Winter/Cold Weather Trucking

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by BDS0111, Jun 3, 2009.

  1. BDS0111

    BDS0111 Bobtail Member

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    May 27, 2009
    Ohio
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    Hi all!

    I'm wondering what is important to consider and explore when spec'ing and equipping a truck to run in winter and cold weather conditions???

    Furthermore, what about in dry/hot desert conditions???
     
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  3. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2008
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    What type of trailer are you pulling? Where are you going to be running most of the time? I'm getting ready to buy a used International. I've got a little $300 generator from when I used to build decks and fences. I used it to run my air compressor for my nail gun and to charge my DeWalt cordless tool batteries. I plan on putting it on my truck with a 100' extension cord in case im ever at the side of the road and need to run a drop light or a small portable office floor heater in the cab. I wouldn't want to be stranded anywhere with the truck engine down and not have any kind of power to run a heater, etc.
     
  4. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2008
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    My little generator will run 10 hours on 2 gallons of gasoline. It's got 4 outlets (110V just like in your house)
     
  5. truckmetal13

    truckmetal13 Light Load Member

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    Jan 8, 2009
    Chicago, il
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    LDH26 what kind international you like to buy , and what kind generator you have?
    thanks
     
  6. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2008
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    When I first got my license I drove for a company that ran day cab Internationals (9200's) with end dump trailers. We hauled petroleum coke out of different refineries. We also hauled sand and gravel on our back hauls. Doing this for 6 months I got familiar with the International trucks (ours had C-12's under the hood). I like them alot. I like the way the dash is designed and the overall style of the truck. Now that i'm buying my own truck though, i'll be going out on the road for days/weeks at a time, so i'm going to get 9400i or 9200 with a sleeper. I like the flatops, but it's not mandatory that I have one. My main concerns are reliability, wet kit (so I can pull any type of trailer), air slide 5th wheel (so I can pull a lowboy without tearing my mudflaps off), and air ride suspension. I like the 9900i's with the big square noses too.
     
  7. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2008
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    I couldn't tell you the name of my generator. I bought it at Wal-Mart though. Back when I built fences and decks I didn't start out with alot of capitol, so I couldn't afford a big high dollar one. I just needed something to run my air compressor on jobs where I operated out of the bed of my pickup and no power was available on jobsites. It's been 3 or 4 years ago. It's been a good one. I gave $300 for it. Starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull everytime.
     
    truckmetal13 Thanks this.
  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,654
    12,157
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    :biggrin_25511:If you live/operate in cold country, I would have a block heater at the very least. When you sit overnight in zero degrees, it's hard to get that rascal fired up at 5 am. Synthetic oil helps a lot too, including in your tranny/rear ends. Not sure if fuel heaters are still offered. Heated mirrors are a must. Heated seats are real nice. You can winterize the hoses too. Power service works real good for the fuel to keep from gelling.:biggrin_25511:
     
    7mouths2feed and BDS0111 Thank this.
  9. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    Jan 4, 2009
    Alaska highway
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    Did we talk you outta getting those 'Shakers? If not, you may want to go with whatever extra insulation package shaker offers, if they do - In addition to the above mentioned.

    BTW, Power service is a great way to blow money, and still gel up. It does NOT work at -22, like advertised. I know from experience. The only thing that works with this ultra low sulphur fuel is #1 diesel. Years ago, PS worked, not these days.
     
  10. BDS0111

    BDS0111 Bobtail Member

    46
    6
    May 27, 2009
    Ohio
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    Thanks for the help everyone!


    LDH26 - I'll be pulling 53' dry vans with sensitive cargo. I'll be running all ovet the country and into Canada. Stopping because of winter weather just will not be an option for me. The trucks have to move no matter what. Therefore I want to do whatever I can to winterize these trucks. I will also be using APUs.

    Allow Me - Thanks for the great advice!

    Winchester - LOL...No, you guys haven't talked me out of the shakers yet. I've had some major projects going on and I just haven't had the chance to look at the thread much less reply!

    Can someone please explain this "power service" that everyone is talking about?

    Thanks!
     
  11. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2008
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    I know this was probably the very first thing you thought about, but just for peace-of-mind I want to remind you about taking tire chains. Good luck to you. Larry
     
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