What's your Idle Time?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TheGrimReefer, Feb 27, 2015.

  1. TheGrimReefer

    TheGrimReefer Bobtail Member

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    Feb 11, 2015
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    Hey guys,

    Just wondering, how long do you let your trucks idle? Do you have a Idle Reduction device installed? What climate are you in? Are you an O/O or a Company Driver using Company equipment.

    I am interested in reducing Idle time.
     
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  3. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    Does your company have an idle policy?It use to be 30% get any higher then that you start receiving not so friendly warnings on the QUALCOMM.You can check your idleing on the QUALCOMM just have to look for it.How much do you idle now?If its freezing cold im going to idle no mAtter what my company says.In nice weather shut the trk off after fueling and going in to get receipt shut trk off.Every little bit helps.
     
  4. C-WALSH

    C-WALSH Bobtail Member

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    O/O with Espar and Tripak unit. Idle 5 min for turbo cool down and 5 min before driving after taking 10 hr break. I run all continental states except California (pre. def truck). If temps are below -10, I idle truck every 3 hr for 15 min on high idle.
     
  5. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    New York
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    as long as it needs to so I stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer...


    boss man has fired a few jabs at the other guys about high idle time, but none towards me....

    I'll walk and he knows it..
     
  6. razor1983

    razor1983 Medium Load Member

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    O/O with webasto bunk heater. In the morning I warm up the truck till it gets up to 150F and couple of minutes for the turbo to cool before shutting down. I don't shut it off when fueling or if I know I wont idle for more than 15-20 minutes. I idle at night if the outside temp is bellow 20, old batteries. In the summer I go to a motel most nights.
     
  7. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    I drive a day cab, as such, I only idle when I am at my main warehouse for either heat or a/c as I nap waiting to be loaded and told my load is all set to go. At all of my stops, I shut it down, lock the doors and unload the trailer. So my idle times can be about 1 to 2 hours nightly, or none at all, depending on weather, and loading times.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
  8. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    O/O with espar. I only Idle below 20 and in the summer when it's so humid I can't get comfortable. That's rare though unless I'm in Texas or Louisina. Usually I will run the air full blast while running and keep it idling while I do my post trip activities with a fan blowing. This usually keeps this comfortable enough. Comfort definitely comes first but I try to be smart about it.
     
  9. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Ontario Canada
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    O/O with webasto bunk heater only,
    run in Canada and across middle/top of US - I-80/90/94, summer I run ON/PA/NY/NJ/MD/further east, rarely get further south than that.

    Winter I idle if it is what I describe as F that is cold, probably 5F or colder, otherwise the webasto is fine, I also have new batteries/alternator/starter so it fires up every time ... summer if it is really hot I will setup my portable generator/portable AC unit (search other threads for that there's lots of them) so the truck never idles excessively. Otherwise I crack the windows and have a small fan that is good enough most of the time.
     
  10. Mr Ed

    Mr Ed Road Train Member

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    Apr 6, 2009
    Retired in Taunton Ma
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    I'm retired so I'm idle 24 hours a day.
     
  11. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Apr 9, 2009
    Humboldt, Sk
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    I shut my truck off down to -18f (-28c) with Webasto's. Idle below that.
     
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