Fleet Tuning

Benefits of Programming ECM's on Fleet Vehicles

Fuel Economy:
Most vehicles can improve engine efficiency considerably with programming. This is done by adjusting various engine operating parameters. Customers report gaining an additional 60-100 kilometers per tank of fuel on 6.0 liter powered ¾ ton trucks. That constitutes a 15-20% increase in fuel economy. Based on a market price of $1.00/liter, a 6.0 liter powered truck that runs 40,000 kilometers in one year will save between $1,000 to $1,500 per year on fuel. That easily returns the initial investment in programming.
Speed Limiting:
Fleets can set speed limiters to whatever value they desire. Many fleets choose to set limiters at 112 kms/hr. If a fleet already has GPS tracking systems, they may choose to set speed limiters to 128-138kms/hr for safety reasons. The brakes on ¾ ton pickups start to be heavily affected by brake fade at speeds faster than 145 kms/hr. The factory speed limiter does not take this into account, it is simply set according to tire rating.
Won't setting the speed limiter down to 112kms/hr compromise safety when passing?
Some think so. In reality, driver error would be the only factor that compromises safety when passing. There are many vehicles on the road that can barely make it to 112kms/hr to pass (for example: loaded tractor trailers, pickups with heavy payloads/trailers, even older cars. Many of these units need a lot of room to pass because of their length.) The driver simply needs to be patient and adjust his thinking accordingly. Passing becomes dangerous only when people make judgment errors, not because the vehicle is limited.
What benefits come from setting a speed limiter?
1. Safety: Simply put, the brakes on these trucks will fade very quickly when applied at speeds higher than 145kms/hr. Besides that, how many accidents are caused by excessive speed? And this is not to mention the costs that can arise from traffic violations!
2. Wear and Tear: It is well known that fleet trucks take abuse. This is a never-ending problem for fleet operators. What if the truck itself had safeties to prevent abuse? Setting a speed limiter will reduce high-speed use on terrible roads. Many fleets report lower maintenance and repair costs for this factor alone.
3. Fuel Economy: Modern vehicles have a “sweet-spot” for fuel economy between 90-110kms/hr. On pickup trucks, this is usually right around 100kms/hr. Traveling faster than this will consume much more fuel.
Reliability:
By adjusting parameters for the transmission, shift pressures and holding pressures can be set up for better reliability. Torque management settings can be adjusted to keep driveline impact down and improve component reliability. Fluids last longer and so do the transmissions, transfer cases and differentials.