12 volt cab heater

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by demonduck, Nov 18, 2014.

  1. demonduck

    demonduck Light Load Member

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    Ok, since we can't idle our day cabs due to the problematic aftertreatment systems while waiting to get loaded/unloaded. We need heat! The company is not going to spend money install anything since we are making international take these trucks back next year. I'll like to get them to buy cab heaters to plug in to the cig lighter. Any good ones out there?
     
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  3. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    The problem with any cigaret lighter heater is the available amps. A typical room space heater is 2000 watts. A typical cigarette lighter is 15 amps. 15amps*12volts= only 180 watts. Truth is, unless you hard wire to batts, you just cant get enough power out of cigarette lighter. Also, batts become a problem. You likely have starter batts since its a day cab. To run heavy load accessories while truck is off you really need deep cycle batts.

    Best bet is to install a bunk heater. These cost around 1000 bucks but will keep you tosty. They burn a very small amount of diesel to keep you warm. They could be uninstalled and moved to another truck in future.

    Other then that, a thick down blanket cost around 100 bucks and will keep you pretty tosty while you wait.
     
  4. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    Yup, agree with everything Richter said
     
  5. Pound Puppy

    Pound Puppy Heavy Load Member

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    The ones you see at truck stops do not put out enough heat to make much difference.
     
  6. demonduck

    demonduck Light Load Member

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    Thought the CIG plug in would be a bust. How about the hard wire to batts. I'm talking about maybe 1-3 hours of use. Batt drainage problem?
     
  7. OFTOTR

    OFTOTR Medium Load Member

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    Where can he find the sleeper on his day cab?

    The 12v ceramic types are ok.
    Some truck stops sell them,

    40 bucks or less.

    I had to use one when my truck broke down in wyoming one winter, and the rental truck they sent out by tow truck turned out to have no heat.
    I put it down near my feet while I drove, put all my thermal stuff on and parka, and survived, cursing all the way.
     
  8. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    They do sell 12v electric blankets at truck stops that plug into cigarette lighter
     
  9. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Carry an extension cord with you and a house hold space heater and see if they have a regular 120 volt outlet you can plug into while you wait.
     
  10. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    On a day cab, I dought you have deep cycle batts, so batts are always a problem with hotel loads (heat). Assuming you could find a good drirect wire heater, you will run out of juice pretty quick without 4 deep cycle batts,
     
  11. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Bunk heaters can be installed any ware....i was thinking passenger floor board or between seats... you dont need bunk for a bunk heater
     
    Cowpie1 Thanks this.
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