Stepping Out With My Own Numbers

This year, so far, is 8.7 mpg. The ELD is pretty accurate and it shows 8.78. I check it against the hand figures every once in awhile and it’s akways within a few tenths of what I come up with. I just checked it over the weekend.

 

If you’re ever thinking of stopping at the Flying J in Clear Brook, VA, don’t do it. That place is tight and trucks park everywhere. Once you finally get out of your spot, you then have to squeeze around all the trucks in no parking zones.

 

My trailer doesn’t sit long enough to need the solar power, but I still like the idea.
I like battery APUs, but run time is an issue. The solar panels are a great work around. The problem is that you have to make arrangements with the APU or truck provider to get them. Anything other than standard equipment is hard to get when you’re just a small time operation. These fleets have a lot more power to get these technologies on their equipment. I’ve run into this already in ordering my truck and now my trailer. They’ll put up road blocks every step of the way. International wasn’t too bad but they asked a lot of questions to try and convince me other wise.

 

What I really wanted on my truck was a solar system like Transport Robert has and a lithium battery APU. Right now all I can find that looks legit is Volta Power Systems. They make these things for RVs. Unfortunately, like I said earlier, trying to get these people on the phone and setting up installation and the proper system is almost impossible for a one truck guy. So, I ended up with the ol’ TriPac. I like the TriPac, but I really want a battery system.

 

They’re working on cryogenic reefers right now. That seems to be the next big thing with reefer units; moving away from engine power altogether.

 

Ran the fuel mileage again today from January until now. 8.66 mpg, 28667 miles, 14% empty miles, usual stuff at 72k or so average weight running to the northeast and mid Atlantic a lot. I’ve been in MA, CT, and NJ a little more than usual this month.