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Truck questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mo. Fat Boy, Jul 26, 2008.

  1. Jul 26, 2008 #1
    Mo. Fat Boy

    Mo. Fat Boy Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Jul 15, 2008
    Coarsegold,Ca
    0
    Not driving (yet) so I thank you in advance for your patience.
    Since it has been a long time since I drove I have a couple of questions.
    I recently stopped at a truck stop and noticed the big "air duct" things which I assume are what you are calling the APU.
    I have also read several places about "length" of time you can idle.
    So......here are a few questions and again I thank you for your patience and understanding!
    1. Do MOST companies have these units on their OTR trucks?
    2. I am going to guess there is a cost to use these. What is the cost?
    3. Are you charged by the hour or is the cost for a 10 hour period?
    4. Since I see many trucks in the "lot" I am assuming the availability of these units would be limited?
    5. What do you do if one is not available...or your truck is not equiped for them?
    6. How long can you idle?
    Thanks for anyone who is willing to provide answers.
    Be safe out there!:biggrin_25519:
     
    Mo. Fat Boy, Jul 26, 2008
    Mo. Fat Boy, Jul 26, 2008
    #1
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  3. Jul 26, 2008 #2
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

    12,812
    6,136
    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
    0
    The "big air duct things" are IdleAire . Their future is uncertain because the company was recently auctioned off after filing bankruptcy . I think they were charging close to $2 an hour . There is a slot on the window unit to swipe a credit card . Many fleets had contracts and the fuel card can be swiped . There is no minimum usage . APU stands for auxiliary power unit . It's rigged to the tractor similar to a generator on a motorhome . It provides more economical heat and a/c.
     
    RickG, Jul 26, 2008
    RickG, Jul 26, 2008
    #2
  4. Jul 28, 2008 #3
    Lurchgs

    Lurchgs Road Train Member

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    308
    Feb 13, 2008
    Denver, CO
    0
    Rick answered most of these...

    APU is, as he said, and Auxialary Power Unit. Usually this means some form of generator, though I have heard of an all-electric system. The idea is to power the truck's A/C or Heating system to keep the driver moderately comfortable in adverse conditions. Some provide enough juice to power additional 115V outlets.

    Many states and locales are enacting and enforcing idling laws. Depending on where you are, you can be limited to as little as 5 minutes of idling time. Tickets and fines can ensue, and they can be substantial. Problem is, if you don't have an APU you pretty much HAVE to idle to keep the cab comfortable... ###### if you do, ###### if you don't.
     
    Lurchgs, Jul 28, 2008
    Lurchgs, Jul 28, 2008
    #3
  5. Jul 29, 2008 #4
    FITZER

    FITZER Bobtail Member

    13
    0
    Jul 23, 2008
    MOOSE JAW, SASK
    0
    Ok, my 2 cent question. So in anti-idling areas, gas or diesel powered generators are okay?
     
    FITZER, Jul 29, 2008
    FITZER, Jul 29, 2008
    #4
  7. Jul 29, 2008 #5
    passingtrucker

    passingtrucker Light Load Member

    170
    92
    Nov 16, 2007
    Diamond Bar, California
    0
    Yes, auxiliary atmosphere control systems are legal, where local ordinances restrict truckers from idling their engine.
     
    passingtrucker, Jul 29, 2008
    passingtrucker, Jul 29, 2008
    #5
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