Cold weather prep

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Penumbra, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

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    So you’d think school/intro to the company would teach you about cold weather maintenance. But they didn’t, so I come to the trucking gods for guidance.

    anti-gel...do I need to do it every time I fuel? Just if the tanks start to gel? I’ve never worked with Diesel engines before so I’m brand new to this one!

    I just received a message to be sure to train the water from the air tanks...my trucks missing it’s manual (thanks previous driver), but it’s a 2019 Peterbilt. Can someone give me a basic walkthrough?
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Air cord should be somewhere near the drivers door , .. On my 2020 kw its hidden , cant see it just have to stick ur hand down the side skirt and hope nothing jumps out at u... as for anti gel. Most fuel stations, ta loves pilot fj etc... treat their fuel at the pump so u will be good until it gets very cold.... If ur in the south and getting fuel for a run up north ur going to want anti gel or u will end up on side of the road with clogged filters and fuel lines...just read the instructions on bottle, it will tell you everything u need to know....make sure to keep recipt so company can reimburse you..._ can buy the red bottle the 911 treatment that will get u out of a jam, but u want to treat fuel before it comes to having to use the red bottle.. most important thing is always keep food and water in the cab and a extra blankets to stay warm.. Incase ur truck dies and u get stranded in the cold .. It will get very cold in that truck very quick.. A small candle and a way to light the candle can keep that cab warm as well...
     
  4. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    If you are pulling a reefer in extreme cold run it on continuous loaded or empty. Froze up reefers are a major PIA to get running again.
    If you don’t have an APU on your truck be sure to bump the idle up a good bit when parked. If possible keep the hood pointed away from the wind.
     
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  5. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

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    Also...really really dumb question...how do I get all the snow off?
     
  6. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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  7. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Broom, squeege, and wind. Don't forget your headlights and your trailer tail lights.
     
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  8. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    I've really never used any anti-gel. I have some...a couple times I've put it in....it doesn't seem to do any better than straight diesel. Usually, if the temp is lower than 20°F, I'll idle if I'm worried about gelling.
     
  9. Penumbra

    Penumbra Medium Load Member

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    Company sent a message telling us to use our comdata cards to purchase the anti gel...

    uh...how do I do that?

    I’ve only ever used my comdata card at the pump to get fuel. Do I just run it like a regular credit card on the little card reader at the register?
     
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  10. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    at the pump or at the counter. would need your trk and trl # mileage etc.
     
  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Also check your fuel tanks make sure they have fuel returning to them at a healthy rate keeping the entire tank toasty.

    Another item to check with a powerful light source is the bottom of tank for algae. (Its a new items to me but you learn something at any age) with today's fuels. Its possible to grow them with a toasty set of tanks. (Ick...)

    If you have plasticity airlines, replace them with what is black and very close to pure rubber. Less chance of them snapping off when you maneuver a big rig in tight spaces below say -25. No airlines, no move. And sometimes that might be VERY possible to choke off a entire shipper or receiver. Or even a major intersection or highway ramp.
     
    Texas_hwy_287 Thanks this.
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