running appliances without idling

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Wade73, Jan 10, 2015.

  1. TNMT

    TNMT Light Load Member

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    Nov 11, 2008
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    Make sure your inverter will handle the load you put on it. It may run something for you but it maybe to low to supply the correct volts to what is plug into it. You run the risk of burning what you got out in the long run.
     
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  3. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Springfield, IL
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    Thanks for all the replies. Your feedback is very helpful. I'm currently stuck in the truck here indefinitely since my trainer had to go home for a family emergency. I definitely don't want these batteries to die. Sounds like i should start the truck at least daily until he comes back. I'm hoping it will only be a couple more days if I'm lucky. I just ran the bunkheater all night and watched a dvd last night on the xbox/tv so i guess i will start the truck for an hour this morning.
     
  4. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 18, 2010
    Akron,Ohio
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    If you ran the bunk heater all night plus some extras you will need to run the motor 4-8 hours to recharge the batteries. If you don't when you run the bunk heater tonight it will kill the batteries. If you are driving the batteries will recharge but if you are sitting they can only stand 1 nights use and then you have to idle to recharge the batteries. Also I would set the idle at 800-1000 rpms for extended idling. It is easier on the motor. If I have to sit somewhere and I stay in the truck the first night I use the espar the second night I set the idle up and let it run. I would call SNI and see if they would put you in a room.
     
  5. YETI1

    YETI1 Light Load Member

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    Jan 1, 2008
    kansas
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    Buy a voltmeter alarm I can not remember the website it does not cost much and the voltage preset will sound an alarm still leaving enough amps to start the truck[emoji12]
     
  6. Peewee91

    Peewee91 Light Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2012
    Tucson, Arizona
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    So if you have a 12v Coleman cooler plug in all night, it wont drain your batteries? With the truck off of course.
     
  7. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
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    If you drain the batteries, who picks up the bill for the jump?

    If you do then watch what you use and if the company does, who cares.
     
  8. OFTOTR

    OFTOTR Medium Load Member

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    Jul 19, 2011
    Toccoa GA
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    They left a trainee alone in a parked truck for days?
    Idle the #### thing!

    You do not get extra points for suffering.
     
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  9. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    NEPA
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    Idle the truck as needed to remain comfortable, regardless of outside temperature. If the truck fails to start, contact your company and tell them they need to either get someone out NOW to get it restarted, or get you transportation to a hotel that THEY pay for. If you get ANY static from the company about idling, tell them you'll shut your truck off when management has their utilities disconnected at their home. If they don't like that, then tell them that they can pay for shore power, Idle Air, or get an APU installed in the truck.

    Start looking for a new company. Now.
     
  10. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    NEPA
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    Are you training with Prime, by chance?
     
  11. CruisingAlong

    CruisingAlong Medium Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2014
    Tampa , FL
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    For 3 bucks you can buy a cig lighter voltage gauge.id start truck whenever voltage falls below 12.1 volts
     
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