Freightliner S2G: An Overview of Issues and Improvements

PERC hosted the third annual Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) S2G Forum in conjunction with the 2018 NPGA Southeastern Convention in Atlanta, an event designed to provide a venue for propane marketers and body manufacturers to communicate openly with members of the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. staff. Topics reviewed included recent actions implemented to correct open items with the propane-fueled S2G bobtail, product enhancements for future S2G bobtails, and service after the sale. Attendees were very excited and supportive of the steps taken by FCCC.

“With PERC having made an investment in developing the S2G, we take great ownership in wanting a partner to provide a product that works,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), who addressed attendees. He shared that Michael Taylor, PERC’s director of autogas business development, has acted as a liaison and provided assistance for propane marketers who have had issues. “While I am not happy with the S2G Freightliner issues, it may seem counterintuitive, but I also can’t imagine a better partner than FCCC to work with to resolve the issues we have had with the S2G.”

During the 2017 S2G Forum, Michael Stark, Commercial Truck manager at Freightliner, said while it is never comfortable to discuss issues, Freightliner Custom Chassis is committed to providing a level of support that will make everyone feel more comfortable with their S2G. This year, he kicked off the meeting saying, “I think you’ll like our story.” Stark shared key steps that the company had taken to improve customer service by dedicating a toll-free number for customers available 24/7, 365 days a year. The call center is staffed with FCCC specialists who average 18 years of experience. Also, FCCC has taken a critical step in improving a confusing warranty and service process that required customers to call third parties to resolve their issues.

Stark proceeded to discuss Freightliner’s new addition of the “DriveForce” proprietary engine brand. Among other benefits, the DriveForce brand adds a higher level of support in knowing that FCCC has removed third-party confusion and is fully committed to support its engines before, during, and after the sale. Field Service Campaign SF548AB was released by Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of FCCC, in 2017 and includes product enhancements and corrective actions to remedy rocker arms and intake gasket issues. Marketers are encouraged to contact their servicing dealer and set appointments to complete the corrections before Dec. 31, 2018. FCCC has also released corrective actions for PTO filtering and an enhanced reverse gear torque calibration.

PERC and Freightliner Custom Chassis feels confident the S2G is on the right path and the industry will continue to hear more success stories in the future. Andy Redus of Admiral Propane shared his frustration with numerous visits to his dealer in 2016 and was happy to report he has had no service issues or downtime during 2017. Mike Gagne of Eastern Propane told of his satisfaction with the performance of his large fleet of S2G’s and the dealer service he has received this winter.

“Please call PERC and FCCC with your concerns,” Perkins said. “But also let us know success stories.” PERC and Freightliner are anxious to put the challenges of the past few years with the Freightliner S2G in their rearview mirror and move forward to greater opportunities to tell the propane story to fleet owners interested in saving money while protecting the air from excessive harmful emissions.