Has anyone ever used heat tape????

Keeping heat where it's needed isn't rocket science.

Wrap the heat tape around the affected area, and then over wrap it with an insulating blanket. Keep it dry, and it will do the job. Don't expect it to work if you only turn it on when you're ready to unload. You'll need to keep it working during your entire trip, or you'll be waiting for quite some time for your frozen product to thaw.

 

deleted I misread it

 

How can the driver keep heat tape powered while driving?

 

There's these newfangled things called extension cords and inverters. You can connect the inverter to the battery on the tractor to provide the 120V needed to power the heat tape. Then you plug an extension cord into the inverter, and run it back to the trailer (twisting it around the air lines and pigtail) to power the heat tape.

 

You're good for about 120 Watts using an inverter plugged in to a power port on the dash. 7 Watts of heat tape won't do a whole lot unless it's well insulated.

 

That is an inductive load and the inverter may not work well with it, maybe getting DC compatible heat strips or "tape" will work better.

 

Thanks. I understand that. But is it legal?

Let me ask a different way.
How can he power the heat strip while driving that: 1) will not attract attention while going through a weigh station, 2) will pass a DOT inspection, and 3) will be OK with his company's safety department?
My personal experience with NY DOT (upstate NY in the same exact area) is that they are not very permissive. Twice they gave me the most thorough inspections I've ever had. It could have been that I was pulling a hazmat tanker and I was from out of state. They might be more lenient toward a local citizen hauling milk byproduct.

 

Is there a specific regulation that prohibits using a heat strip? If not, then how can they cite you for a violation?