IdleAire Eminent Domain?

Hey I thought the same thing when I tried it first. As an independant O/O and with the rising cost in fuel, I either pay $1.85 hr and get clean air, electricity, TV, movies, internet, phone, etc... or pay over $5.00 hr for wasting fuel by idling (My APU is always going on the fritz) and with the service costs for my Peterbilt, I'll pick Idleaire anyday. I mean, I can watch shows I'm always missing because I'm on the road and I can see movies that I normally couldn't see because even if I bobtail, I can't find parking at a theatre ... let alone find the time to see the new stuff out in the theatres. I do like IdleAire and use it whenever I can. I'm a techy person anyway and to play with a cool gizmo like this just enhances my evening when I have nothing else to do. Try it out. Worst thing that could happen is you don't like it and you're out $20.00. But, I betcha that won't happen.

 

I had the opportunity to try IdleAir when I was a company driver for 3 weeks with Barnes (They paid for it.) I noticed that the units REAKED of cigarette smoke, not the air, just the unit that I put in my truck that ultimately made my truck stink too. I did enjoy having the climate control and the nice TV reception but it is kinda pricey. My truck only burns .4 to 1/2 a gallon an hour. I do not figure in wear and tear since I will trade this truck in before the engine warranty is up. So, at 10 hours, I am laying out about $16-$18 in diesel fuel. I just find it hard to lay out an additional amount of cash above and beyond the hundreds I just spent of fuel. Maybe if it was a $1 an hour I might consider it. The other positive point about IA is that you can usually find a spot whenever you get to a truck stop.

 

They do jump you prior to pulling your breaks at most places I have been. I avoid TA's because of idle air. I dont wont a hassle from anyone and avoid the nutty Idle Air (IA) staff. Beside they will sleep in their own bed and use their own bathroom that very day, so get off my freakin' back.

I am the type of driver who pulls in for 10 hours, fuels up and leaves. Not buying anything but fuel. (Walmart 4 food once a week or so)

Idle air reps can kiss my ##*. I look around and if IA is one of the last spots on the lot I take it. I climb out of my truck when I am darn good and ready.

To tell the goofy idle air staff that I will sit and idle for AC or Heat all day and I am not moving for anyone except a Police Officer who tells me specifically to leave that particular spot I am utilizing.

After driving unknown hours and miles for how many days in a row? I sure don't need another person tell me where to park my rig. and at a truck stop of all places!

The cops could care less, the lot is private property somehow twisted together with TA and idle air. The cops are busy doing plenty of other things then enforce Idle Airs "Quiet Zone". I am a TA customer like it or not.

Who ever drives in to one of these joints looking for quiet should have their head examined. We have all been woken up 4 times a night with people banging, knocking, bumping and every other noise out here.

Drivers want idle air, great saddle up with that yellow snorkel and do your thing. I have no concern for them enjoying a "Service" offered by the TA who owns the property and the lot.

Just don't try turning me or another driver back onto the road "looking" for a parking spot that suits the IA people better.

Oh, and guess what? I bet the IA person gets a cut on how many spaces they rent per shift. That keeps the goof's interested in rousting drivers like me!

After over 700 miles in 11 hours I will drive over you if you do not stop bothering me about one semi truck parking space in the lot. (Just kidding)

(Sort of)

 

I would expect the price will drop compaired to fuel as there infrastructure grows.

 

now dont you know the air from jersey stops before it hits the NY line

 

wc5b I too noticed the cig smell when I first start the unit. I know there are a mess of smokers out there but how is it I'm following them everywhere. I only use the service in the summer as that I've found the heat isn't that impressive and my truck has one of those bunk heaters. The bunk heater has two settings off and flamethrower. I think I could hang a side of beef between my seats and have beef jerky in the morning. I still park in the Idle air spaces though in the winter. If the rep hassles me to much I just put my window unit in and insert the hose. It is annoying to have someone pull in with a loud idling truck in the quiet areas. It's really no different than a smoker lighting up in a non smoking area even if all the smoking tables are filled. It's not my fault you didn't get there sooner to get a normal spot. It's just as annoying when I'm parked in a normal spot on a nice night not idling and having some guy put it next to me making all kinds of racket. "Do you really not see me sitting there watching tube with my windows down?" Ah well just had to get that off my chest.

 

They are government subsidized so the price payed is at a loss, I don't think it will go down IMOP

 

if i got time to use idleair then i need to find another compnay to work for!! im not putting down those that use the idleair. but i myself usually dont shut down for a full 10 hours except when im at home and i do get home through out the week and weekend so it really would not be worht it for me

 

Nice theory. But that isn't what happened to "Park-N-View". Their price went from $10 per month to $30 a month shortly after they had fully expanded. We can only hope that IdleAir suffers the same fate as P-N-V. Bankrupt from over-expansion coupled by increased repair costs.