The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

Back when synthetics were still prohibitively expensive, we'd use them to help heat the oil pan on those cold snap days where the block heater wasn't enough.

These new engines start so much better in the cold. Even the difference from say a Series 60 to the DD motors is pretty amazing. I routinely shut the truck down in below zero temps without worry. 20 years ago anything below 10°F was still a somewhat risky proposition.

 

My Series 60 hates single digit or less temps more than I do. I don’t load below zero anymore but I still carry a can of ether if the temp drops while I am on the road to get me home.

 

seems like a green apu would be handy with an older engine . Idk if tri-pack , carrier does the same thing , circulates warm coolant thru the block .

 

On a sleeper truck I would have an APU, but on my daycab I am built to haul more cargo so the extra weight is not wanted. If it’s crazy cold and I am not at home at night I will let it idle.

 

Tri pack does. I’m sorry I put didn’t. It auto corrected

 

Unless the engine won't start.

 

It does if you get the arctic package. Adds a temp sensor on the back of the cab that starts the APU if it's below 20f to heat the engine coolant. I also have arctic fox tank heaters so the APU circulating the coolant also heats my fuel tanks. I have never idled my current truck over night except the 3 nights the APU fuel pump was dead while I was in Florida during the summer.

 

Electric backup.

 

I have unloaded a full load with a blown turbo and the motor not running while on the hook.

 

I know. It auto corrected to doesn’t. And I didn’t proof read