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Do Trucks Have Power Outlets?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Arx, Nov 25, 2012.

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  1. Nov 25, 2012 #1
    Arx

    Arx Bobtail Member

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    I've searched a bit looking for the answer to this but all I ever can find is information about power inverters. The way those usually read is you need those to add extra power, but never a mention if there is just some standard power. I'm wondering, do the semi tractors have power outlets to plug things such as a television, laptop, small fridge, etc into?

    I know you can get a cigarette lighter converter and get a power outlet or two that way, but the output on those isn't very powerful is it? I doubt it would be enough to power a good laptop or a tv, right?

    In a lot of the videos I see of cabs, most of them have tv's, microwaves, fridges, etc, etc, but the drivers in the videos never mention how they are powered. Any answers would be appreciated. I'll be starting CDL training at C1 at Indy soon and just trying to get as much information about things as I can.

    Thank you
     
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    #1
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  3. Nov 25, 2012 #2
    tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Trucks do not have power outlets unless there is an inverter or some type of apu installed.
     
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    #2
  4. Nov 25, 2012 #3
    LodiKen

    LodiKen Light Load Member

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    The Road to No ware.
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    (edited...)
     
    LodiKen, Nov 25, 2012
    LodiKen, Nov 25, 2012
    #3
  5. Nov 25, 2012 #4
    Arx

    Arx Bobtail Member

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    Yikes this is getting off to a confusing start. lol
     
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    #4
  7. Nov 25, 2012 #5
    tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Welcome to the world of Trucking! ;)
     
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    #5
  8. Nov 25, 2012 #6
    Arx

    Arx Bobtail Member

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    Is it common for trucks to have an APU installed with the big companies? I'll be signing my contract with USA Truck.
     
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    #6
  9. Nov 25, 2012 #7
    GAlanFink

    GAlanFink Medium Load Member

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    In 100% of the truck stops you will go too, there are power inverters available for hooking up to your truck via a good fused connection directly to the battery. If you drive for a company though, be sure they wire it up and approve it's use. If you do it they could have reason to dismiss you and, should it not be wired properly (fused, usually for a 1500W unit, a 125A fuse in the positive lead), incidences have been reported where a truck caught on fire. Don't think that won't get you fired.
    I drive for a company and even though I have a college degree in Specialized Electronics, it's not my truck. I highly recommend that you have someone else to 'point the finger at' should anything go wrong.
    Most microwaves or TV's will be suitably satisfied with a 1500W inverter and it should be more than enough to keep your fridge cool.
    Just saying.
    Good luck with your training.


    'Bigfoot'
     
    GAlanFink, Nov 25, 2012
    GAlanFink, Nov 25, 2012
    #7
    Arx Thanks this.
  10. Nov 25, 2012 #8
    tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    I was just reading this in another thread. Seems like you should be set up with one.

     
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    tinytim, Nov 25, 2012
    #8
    Arx Thanks this.
  11. Nov 25, 2012 #9
    Arx

    Arx Bobtail Member

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    Oh ok, cool. How much do those usually run? I imagine I will be ok off just the cigarette lighter starting out. All I have is my smart phone and a pretty pathetic laptop. A cigarette lighter converter would probably be enough to support that you think?

    @TinyTim
    Nice to hear! Can you send me a link to that thread? :)
     
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    Arx, Nov 25, 2012
    #9
  12. Nov 25, 2012 #10
    Snowshoes

    Snowshoes Heavy Load Member

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    I bought a cigarette lighter inverter for my laptop and it works just fine for that.
    I have an inverter to install at a later date, the company I work for requires we have the shop install them. So I only have to get through the shop when they are open...:biggrin_25523:
     
    Snowshoes, Nov 25, 2012
    Snowshoes, Nov 25, 2012
    #10
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