Anybody using a space heater?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Dino soar, Jan 16, 2022.

  1. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I've been using a space heater in my truck.

    It was 4 degrees last night. I put the space heater on low and I was completely comfortable and warm.

    I'm thinking about getting a webasto now. The space heater is absolutely awesome but I believe it is prohibited and I don't want to get a ticket or have a problem.

    And before anyone gets nervous I have 10 gauge wire running in from the generator and everything stays completely cool and it's safe.
     
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Yeah - just a little 1500W deal. Heats the inside of the 120" ok.
     
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  4. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I just think a cop is going to look at that generator and say what kind of a heater are you using.

    Then I either have to lie or admit and I'm concerned they're going to search my truck and whatever.

    2 questions.

    1) have either of you been inspected, and if so did they ask you about the kind of heater you use?

    2) if you are running a generator do you keep a fuel can outside with it? If you've been inspected or pulled over have they given you a hard time if you have a plastic can strapped to the generator like I do?
     
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  5. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    I've only been inspected once, and I don't think the cop even noticed my generator. He also didn't go in the cab. It was just a level 2.

    For cans, I just have a regular 5-gallon and 2.5-gallon plastic ones from Spectre. They stay in their own side box, and I drilled some 2" holes in it for ventilation.

    I just don't see DOT caring about such an obscure law, honestly. Maybe I'm naive, but that's how I see it.

    Now my next upgrade is a kit that adds a fuel pump to my generator, and then I'm installing a 12-gallon boat gas tank permanent.
     
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  6. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

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    When will people learn you don't have to answer questions. If a cop asks me what type of heater I'm using, I'm going to ask him if his mother is available for fun in about an hour.
     
  7. Capacity

    Capacity Road Train Member

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    In 30 years I've never had a LEO ask , what kind of heater you using Willis.
    I can see someone saying something about a bugee corded gas generator sitting on the frame rails.
     
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  8. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I have researched the regulations on auxiliary fuel tanks and I do believe that regulation they will enforce.

    Any tank that's an auxiliary tank must be a DOT approved tank. There are a lot of rules in that section and I'm certain that they will give you a hard time if that's not what it is.

    Those rules are important because they make sure that the tank for example has to have welded bungs for any fittings and it has to survive a drop test for impact so that if you have an accident it doesn't just go everywhere and explode. It's important to follow those regulations.

    You can use a regular truck fuel tank but it can't be over 119 gallons. I have a couple 100 gallon tanks from an old truck but I'd like to get maybe just a 50 gallon tank to mount on the side. 100 gallons of gasoline is way too much for that generator.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2022
  9. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Even in my T2000 with the gas generator, and auxiliary tank, nobody batted an eye.
    In the Pete I have the diesel Onan, so no issue there.

    I respect your desire to adhere to regulations, but if the rest of your equipment is well maintained, I just don't see them laser focusing on your methods of keeping warm in the winter.

    And in 17 years I've never had an LEO even remotely interested in crawling around the inside of my cab.
     
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  10. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    I've always said, the day they come into your cab, will be your last day.
    They already know what they're looking for, and it ain't a jerry rigged heater.
     
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