com site (link below) to read about each in more detail and, if you're looking for something to buy, see what's available in your neck of the woods.

The 2021 Escalade and Escalade ESV

As we noted in January, this is the first year Cadillac has offered a diesel engine in more than three decades. The 2021 Escalade is completely redesigned. Both the Escalade and the stretched ESV offer a turbo-diesel 3.0 inline-six-cylinder power plant that delivers 277 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

The Silverado 1500 has increased its towing capacity significantly for 2021. Not only that, this ability to tow more is going to cost less, almost as if we're being nudged into the diesel engine option. The 3500 has also bumped up its guidance for hauling. Additional features include some tailgate refinement and rear cameras, which have benefits as well.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Both the Tahoe and Suburban tout roomier interiors. Pickups have a long history of being workhorses, but a little cramped. This trend of making our "living space" inside the can more luxurious has been going on for quite some time.  Popely notes that the Suburban has an added 15 inches of length over the Tahoe, which initially doesn't sound like much, but can make a difference. Purportedly it has 22 more cubic feet for cargo than the Tahoe.

The 2021 Ford F-150

According to Edmund's the Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck and vehicle in America for 40 years. This year's Ford truck has six engine options and the truck itself has had a complete makeover. Popely notes that its more luxurious inside the cab and has a host of new features.

The 2021 GMC Sierra

As with all the others, we get options and more options.The turbo-diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder gives you more power on the 1500 and the 3500 is no slouch either. Ultimately, the Sierra is described as an upscale Silverado. Which it is.

The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL

The Yukons share the same drivetrains as their GM/GMC siblings, but differ in style and interior treatment. In keeping with the desire for more space, these are designed to be roomier as well. There are noteworthy dashboard features cited in the Cars.com article as well.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator

When we first wrote about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator in September we were jazzed by the engineering. The 4WD Jeep has fans coming back for more. 

The 2021 Ram Trucks

Popely makes observation about both the 1500 and the 3500. "The Ram 1500 adds a more efficient diesel model, the Tradesman High Fuel Efficiency EcoDiesel, with an EPA combined rating of 26 mpg, 2 mpg more than the best of the 1500’s other diesel models. On the heavy-duty side, torque on the Ram 3500's Cummins turbo-diesel 6.7-liter rises to 1,075 pounds-feet, and gooseneck towing capacity increases to 37,100 pounds, both best-in-class numbers.

* * *

Make time to check out the additional details. No cars, but they are all stars. 

HERE'S THE LINK to the full story:

https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-new-with-diesel-vehicles-for-2021-432336/

Rick Popely, the author of this story, has covered the auto industry for decades and hosts a weekly online radio show on TalkZone.com.

RV Industry Gets a Boost from Lockdown Blues

That this has been a year like no other goes without saying. Much has been written about the the financial hardships generated by the lockdowns and the psychological impacts. The hunkering down that took place in 2020 made me wonder how the RV business went this year. As I checked a few sites I saw that things took a turn for the worse in March, in part because there were so many unknowns regarding the "novel coronavirus" as they were calling it. Sales were down 20% that month according to one story I read and 80% in April.

Then, things shifted. People did not want to be locked down, and saw the RV lifestyle as a means of escape. According to stats from the RV Industry Association, sales of began to take off in June, which had the most RV sales in over two years, and by fall motorhome and RV sales were so robust that by October Barrron's was writing about the best RV stocks to buy during this travel revival.

Recreatiional Vehicles (RVs) come in all shapes and sizes. Those that are motorized are categorized by class -- Class A, B or C, and a Super C that uses the same diesel power plant that you find in 18-wheelers. There are also those that people tow, including pop-up trailers and fifth wheels. My first trip into Mexico was in a pickup fitted with an over-the-cab camper that sat in the pickup bed.

According to the RVIA the RV industry makes a big footprint in our economy. More than 25 million Americans go RVing each year and we spend more than 60 billion dollars on maintenance and services. With sales of RVs and all that is involved in providing campgrounds and accessories, it's a 114 billion dollar industry. And 98% of all RVs are made in the USA. It's nearly a unique industry in that way. 

Here's an excerpt from their October 2020 Market Report:

The RV Industry Association's October 2020 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments finished the month with 47,326 units, an increase of 21.4% from the 38,972 units shipped in October 2019. This represents the second highest October on record.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, totaled 42,854 units for the month, an increase of 22.9% compared to last October’s total of 34,866 units. Motorhomes finished the month with 4,472 units, up 8.9% compared to the October 2019 total of 4,106 units.

I've always know that diesel engines were a big part of the power in motorhomes and RVs but I was surprised to learn that only 50% of motorhomes are diesel. For sure diesels will give you more power if you're climbing through the Rockies, but there are evidently pros and cons to everything in life. Here is a great debate about Gas vs. Diesel when it comes to RVs.

* * *  

Vintage camper trailer. Wanna get away?

If you're tired of being cooped up and feel a need to get away, motorhomes and RVs have given lot of people wings to fly with the breeze when the urge possesses. If this is all new to you, here is a blog post at KOA that serves as a Beginner's Guide to Buying an RV or Motorhomes.

Sources
Travel & Leisure
Barron's
KOA.com
Town & Country

The Legendary First-Generation Cummins 6BT Diesel Engine

You can tell who the diesel guys are by the way the write about diesel engines and diesel power. From the getgo, there's a sense in which we're always having to be a little defensive, write in a more calculated manner. 

So it is that Henry Cesari's article Monday at Hot Cars begins with this observation: "Diesel engines are divisive: there are many unfair myths surrounding diesel engines." It's almost as if he's saying, "Let's get this out of the way. If you don't like it when I write about diesels, go read something else." We like it and yes, we know diesels have pros and cons, but they're not going to be extinct any time soon. Their role is currently too important.

This article is about when Dodge trucks were mated with Cummins engines to produce the popular, much-heralded 1989 Dodge Ram. It's titled, Looking Back At The First Generation Cummins-Powered Dodge Ram Truck.

It's a great story. From initial vision to completion it took more than five years. When I think about how impatient everyone is today it's obvious that it takes real resolve to complete truly great projects. In most cases--the exception being the Harrier jet--the bigger the plane, the longer the runway required to get it off the ground. Kudos to Dodge and Cummins for their determination and commitment.

Dodge was famous for its trucks long before the Cummins-powered Dodge Ram. The Power Wagon and the Li'l Red Express, for example, were exceedingly popular. Today, 75% of Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 buyers opt for the Cummins engine option, which is able to tow nearly 15 tons with ease.

Cesari not only did his homework, he produces a stimulating read, writing "when thirty years ago, Dodge shoe-horned a Cummins-built diesel engine--intended for heavy equipment use--into their Ram pickups, the two companies incited a diesel revolution. Today, we're looking back at the Cummins-powered 1989-93 Dodge Rams." 

It's surprising how much was involved with making it work. In addition to an impressive engine makeover they followed up with 11 million miles of testing to ensure they'd actually produced a a power plant that was strong but that would also last.

According to Cesari, the Cummins team overbuilt every aspect of the new 6BT engine. The engineers incorporated "seven main bearings on the crankshaft, and six head bolts for every single cylinder. The company built both the block and head out of cast iron. They spared no expense in forging, hardening, and testing components such as the crankshaft, the connecting rods, and the pistons. When Cummins purchased components from outside vendors, they opted for the highest possible quality: the injector pump and the injectors are all durable Bosche units." 

The Cummins-powered 1989-93 Dodge Rams were pretty special. They set the bar high for everything that would follow. The Dodge team knew there could be no shortcuts. Their reputation was on the line.

Read the full article HERE at HotCars..com

For another fun Cummins/Dodge related read this one by Michael Van Runkle also, about a slammed 2019 SEMA special that features a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, stacks, and drop dead good looks.

Diesel Power Helps Deliver Vaccines for the Holidays and Beyond

Refrigerated trucks will be essential to Operation Warp Speed

Most people don't give much thought to what's involved in delivering food to our neighborhood grocery shelves. It's some kind of magical process that we take for granted, though farmers and cattle ranchers have never taken it for granted. Every cog in the distribution chain wheel knows they are just a cog but also integral to a bigger whole: feeding our nation's families.

The same applies to energy transfer. How energy gets created and how it gets distributed are things most of us don't give much thought to. Fortunately there are people who do all that thinking for us, so that we can recharge the batteries on our laptops, iPhones and other devices every day.

This week I saw a story in the Diesel Technology Forum about the role diesel will play in getting Covid under control and our nation working again. The article begins with a paragraph about the strain this pandemic had put on the trucking industry this summer simply to keep the food supply going. The second paragraph notes that getting Operation Warp Speed up to speed, rolling out 300 million vaccines to our entire population, is going to be a challenge but that our nation's diesel-powered haulers are already preparing to play their role, do their part.

The author states that our nation's trucking network "is up to the challenge thanks to diesel power, keeping critical supply chains moving for decades and most recently, ensuring essential goods are available during the pandemic. Today, the fleet of commercial vehicles is predominantly powered by diesel engines and fuel with nearly all – 97 percent – of the fleet of tractor-trailers being powered by diesel."

The two approved vaccines have special handling criteria that present special problems. For example, typical "reefer trucks" (refrigerated trucks) only have to keep frozen foods at a temperature below freezing. These vaccines must be maintained in extremely cold temperatures, and that extreme cold chain must not be broken.

The reliability of diesel transport trucks is one reason the fight against Covid needs our trucking industry. In addition, only diesel trucks have the range and capacity to make the long distance deliveries they have to make. 

No other fuel or technology type has a more extensive global goods movement network of trucks, trains, ships and planes that will meet this challenge all the while continuing to deliver essential goods and the expected increase in online shopping for gifts for the holiday season. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) alone is ready to deliver more than 28 million packages per day between Dec. 16-21 and will average 20.5 million packages per day through the remainder of the year.

As I noted above, we take a lot for granted and seldom appreciate the shipping industry the way we should. Add in FedEx and UPS numbers, and the mind-boggling efficiencies that have been developed in order to make fast, accurate deliveries is something that did not happen overnight. We've come a long ways from the Pony Express. 

You can read the full story here.

Related Links
Safe and Efficient Transport: Why Choose A Refrigerated Truck?
The Impact of Refrigeration (History Magazine)

Return of the Ford Bronco and a Diesel Surprise

No question about it. The Ford Bronco has a storied history. Introduced in 1965 for the upcoming '66 model year, the Bronco experienced three decades of continuous production, then was gone. Evidently, Ford felt it had had a good run, and trying to redesign the vehicle to meet emission standards seemed more effort than it was worth. Or so they must have thought in the board room.

Now, the Ford Bronco is back. According to Sam Berube at Hotcars.com, it is "the first off-road machine in a long time to present a serious threat to the Wrangler." Berube goes on to declare it the most hyped new vehicle since the A90 Toyota Supra. (The article itself is a detailed comparison between the new Ford Bronco and its target rival, the Jeep Wrangler.)

Though not noted in this article, one of the most memorable car chase scenes in history involved a Bronco. Hollywood is famous for its car chase scenes. Bullitt (Steve McQueen) and The French Connection (Gene Hackman) set the standard for high speed thrills on the silver screen. The Bronco conveying O.J. Simpson about the L.A. freeways was not famous for being a high speed nail-biter, but rather for the number of people who were watching around the country wondering what will happen next. That event took place on June 17, 1994 and two-thirds of all households in America were tuned in. 

* * * *

Ford Bronco fans are happy to see the return of the Bronco. A unique feature of this sixth-generation machine is that buyers have a choice of two engine options. According to Berube, "The first is a 2.7l twin-turbo V6 that makes 310 horsepower and 400 lb/ft of torque, which is a higher torque figure than anything you can get in a Jeep that doesn't burn diesel. The second, and likely to be the volume seller is a 2.3l turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that most Ford fans are already quite familiar with."

What we want to know is where's the Diesel option? The Bronco's chief competitor, Jeep Wrangler, offers a 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. "Diesel engines are great for aggressive rock crawling power, better fuel economy and have a huge following," Berube adds.

Also, the Ford Bronco is supposed to be a muscle SUV, so where is the V8 engine option? The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is getting a powerful V8 Hemi engine with 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque that will accelerate from 0 to 60 in under five seconds. The Ford Bronco doesn’t have a hybrid engine option.

There are many more details--both mechanical and electrical--in the original article which you can find here: https://www.hotcars.com/why-ford-bronco-could-last-longer-than-jeep/

Diesel or not, whatever powertrain you get for your new Bronco, be sure to take the #91 West, the #110 South, the #405 North, and the Sunset Blvd Exit. 

If Diesel Were a Political Candidate Would It Be. a Red State or Blue State?

A friend sent me this story from Diesel Technology Forum, analyzing diesel not based on its viscosity or pour point but on an imaginary political scale. Yes, this blog post is delivered in a lighter vein, in an effort to balance the battles taking place during this hotly contested political season. Since everything else has become political, why not speculation on the political aspirations of Diesel. No, not Vin Diesel, mind you, just a personified version of our diesel oil. 

The article is titled Choose Purple: If Diesel Were a Candidate, Would It Be Republican or Democrat?

You can see where this is going when you read the subhead:

Diesel reaches across the aisle - to be both the economically powerful technology to get the job done today while advancing the clean air and greenhouse gas reduction benefits needed to be a sustainable technology for tomorrow. It’s a solid shade of purple.

The article begins by describing the political climate we're in: polarized. And the author describes what we're looking for in a leader today, in terms any diesel enthusiast might enjoy.

What’s needed in a leader? A steady hand with proven performance, reliable, able to do the job at hand - having enough power and durability to withstand the rigors of leadership, and of course advancing policies and ideas that make sense and lead us forward. 

In our Red state vs. Blue state posture, many would see Diesel as a Red state candidate due to its being a fossil fuel. On the other hand, Diesel's efficiency -- near zero emissions -- and its ability to consume renewable biofuels turns this Red candidate into a Blue one. When you mix red and blue, what do you get?

After a brief explication, the author sums up in this manner:

In the end, Diesel reaches across the aisle - to be both the economically powerful technology to get the job done today while advancing the clean air and greenhouse gas reduction benefits needed to be a sustainable technology for tomorrow.  It’s a solid shade of purple.

I thought the story was fun. You can read the whole of it here:

Choose Purple: If Diesel Were a Candidate, Would It Be Republican or Democrat?

As for me, I won't make an issue of who you vote for, only that you condsider BLUE...

as in Blue Flame. (VBG)

___________

Photo by Yuvraj Sachdeva on Unsplash