SAFETY: Schneider's middle name?

I have a 2012 Cascadia and my batts kept dying and also had to be jumped 2 mornings in a row. West Memphis then changed 3 batts and proceeded to tell me I had too much stuff plugged in. I had a cooler plugged in , my XM was still plugged in and my phone charger but the phone was not. I told them when I park that I watch tv for 2 hours before bed and that it is unplugged other wise. I don't use any lights, I have my own battery powered camp lights and my CPAP runs off of the extra battery in a bag they give. My batts still die about 5 hours into the night and I am still told I have too much stuff plugged in. My cooler now gets unplugged as soon as I stop. And guess what, batts still die. I have one of the lunch box style stoves but it is only used while the truck is actually running and I have to sit behind the wheel and constantly press the clutch because my truck will not idle either, not even below 20 degrees. Hell not even below 12 degrees

 

Does not surprise me at all that they are telling you this,,, This is the same excuse we all get for battery problems. You have to stand your ground with these maintenance people. I guarantee you have at least one bad battery but, probably two. I am assuming you have check all batteries and connections?

 

They have changed 3 of the 4 and am still having these issues. I will have to take a look at the connections to make sure. I am usually a very easy going person and don't like to make waves but this is getting ridiculous and very frustrating. I know my DBL's hands are tied and that is why I haven't gone off on her. And besides, she is the one that keeps me moving.

 

Didn't realize you had 3 of the 4 changed already. Yeah, check the connections for sure and no, don't give your DM any problems, just take it up with Maintenance. It's not anything your doing though, I can tell you that. These trucks aren't meant to have multiple things going at the same time, for hours and hours but, nothing you have stated should drain the batteries in 5 hours.

 

First my tractor has the parksmart system, so Schneider does apu style unit but runs on batteries and is built in system by freightliner. Second federal rule no bottle gas of any type in tractors. Even my 2014 cascadia battery Saver will kick in 8 hrs of use from cpap and bunk heaters. What Schneider is saying is unplug those items at night not stop using. These new trucks have way more going on electrically then previous generations. Also cooking in the truck leaves odors in the headliner etc. Ever walk by a truck that burnt popcorn. If u want to be unsociable and live like a hobbit by charcoal to cook. No rule stopping that. Also remember this is Schneider tractor not yours, they spec them how ever it'll make them money. If you want all that cool stuff go spend $175,000 on your own rig.

TIPS TO OBTAIN A “SURE START” When parking and sleeping in the tractor:  Warm up the bunk electric blanket before shutting the engine off.  Once the engine is shut off, minimize the use of electrical accessories and appliances.  Plug the engine block heater in if you can ****  Park in a well lighted, out of traffic area with the marker lights off.  When the temperature is +10° F or below, leave the engine running at 750 RPM. The engine may be shut off for short intervals of 5-6 hours.  When the temperature is –10° F or below, run the engine at 750 RPM.  Do not start the engine and idle for less than one (1) hour or the batteries will not recharge. Always idle at 750 RPM. When parking and not sleeping in the tractor:  Turn the ignition switch to the full “off” position.  Be sure all accessories/appliances are turned off or unplugged.  Plug the engine block heater in if you can ****  Use Schneider’s authorized parking locations (when possible).  If the temperature is +10 F or below, and you can’t plug the block heater in, and the engine will be shut down longer than 5-6 hours, idle the engine at 750 RPM. ****Tips for use of engine block heaters -- Be sure the engine block heater is working (feel the block or listen for a crackling sound) and protect the engine from the wind (use plastic, canvas, etc).  Plug in the block heater while the engine is still warm .  Unplug the block heater before starting the engine.  Never leave the block heater plugged in while starting or running the engine. While driving:  Use only the necessary accessories and lights.  Continue to minimize short interval, low RPM idling.  Whenever leaving the truck, turn off all accessories and the ignition switch unless the lights are required for safe parking

 

This is getting a bit ridiculous, I truly hope drivers don't stand for this crap for long. My God we already live away from home the least they could do is let you idle to charge the batts. I mean seriously, is that asking to much?

 

Gee Moosc, way to kick me while I'm down. LOL J/K

 

My truck doesn't Idle unless it's around 0. Where ever they have the sensor, it still picks up radiant heat somewhere. It was 07 in Cheyenne last time I was there and that #### thing kept shutting off

 

at what point does someone decide to call OSHA.

 

The first year 2012 I got pneumonia from no bunk heater and no idle. Maintenance said I should have a artic sleeping bag and long jons. I was so mad.