Frequently Asked Questions About Freightliner Cascadia 116/126 Deck Plates & Air Box

What material are these deck plates made from, and how do they hold up against rust and corrosion?

Most Freightliner Cascadia deck plates are manufactured from either 16-gauge steel with a chrome finish or mirror-polished 304 stainless steel. The stainless steel options provide superior corrosion resistance and typically last 5-7 years without showing rust, even in harsh winter conditions with road salt exposure. Chrome-plated steel versions offer good protection but may require more frequent polishing and can show pitting after 2-3 years of heavy use. For maximum longevity, we recommend stainless steel deck plates for trucks operating in wet climates or winter conditions.

Will these deck plates fit my specific Cascadia model year, and what about the New Gen Cascadia?

These deck plates are designed specifically for Freightliner Cascadia models from 2008-2017 (both 116 and 126 models). They will NOT fit the 2018+ New Generation Cascadia due to significant design changes in the cab structure. The mounting holes and overall dimensions differ between the classic and new generation models. Always verify your truck's build date on the driver's door jamb sticker before ordering. If your truck was built after June 2017, you likely have a New Gen model and will need different deck plates.

How difficult is the installation, and what tools do I need?

Installation typically takes 45-90 minutes per side for someone with basic mechanical skills. You'll need a drill with 3/8" and 1/2" bits, a rivet gun (for some models), basic hand tools, and masking tape for alignment. Most deck plates require drilling 4-6 new holes into your cab, though some use existing mounting points. The biggest challenge reported by customers is achieving proper alignment - we recommend having a helper and using painter's tape to mark positions before drilling. Professional installation usually runs $150-250 if you prefer not to DIY.

What's the difference between flat deck plates and those with air cleaner light cutouts?

Flat deck plates provide a clean, streamlined look and are typically used when you don't have or don't want air cleaner lights. Deck plates with cutouts are designed to accommodate 2" round LED air cleaner lights, allowing you to maintain or add this classic long-haul truck styling. The cutouts are precisely positioned to align with standard Cascadia air box mounting points. If you're adding lights where none existed before, you'll need to run wiring through the cab wall, which adds complexity to the installation.

Do these deck plates actually improve aerodynamics or fuel economy?

While deck plates are primarily an aesthetic upgrade, they do provide some practical benefits. They create a smoother transition between the cab and sleeper, which can marginally improve aerodynamics - drivers typically report 0.1-0.2 MPG improvements, though this is difficult to isolate from other factors. More importantly, they protect the gap area from debris accumulation, ice buildup, and water intrusion, which can prevent rust and damage to wiring harnesses that run through this area. The smooth surface also makes cleaning much easier compared to the factory plastic trim.