I've been thinking about making a career change and getting my CDL. I've been reading forums like this one for the past couple of months and I've learned a lot. Just one thing I'd like to ask.

I've read that in some parts of the country, you aren't allowed to idle your truck for more than about 5 min. With this in mind, how in the world do you get any sleep when it's 90 degrees outside? I've read about Idle Aire but it's not everywhere and you have to pay (out of your own pocket?) about $20 to get a night's sleep. I've also read about APUs but are the companies actually shelling out the cash to install these on their trucks? (Somehow I doubt it).

I don't understand how the legislators who make these silly rules can't see the catch-22 they're creating. If you're allowed to idle, the tree huggers cry about you "causing global warming" (a load of BS, but I digress). And then you have your groups like PATT that want to make sure that the driver gets a good night's sleep. Lord knows that if I start driving, I'd like to be able to get some shut-eye but I don't see that happening when it's 90 degrees outside and I can't run the A/C.

I've also heard about this device called "Opti-Idle" that starts and stops the engine and A/C according to a thermostat in the cab. Does the Opti-Idle runs 5 min. and then shut off in order to comply with the silly laws? If so, does it come back on in a few minutes and run 5 more? That sure is a lot of on-and-off for the engine. I don't know about diesel engines but I know it's hard on a gas engine to be starting and stopping over and over like that.

I drive around town and notice some trucks parked in the lot at places like Wal-Mart. I figure the driver is in the sleeper getting some shut-eye. But the engine isn't running and it's pretty darn warm outside - it's gotta be even warmer in the truck. So what's the driver doing, sweating his ##### off trying to get some sleep?

Well it is funny you ask these questions because I came in here to find this out as well. I am wondering the same things so I won't repeat all the same things. I am trying to figure out how to sleep in the heat. If it is cold outside I am great I don't need the heat but I can't sleep if it is hot out. Is there a way to at least run a small fan with the engine off? I would think you could but I don't want to assume anything. I will be watching this thread to see what you pro's say!

drive In the east. No problem idling in FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, PA, MA, TN, CT, KY, have yet to find a spot to not idle.

__________________
Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush, the two biggest loser Presidents, cut from the same mold.

Does anybody know which states do not allow you to idle?

New York, Cali, are the ones that I can remember. But here is a great link:

[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

And I have HEARD if you have a pet you can idle. I love my hermit crab so much, so easy to hide if on company property too.

Banning idling,That is so stupid.

Some companies are installing the APU.

Watkins Shepherd
Wal Mart
Prime
Trans Am

among others.

__________________

You might be surprised at the new laws. I heard that many places they don't give a crap. No idling is no idling period. APUs are the wave of the future. In CA you have to have 07 compliant APUs installed on 07 and newer trucks.

__________________

I have seen trucks idling in the 'no-idle' states without problems. I have never seen a police officer touring the truck stops giving out tickets for idling. I'm sure it happens, but I haven't seen it. We have an APU and have never had a problem. I would venture to guess that you have a much better chance at being harrassed about idling if you are in a rest area or on a ramp than if you are in a truck stop. I also see many places where trucks are parked in the idle aire and are not hooked up but are idling anyway. I have been told that idle aire is fine when the temp is not too hot or cold, but when it's over 80 or under 30, it doesn't do much -- but not ever using it -- I can't say from experience. On very cold nights (below 10) we have used the APU and idled to keep the fluids running through the engine and avoid any problems with freeze ups -- but I can only recall two times we did that in Wisconsin last winter. If your company doesn't have APU's or pay for idle aire, then there are portable heaters that you can use in cold weather that you can purchase yourself -- but of course you should check to make sure the company will ,allow it. Also, I have seen an increase in the use of those security screens for the window of the truck, but that would only work when it's not too hot out there. I believe that more companies will be investing in some type of idling alternative not just because of the increase in no-idling laws, but to attract drivers and prolong the life of their equipment. Idle aire doesn't help when you're sitting at a shipper/receiver or parked in a non-truck stop parking area.

All the new trucks for KLLM have APU's.