running appliances without idling

My company doesn't allow idling between 20 and 70 degrees. The truck does have an espar bunk heater though and company supplied 1500 watt inverter. My question is how long can you run the bunk heater and various appliances (ie. Tv, xbox, refrigerator, etc.) without starting the truck before the truck batteries go dead? Also, will starting the truck for an hour prevent batteries from dieing?

 

Ill like to know too

 

Normally when batteries start to drain, thing will systemically shut down, this helps to keep batteries from going completely dead, usually the cigarette lighter outlets go out 1st, truck I'm in now has a APU, so I don't worry about it much, sense it will start and recharge batteries if they get low, but truck prior, no APU, so I keep a eye on my phone charger (charger has a light), if the light goes out, I know the batteries are starting to weak'n and I'll start truck for a while to recharge batteries, hope this helps

 

That bunk heater doesn't actually draw too much, and the inverter will recharge fairly well with a small length of idle (15 minutes)...plus they make a very annoying noise when they get low (inverters). I've run mine the full 10 hour break without an idle charge...depends on how cold the temp outside actually is. Most newer trucks won't allow the batteries to go completely dead...an alarm will sound on the dash when you let them get too far down.

 

Depends on the age of the batteries. BTW, the cold weather takes a toll on the batteries. If your truck doesn't start in 20 degree weather, you may be in peril. Guess the beancounters hold your life in their hands.

 

Seems odd to me the company would put a large inverter in a truck that did not have an APU.

Idling for a half hour should more then replace any drain that may occur inside of a few hours running this and that ... assuming it will start. This time of year, you can't afford to see how far you can push it what with such cold temps zapping battery capacities, and making oil thick and engine cranking difficult at best.

I'd start with maybe 1.5 hours running all you mention then crank the engine up and gauge how strong it "seemed" to turned over based on the temperature. Then you can sort of make estimates what may work with longer times and/or colder temps. If it sounded like a weaker crank then you're used to, you're pushing it. You can also get a little feedback by monitoring the voltmeter when you turn the key on with all lights and other stuff OFF. All voltmeters read little different and you will have to make allowances.

What you can do in 70 degree F weather and what you can do when it's 15 degrees F or lower is two different things.

 

It depends upon what you're running. Both the type of rig and appliances. In my Columbia, I can run the small fridge and my cpap machine after a long run for the entire night. But they don't pull much even combined.

Stuff like an Xbox or anything with a heating element will use more.

Your best bet? You'll only use some of that for maybe a half hour at most. Idle for 20 minutes and then go to battery.

...and who the hell has time for Xbox?! LOL!

Oh, and for reference purposes... I run an '02 Columbia, holds 4 batteries.

 

I would find a better company.

 

SNI does the idle thing, I'm okay with it for now. But I don't intend to stay long when I've got experience.

 

Honestly depends on outside temp and if ya drove at all that day. Usually on a 34 i have issues with having to run the truck to recharge the batteries.

On an average day my batteries can handle the fridge turning on and off through the night, 2-3 hours of xbox and the 1000w microwave.

Hope that helps.