Running with JCT, Part Deux

1. No. Fuel costs plus wear and tear on the engine, especially the DPF are a big reason why I would have one. That and all the places that do not allow you to idle the engine.

2. Yes. Last company I was a company driver for had this policy. And Idle time wasent even talked about. They installed inverters in all the trucks, rather large ones actually. They did use OptiIdle though, which was terrifying to get use to the whole truck turning on and off in the middle of the night..

3. TK. I've never really had a problem with TK both on my older truck here, and when I was a company driver elsewhere. Reliable, the cold air output was fantastic, and the bunk heater actually worked. It was also much quieter for me and the people around me. Being able to use power in the truck without the APU on all the time is a big plus, which is kind of being mitigated now with the ComfortPros getting Inverters installed. I was able to do everything I'm doing now on a TK inverter so if the ones being installed now are the same size then its a wash on that point.

 

I know y'all got a deal on carrier but IMHO the TK for APU and the TK reefers were better. When I had a load running -10 in 115 weather the TK could actually get to temp. I never had a carrier actually hit temp in those extremes.

 

Just my 2 cents.
While at JCT I had the opportunity to run a Carrier (Old version of comfort pro?) And I definitely found myself exctremely dependent on them both. The Carrier would have been a much nicer option if I had been able to run an inverter so it did not have to run to power my tv, laptop etc.
Question 1. Would you drive a truck you owned or leased without an APU on it? Under the right circumstances yes. When I left JCT a little over 2 years ago I purchased a brand new truck and weighed my options regarding the apu. I looked at the initial cost of the unit and all interest that i would end up paying over the years paying it off as well as the cost of routine maintenance and repairs after warranty ran out. In the end I found a solution that I found more cost efficient for me. I purchased IDLE Smart. Simple to install for most any shop, no maintenance to speak of.(In 2 years I have had to replace the plugs on the hood sensor) The unit constantly monitors 2 things automatically. 1: voltage level (user defined through a simple interface from 11.2-12.7. The truck automatically starts up and charges for a user defined length of time. 2: Extreme cold temps to protect from freezing and gelling. Again this is a user defined length of run time. Coupled with the IDLE SMART I purchased an Intelligent Xantrex 2500 watt charger/inverter. This allows me all of the niceties of home while on the road, and allows me to plug into shore power when I have the truck stored at home and elsewhere, charging and conditioning my batteries. The 3rd and equally important thing the IDLE Smart does is monitor cabin temp and start the truck up to reach the desired temp. With this system I average 2-4 hours idle time over my average 14 hour parked time a day. I also find myself much more aware of just how much fuel I am using and often times dont need the truck to run in conditions I can gaurantee my old apus were running non stop.
Question 2.Would you drive a company truck without an APU on it (if the company allowed you to idle the truck)? Yes with some form of system like the one I use to make sure the batteries dont drain overnight from items like a refridgerator and inverter.
Question 3. What brand of APU do you prefer & WHY? ThermoKing. Mostly from the trouble free experiences I have previously had, but also with the caveat that it come with the roof mounted Solar panel to aid in keeping my batteries charged without needing to run the motor.
Terry

 

14 hours of park time a day?

 

10 hour break, 30 min break, Loading and unloading. Adds up.

Also if you're running on recaps, 14 hours is kind of normal...

 

I cant lie, my freight has changed immensely. I book my own loads and average 7.5 hours a day behind the wheel.

 

When I was at JCT I would have about 13 to 17 hours off the road a day. I did not work hard lol. Doing this local gig is even better lol

 

Since it is that season where it's getting cold, if you're having a difficult time starting your comfort pro you're probably in need of new glow plugs.

 

That's the problem..... why would that have to be replaced on a unit that's 0-3 years old?

Never had to replace on a TK, even with over 8000 hours of use.

 

Tk is the best period when it comes to reefers and apu's!Companies try to pinch a penny but in the long run you get what you pay for!