Power to handle more torque with less complexity

Class 8 trucks continue to evolve toward more efficient powertrain operations. One common strategy is down speeding, where the engine operates at lower RPM while maintaining highway speed. This approach requires the engine to produce higher torque and typically uses faster, numerically lower axle ratios, to keep the vehicle moving efficiently at cruising speed.

The driveline is the critical link that transfers torque from the engine and transmission to the wheels. As torque demands increase, fleets and OEMs need driveline solutions that can support fuel efficiency, uptime and lower total cost of ownership without adding complexity.

Cummins Inc. is meeting those demands with the Meritor® RPL35+, a high-torque driveline engineered for Class 8 applications. For fleets and OEMs, the RPL35+ is designed to help:

• Handle high-torque applications up to 21,600 foot-pounds
• Reduce driveline weight by up to 28 pounds compared with the previous RPL35 design
• Simplify assembly by eliminating traditional flange connections and associated hardware
• Support uptime with a permanently lubricated, sealed-for-life design
• Maintain existing service intervals and maintenance practices

Built on a proven platform

The RPL35+ is built on the proven legacy of the Permalube™ RPL series, a trusted driveline platform specified by major North American OEMs. It carries forward the durability, capability and performance fleets expect from RPL products, with a permanently lubricated, sealed-for-life design that helps minimize maintenance needs.

Designed for linehaul and heavy-duty service environments, the RPL35+ has been validated through field testing in demanding real-world applications. For fleets and OEMs, moving from the current RPL35 design, it offers a seamless transition while maintaining familiar service intervals and maintenance practices.

Engineered for a lighter and simpler driveline integration

The RPL35+ reduces weight by replacing the previous solid steel spline design with a hollow spline sleeve. This design removes excess material while maintaining the strength needed for high-torque applications.

Cummins also updated the driveline connection design. The redesigned coupling yoke eliminates traditional flange connections and associated hardware, reducing part count and simplifying assembly. The use of involute splines provides more contact area, enables smooth operation and improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Internal pressure equalization is achieved through the hollow design, removing the need for a diaphragm.

Designed to support uptime

Uptime is a key consideration for fleets. The RPL35+ is designed to simplify service without adding new maintenance requirements.

Because the driveline is lighter, it makes it easier for technicians to handle during installation and removal. It’s simplified connections reduce the number of parts involved in service, helping streamline maintenance.

Cummins improved how the driveline manages internal pressure. In traditional designs, movement inside the shaft creates pressure that must be relieved through a diaphragm. The RPL35+ allows pressure to equalize naturally inside the shaft, eliminating the need for a diaphragm and reducing system complexity.

Fleets can adopt the RPL35+ without changing service intervals or maintenance practices. 

Why it matters now

Fleets need powertrain components that can do more without making trucks harder to maintain. They need solutions that support efficiency, reliability and cost control.

The RPL35+ delivers high torque capability in a lighter, simpler package. By improving the driveline at the component level, Cummins helps fleets get more value from every mile.

Advancing high-torque driveline performance

The RPL35+ represents the next step in high-torque driveline design. It builds on a proven platform while adding focused engineering improvements that reduce weight, simplify service and support long-term durability.

Backed by field validation and supported by a 5-year, 500,000-mile warranty for linehaul applications, the RPL35+ gives fleets and OEMs confidence in long-term performance.

For fleets working to improve efficiency, maintain uptime and reduce total cost of ownership, the RPL35+ offers a lighter, simpler driveline built for the demands of modern Class 8 trucks.