12v cooler killing battery?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by CharlesS, Sep 26, 2017.

  1. CharlesS

    CharlesS Light Load Member

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    Ok I have been OTR for a year now and havery had 3 different 12v coolers (1 dies buy another). Never had a problem leaving them plugged into the 12v socket when the truck was turned off over night. This morning woke up, the cooler wasn't running and my batteries were down to 12v and the truck wouldn't start. Got a jump start and truck is running ok, but my office is saying its the cooler that drained the battery and shouldn't be plugged in without the engine running. It was my understanding that the truck wouldn't let the voltage drop to low to keep the truck from starting but I guess not.... So do you all have this issue and how do you deal with it? Can't afford to eat expensive crappy truck stop food all of the time and often stopped in rest areas where the cuisine is nothing more than chips and candy bars.
     
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  3. mpd240

    mpd240 Road Train Member

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    I've had my cooler run the. Arteries down low enough to set off the low voltage alarm. I can't leave it plugged in overnight during the winter when I'm running my bunk heater with the electric ignighter.
     
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  4. fargonaz

    fargonaz Road Train Member

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    Most coolers don't have a low voltage cutoff circuit in them you'll need to plug it in to something that does(they will drain the batteries dead, given a chance.) That said, I would get my batteries load tested, it sounds like you have one or more dead or dying batteries.

    Good Luck!
     
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  5. CharlesS

    CharlesS Light Load Member

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    I didn't mean the cooler having a low voltage cuttoff but the truck itself. It's possible that one or more of the batteries are bad but the company won't test or replace them if the truck starts. Rather wait for a situation to happen and cause a load to be late than be proactive.
     
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  6. fargonaz

    fargonaz Road Train Member

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    Hey, I just noticed you're in my nighborhood, I'm at Signal Butte and University.
     
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  7. CharlesS

    CharlesS Light Load Member

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    Cool it's nice and quiet out there :)
     
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  8. fargonaz

    fargonaz Road Train Member

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    I'd like to be a lot further east, used to live at San Marcos and McKellips, that was quiet.
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2017
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  9. CharlesS

    CharlesS Light Load Member

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    That's a long wagon ride to town
     
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  10. Jazz1

    Jazz1 Road Train Member

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    Cant imagine a cooler killing batteries if truck is run daily or even every other day. You are likely correct on bad batteries. If you are in this for the long run you might consider a Genco GB70 for boosting truck or running your electronics in a pinch. I drive company truck so only shut engine down on a grade to allow for rolling start,,,just a nasty habit from experience.
     
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  11. CharlesS

    CharlesS Light Load Member

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    I agree I don't think the cooler caused the problem, but that is what they are blaming it on... Total bs in my opinion but so be it. I will be doing this job to some degree for quite a long time but just won't be with this company, there are other options available with more perks.
     
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