Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Detroit Updates DD13 for Vocational, On-Highway Fleets

The latest Detroit DD13 engine is 60 pounds lighter, thanks to a new aftertreatment system, and is available on the Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star 49X trucks.

May 27, 2021
Detroit Updates DD13 for Vocational, On-Highway Fleets

The DD13 Gen 5 is ideal for a wider range of jobsite applications including mixers, municipal, vacuum trucks, and oilfield.

Photo: DTNA

3 min to read


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. 

Ad Loading...

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. 

Ad Loading...

"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.

More Maintenance

Two white box electrical items with a logo for Vanair.
MaintenanceMay 1, 2026

Vanair Introduces EPEQ IM HVAC System Designed to Extend Fleet Asset Life & Reduce TCO

Vanair’s new EPEQ IM HVAC system offers automatic idle management with factory HVAC integration and eliminates engine wear from unnecessary idling.

Read More →
Shades of Fleet Technicians Voices What the Job is Really Like from Truck Chat with Lauren Fletcher blue background with mechanic
Maintenanceby Lauren FletcherApril 30, 2026

What It’s Really Like to Be a Technician | Shades of Fleet

Real technicians share what the job actually looks like, from tough days to evolving technology and the problem-solving behind fleet operations.

Read More →
Two post auto lift displayed against a blue background with logo for BendPak and small headline APEX by BendPak AL10C Two-Post Lift.
MaintenanceApril 22, 2026

The APEX by BendPak AL10C Two-Post Lift Offers Affordability & 10,000-Pound Lifting Capacity

The APEX by BendPak AL10C Two-Post Lift is the company’s lowest-priced 10,000-pound two-post lift, but it still has full features, including automatic safety locks and flexible arm positioning.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tractor trailer traveling down the road toward the camera.
Maintenanceby Wayne ParhamApril 21, 2026

ServiceUp Expands Repair & Maintenance to Class 4–8 Vehicles

ServiceUp has expanded to support Class 4-8 vehicles, providing repair and maintenance workflows across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty assets within a single system.

Read More →
Blue background image of socket set and tools with headline across the top Survey Results: and large yellow headline 57% of Shops Understaffed.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseApril 20, 2026

Survey Results: 57% of Shops Understaffed

The sixth edition of Fullbay’s State of Heavy-Duty Repair survey found that 57% percent of heavy-duty repair shops are understaffed.

Read More →
Background image of a piece of paper stamped APPROVED and inset logo for American Petroleum Institute and two oil standards.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseApril 15, 2026

API PC-12 Engine Oil Specification Approved

The API PC-12 heavy-duty engine oil specification has been formally approved and will be incorporated into the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) document.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Screenshot of a map on a computer screen.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Fleetio Launches Fleet Map to Reduce Downtime & Improve Maintenance Coordination

Fleetio’s new Fleet Map brings asset location, maintenance context, and nearby service options into a single, source-agnostic system, reducing tool switching and speeding up decision-making.

Read More →
Juan Ibarra and Lauren Fletcher share a laugh during a Work Truck Week conversation surrounded by work trucks and exhibit booths
Maintenanceby Lauren FletcherApril 14, 2026

Why Work Trucks Fail in the Field and What Fleet Managers Can Actually Do About It

Juan Ibarra shares real-world insights on truck failures, operator misuse, and practical ways fleets can reduce downtime in demanding environments.

Read More →
Work Truck  graphic reading “Getting Real About Retention” with tools NAFA branding.
Maintenanceby Lauren FletcherApril 13, 2026

Getting Real About Retention, Training, and Accountability

A NAFA 2026 leadership session tackled one of fleet’s biggest challenges head-on, offering practical lessons on technician retention, training, accountability, and shop culture.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Man working on a laptop with logos for Work Truck and Truck Chat and large yellow headline Rugged Devices for Fleets.
Maintenanceby Wayne ParhamApril 10, 2026

How Panasonic Connect Rugged Devices Keep Fleets Connected

Fleet workers need reliable rugged devices to stay connected in the field, whether in remote locations or harsh environments. In this video, we learn more about the rugged devices offered by Panasonic Connect that can help fleets.

Read More →