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Electrical Load the battery can handle--- small desktop/Laptop etc?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Soap, Jan 27, 2014.

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  1. Jan 27, 2014 #1
    Soap

    Soap Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2012
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    I'm starting driving school next month and strongly considering Werner after truck school. I was wondering whether (in addition to plugging in electrical equipment to cook in the truck) it were possible to plug in a laptop or small desktop? i.e. what is the typical battery capacity of a truck and what is the max electrical load it can handle? Also would you need to keep the truck running while using such electrical items?

    Is it also possible to access the internet if you have wifi on your laptop? Although I guess the internet service would depend on what service provider, area and geographic terrain you're traveling in.

    Final unrelated question: what is the typical gas expense each week for the truck? And are you expected to pay this out of pocket, or does the company give you a gas card/gas allowance?
     
    Soap, Jan 27, 2014
    Soap, Jan 27, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jan 27, 2014 #2
    Bandaid

    Bandaid Light Load Member

    114
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    Feb 21, 2012
    Union, Mo
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    my setup- 32" lcd, xbox1, laptop, sprint 4g internet router, my ecig and cell charge over my 10.... co driver has a laptop, tablet, cellphone... we have a 2500w hardwired and a 300w inverter. If we get held up (and we do because of refer shippers and recievers) the truck doesnt "ding" due to low voltage for about 5-6 hours while using the tv and xbox (we get a bit more with those off & using laptops) then we have to let the truck run to recharge the batteries.... if we have opti idle on during the summer we dont have to worry since the truck runs often.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2014
    Bandaid, Jan 27, 2014
    Bandaid, Jan 27, 2014
    #2
  4. Jan 27, 2014 #3
    Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

    3,367
    5,648
    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
    0
    As to gas expense in a truck. Usually around 0. Diesel is another matter. $1200 every two or three days should get you by. If the company makes you pay for it, they will get it back to you, in a couple of months. So, NO, never pay for fuel. The company will supply you with a fuel card. Some smaller companies give you cash. Others have comcheck. Do not get in the habit of ever buying anything for the company. No oil, no windshield washing fluid, nothing.

    On the electrical, running a laptop should be no problem at all. The wifi card on your laptop still needs a hotspot to connect to. Some of free, some require you to purchase a card or something. Parking near a motel that has one is an option. Those are usually free. I have a Verzion hot spot and it works but is very expensive. The Electronic Connection threads have those in the know there.

    Finally, if the fuses start blowing, unplug something.
     
    Wooly Rhino, Jan 27, 2014
    Wooly Rhino, Jan 27, 2014
    #3
  5. Jan 28, 2014 #4
    Prom Night Dumpster Baby

    Prom Night Dumpster Baby Medium Load Member

    646
    473
    Jan 12, 2012
    Bug Tussle, TN
    0
    Dang I just had an idea! Start a trucking company and make the CDL mill drivers buy the fuel!
     
    Prom Night Dumpster Baby, Jan 28, 2014
    Prom Night Dumpster Baby, Jan 28, 2014
    #4
  7. Jan 28, 2014 #5
    Bandaid

    Bandaid Light Load Member

    114
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    Feb 21, 2012
    Union, Mo
    0
    I think crime inc and cre beat you to that idea
     
    Bandaid, Jan 28, 2014
    Bandaid, Jan 28, 2014
    #5
  8. Jan 28, 2014 #6
    Soap

    Soap Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2012
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    Ok this is a huge relief especially on the xbox as I was really wondering (and hoping) to be able to do this. I knew about big retail stores like Starbux and McDs having free wifi. But didn't realize you could leech off smaller motel wifi. So I guess that's a new crease on my brain. lol! I also have Netflix and so with my laptop and xbox, I'm pretty much set for any down times due to O&M etc. So I guess it's all down to getting a good wifi connection then. Thanx for the feedback.
     
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    #6
  9. Jan 28, 2014 #7
    teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

    689
    547
    Jan 25, 2012
    Ft. Worth Tx.
    0
    sams clubs and lowes have free wifi as well. if you decide to leach off mc donald's please be careful with the drive throughs...(some body got that pick of the western express truck stuck in the drive through handy?)
     
    teqntexas, Jan 28, 2014
    teqntexas, Jan 28, 2014
    #7
  10. Jan 28, 2014 #8
    Soap

    Soap Bobtail Member

    10
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    Dec 31, 2012
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    thanks bro. But you're gong to have to translate for me on some of these. Could you provide more detailed specs on your laptop? i.e. current/voltage spec, make and model etc. Because I was thinking more of my desktop which is a lot more versatile. You're going to have to translate on this for me pls

    my ecig - what's this?

    cell charge over my 10.... what is the 10 referring to?

    co driver has a laptop, tablet, cellphone... ok so you're driving a team of 2 ppl max. But how much stuff can the co driver plug in/use at same time when truck is say idling in traffic?

    we have a 2500w hardwired <--again what's this make/model brand etc

    300w inverter -- make model brand etc.?
     
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    #8
  11. Jan 28, 2014 #9
    Soap

    Soap Bobtail Member

    10
    0
    Dec 31, 2012
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    oh lord no. had zero intention of taking a blasted 18 wheel van through the drive in. That's just begging for Murphy's Law to make you his ##### lol!

    I meant more off parking off on the shoulder of a freeway (if possible) and camping out the road shoulder for the night etc. I've seen trucks do this while driving on the freeway in the past. but then again, I'm in Norcal. So I don't know if that would apply in other states etc.
     
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    Soap, Jan 28, 2014
    #9
  12. Jan 28, 2014 #10
    chicknwing

    chicknwing Medium Load Member

    526
    601
    Jan 4, 2014
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    What he is saying is...he plugs his "electronic cigarette" and cell phone in to charge while he is taking his "10" hour break.

    The co-driver can likely plug in anything they want since the truck is moving but they are likely sleeping. During down time waiting to be loaded if they are both awake he said they both can plug in the laptops but the truck has to start to charge the batteries once in a while.

    I use a cobra 400 watt inverter at the moment, it is enough to charge my laptop and run a 19 inch flat panel tv at the same time if I idle the truck.
     
    chicknwing, Jan 28, 2014
    chicknwing, Jan 28, 2014
    #10
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