OLDER TRUCKS

I think of an older truck, as a truck with a mechanical fuel pump ( a metal rod connecting your right foot to the engine) The 1st truck I drove with electronic controls was the '99 Century I drove, and didn't like it one bit. Aside from being able to set the idle up with the cruise control, ( which soon failed to operate) it was an eery feeling, for me .Remember, idling a truck, uses about a gallon of fuel/hr. When fuel was cheap, it was no big deal, but now, idling the truck can cost you $30 bucks (or more) a night (or day). I remember before APU's came out, some truck owners used small Asian 4 cylinders mounted on the deckplate ( or in a side in a box), and those turned generators ( or the stock alternator) or at least kept the coolant warm and batteries charged.

 

So, it is a miracle that I make any money at all with my "old decrepit" truck.

 

Uhmm,,,now you done it,,,what's an ECM ? Hahahaha,,

 

That would depend on where you are. Here is a map of state restrictions http://cdllife.com/2014/resources/regulations/idling-laws-state/.
Some cities also have their own restrictions as well.

 

Had a prostar once that featured a Detroit diesel Opti-Idle system. Had a control in the bunk like on a reefer. Select heat or cool, then the desired cab temp,next a range setting that let the driver determine how far from the set temp you wanted. ( +- 3 degrees up to +- 7 degrees) the higher the range the less cycling . When in the Opti mode, truck would sound an alert like in a refer, besides cab temp, low battery voltage would initiate a battery charge cycle,also if the engine oil dropped below a certain temp truck would start...I loved it.
Didn't have 110volts like APUs. But didn't have to worry about battery drain from investors either.

 

I agree with Rollin Coal, drive for someone else until you absorb much knowledge as you can about all things O/O. It isn't something that is usually learned in 10 minutes. I will offer up some of the things I learned.....1- You must have at least $10,000 in your reserve account before you ever turn a wheel, some have made it with less and some have gone bust with more at least 10,000 in reserve gives you a fighting chance. 2- It is a hell of a lot easier to call the truck owner and say "I am broke down, fix it" than figuring out what is wrong, can I fix it myself or how the hell am I gonna freakin pay for this. 3- It is also easier to write out a "fix it" sheet when you get to the yard and have the company mechanic do the work than it is to work in the truck your whole time off. 4- Owning the truck means if you don't roll those tires down the road there isn't revenue coming in to pay the bills that MUST be paid every month whether you are rollin or not. 5- Paying for your own truck/personal/family insurance is freaking costly. 6- If you can not handle being away from your Family for 2-3 weeks at a time and, as mentioned above, working in your truck while on your days off......this might not be for you. I am sure I missed a lot but these are a few that come to mind at the moment. I am not saying don't buy a truck, I am saying just be prepared for it. Obviously I am one of the sick twisted ones who love this life and wouldn't change a thing . JMHO.

 

You don't need a expensive Tri Pack APU. Only the heater is good. The AC is a joke - blowing cold only under lower bed. If I didn't get it for free with my truck, I will never pay $10k for this POS. For 3 years, I replaced 3 alternators.

I have seen better setup. Honda generator 3000 in specially made metal box, espar heater and a roof AC. The only inconvenience is, you have to carry gasoline for the AC, but you getting a really cold AC, that can deal with 120 temps outside.

 

Ahh, what ever it is I don't want to meet it