Detroit Updates DD13 for Vocational, On-Highway Fleets

The Detroit DD13 engine is now available with new features and power ratings. The 13L engine is 60 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a new aftertreatment system, and is available on the Freightliner Cascadia for on-highway applications and Western Star 49X trucks for vocational applications such as construction and municipal jobs.

ThermoCoasting, initially introduced with the Detroit DD15 Gen 5 engine, prevents aftertreatment cool-down during a driving regen to keep the system at its optimum temperature and significantly reduces the need for parked regenerations. This is particularly useful for stop-and-go vocational/urban applications where maximum uptime is a must. ThermoCoasting also increases aftertreatment system performance and extends Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning and maintenance intervals. 

Better packaging and more frame rail space ensures clear back of frame for truck equipment manufacturers and upfitters.

The DD13 Gen 5 engine comes standard with the Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services, which provides remote access to vehicle diagnostic data as well as fuel efficiency and safety performance insights. 

Through the Detroit Connect portal, fleet managers can access vehicle fault event and performance data  Access to the information can be customized so that only information relevant to the user's role is visible. Included in the Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle solutions is Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service, Detroit Connect Remote Updates, and Detroit Connect Analytics.  

Vocational Updates

With new vocational-focused ratings delivering up to 525 hp and 1850 lb.-ft. of torque, the DD13 Gen 5 is ideal for a wider range of jobsite applications including mixers, municipal, vacuum trucks, and oilfield, according to the company. These ratings have additional power at the upper end of the rpm band and more torque at the low end compared to the current DD13. 

The DD13 Gen 5 has also been strengthened to handle higher compression ratios, while its new swirl piston design improves combustion and efficiency. A new asymmetric, fixed-geometry turbocharger delivers rapid response while using new thermal management strategies to keep heat in the aftertreatment and reduce the amount of system cool-down. The new journal bearing turbocharger also features a thermal control valve that significantly boosts regen performance, allowing for more completed regens at most engine speeds and loads, especially when using a power take-off for vocational applications. 

"Our vocational customers played a critical role in the development and design of the new DD13 Gen 5 engine," said Mike Stricker, director of sales at Detroit. "We listened to their on-the-job needs and responded by overhauling key engine components for an immediate and long-term benefit on performance and uptime." 

Updated for On-Highway

The new ball-bearing, fixed-geometry turbocharger allows peak power and torque to be reached faster and delivers more fuel economy gains. Integrated Detroit Powertrain ratings further slow engine rpms while maintaining pulling power, reducing parasitic losses and wear. The journal bearing turbocharger with the thermal control valve is also available without further downspeeding for on-highway customers.

"When we updated the DD13 Gen 5 for on-highway applications, we applied many of the same solutions found in our recently revamped DD15 Gen 5 engine, ensuring the engine delivers on efficiency and performance," said David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.