Anti-Gel

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Flatbedder73, Feb 28, 2015.

  1. Flatbedder73

    Flatbedder73 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 30, 2012
    Langhorne, PA
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    Truth be told, the major brand truckstops pre-treat the fuel during winter months. Anti-gel in temps above -10F is a waste of money....IMHO....your thoughts?
     
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  3. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    Green Bay Wi
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    well it is driving from the warm climates to the cold that will get you
    like leaving Barstow and ending day in Evanston
    plenty of nights on 80 below zero
     
  4. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Intercontinental.
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    Well, for me, anything under 20 degrees and my truck is running.
     
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  5. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    Mechanicsburg, PA
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    I sat (no idle) with fuel purchased in PA last night at -2, not a problem.
     
  6. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Copied in Hell
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    A few years back, a truckstop in northern Minnesota was supposed to have treated fuel, but they didn't. Temps dropped and trucks stopped. If you fuel gels up, you're part of the food chain. I'd rather waste the money for my peace of mind.
     
  7. MSO JUMPER

    MSO JUMPER Bobtail Member

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    Apr 8, 2012
    Central Point, OR
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    I typically do not idle at night (have a warm sleeping bag), and I travel up into Canada quite regularly. I have never had the fuel gel up. However, I do idle in the morning before I start out - warms up the fuel through the return line.
     
  8. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    Not all treat, and not all treat equally if they do, and below I-70, don't count on it being treated. I've treated fuel bought at the Road Ranger (Pilot) in Rolla (after running south for a week) and STILL had issues next morning south of Chicago at 0 degrees. This was in January I think. So, no, not all truck stops treat and if you're buying fuel south of I-70, don't expect [properly] treated fuel, even at the major truck stops.

    Also, sometimes fuel sources have to change for whatever reason, and they end up getting "sub-standard" load(s) of fuel. (Not all #2 fuel is the same either if they have to use another non-preferred source for a time)
     
  9. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    Thing is...are you willing to take the chance it's treated properly? Rather waste $20 than $400...JMO
     
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  10. bigchuckie

    bigchuckie Light Load Member

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    Oct 3, 2007
    Middle of nowhere maine
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    Alot depends on your fuel source Alot of underground tanks contain water and mixed with diesel is bad news in cold weather. Its always good to treat fuel imho. I would rather be safe than sorry. Waiting for a service truck in below 0 sucks. The ole been there done that thing Was so cold once I crawled in the reefer trailer to stay warmish
     
  11. jbourque

    jbourque Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 25, 2012
    south english iowa
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    if you ask the people at the fuel desk is your fuel blended i would guess a good 60% have know idea. sometimes on newer trucks with high pressure lines you can get buy with #2 but all it takes is one time and you will behind the curve on money saved by not using power service or something like it. if you are a company driver you are at a disadvantage it you use it company claims you are spending money you dont need to,but if you gel up then they say why didnt you use something. but thats just trucking. b safe out there
     
    38short, cabwrecker and loose_leafs Thank this.
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