New Idea for truckers

There already is. Its called an APU. A few companies make them.

 

Batteries...

 

An APU is all there really is. Though some move toward shore power is starting to occur. The problem is that not many places are set up to provide a plug in. And when they do they will probibly charge much more than it is worth.

 

Seems like it would be so simple to have a 20 Amp shore power plug to plug-into....Heck, they could have a parking meter style thingy or a card thing to swipe...pay $2 for like 4 hrs...or maybe use the points from gas purchases.
It seems like it would not be too hard to install in most truck-stops...heck, in some cities in the North, you can plug your car in in the same way....All a truck would need is some-type of built in 120V AC to DC converter...and you could use the existing 12v wiring in the cab....maybe add an outlet or two for "shore Power" AC. Heck...Maybe we should patent the idea...and sell franchise rights!! Heck...I could see the RV style rooftop AC/heating unit getting very popular since you could run them on such a unit...and not need to lug around a gen or pay to maintain it or fuel it!! Might be a HUGE hit with fleets!! Heck the truck-stops could charge for the parking like they do now...even have a reservation system!! That way if you got there at 11 PM, you had a spot saved!! Hmmm...


The idle-Air thingy was a good idea...but was prices far to high to be really competitive..so from my observation, folks only use it when the temps are VERY EXTREEME. They simply tried to be all things for all folks...by providing Heat/AC, Cable, internet, etc...and you usually got the stink of the previous truck through the venting....not good. The system was/is just too complex and expensive to run/maintain/install, and duplicates many of the things most folks already have.

 

I think we can officially call this thread......toast

 

Anybody heard of anyone using solar panels to charge a battery during the drive for use in the evenings?

 

One place was selling a system...herd it on a podcast...problem is weight...and wht bother....you are burning fuel to lug around a solar panel?! not efficent. Now while stopped for long periods..might make sense...like on a motor home ot taco truck...

 

Before Idle air, they had some plug in's at Pilots and a few other truckstops back in the 90's. I can't remember what they were called but I think there was a phone jack, a cable jack, and a power outlet. It was housed in a little yellow bubble in the corner of the parking spots. Not to be negative but it didn't work then, it probably won't work now.

 

there are several ideas. problem is if it costs money, most truckers wont' do it. Just idle the engine and get on with life.
Most of us don't believe the global warming nonesense, don't have the money to do the capital investment for some 'green' solution and are more concerned with CSA2010 than we are other types of problems.