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Questions From New Drivers Newbie White Line Fever. Forum/Message Board for new truckers or those wanting to become a trucker to ask experienced drivers a question, and get their advice. New drivers can post questions and experienced drivers can help.

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Old 07.26.2008
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Truck questions
Not driving (yet) so I thank you in advance for your patience.
Since it has been a long time since I drove I have a couple of questions.
I recently stopped at a truck stop and noticed the big "air duct" things which I assume are what you are calling the APU.
I have also read several places about "length" of time you can idle.
So......here are a few questions and again I thank you for your patience and understanding!
1. Do MOST companies have these units on their OTR trucks?
2. I am going to guess there is a cost to use these. What is the cost?
3. Are you charged by the hour or is the cost for a 10 hour period?
4. Since I see many trucks in the "lot" I am assuming the availability of these units would be limited?
5. What do you do if one is not available...or your truck is not equiped for them?
6. How long can you idle?
Thanks for anyone who is willing to provide answers.
Be safe out there!
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Old 07.26.2008
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The "big air duct things" are IdleAire . Their future is uncertain because the company was recently auctioned off after filing bankruptcy . I think they were charging close to $2 an hour . There is a slot on the window unit to swipe a credit card . Many fleets had contracts and the fuel card can be swiped . There is no minimum usage . APU stands for auxiliary power unit . It's rigged to the tractor similar to a generator on a motorhome . It provides more economical heat and a/c.
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Old 07.28.2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mo. Fat Boy View Post
Not driving (yet) so I thank you in advance for your patience.
Since it has been a long time since I drove I have a couple of questions.
I recently stopped at a truck stop and noticed the big "air duct" things which I assume are what you are calling the APU.
I have also read several places about "length" of time you can idle.
So......here are a few questions and again I thank you for your patience and understanding!
1. Do MOST companies have these units on their OTR trucks?
2. I am going to guess there is a cost to use these. What is the cost?
3. Are you charged by the hour or is the cost for a 10 hour period?
4. Since I see many trucks in the "lot" I am assuming the availability of these units would be limited?
5. What do you do if one is not available...or your truck is not equiped for them?
6. How long can you idle?
Thanks for anyone who is willing to provide answers.
Be safe out there!
Rick answered most of these...

APU is, as he said, and Auxialary Power Unit. Usually this means some form of generator, though I have heard of an all-electric system. The idea is to power the truck's A/C or Heating system to keep the driver moderately comfortable in adverse conditions. Some provide enough juice to power additional 115V outlets.

Many states and locales are enacting and enforcing idling laws. Depending on where you are, you can be limited to as little as 5 minutes of idling time. Tickets and fines can ensue, and they can be substantial. Problem is, if you don't have an APU you pretty much HAVE to idle to keep the cab comfortable... damned if you do, damned if you don't.
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Old 07.29.2008
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Ok, my 2 cent question. So in anti-idling areas, gas or diesel powered generators are okay?
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Old 07.29.2008
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Sunny
Quote:
Originally Posted by FITZER View Post
Ok, my 2 cent question. So in anti-idling areas, gas or diesel powered generators are okay?
Yes, auxiliary atmosphere control systems are legal, where local ordinances restrict truckers from idling their engine.
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