Why can't reefer connect to the tractors power source?

Heck when I drove for SRT they gave us jumper cables, and there was positive/negative "lugs" on the back of the sleeper..

They even told us that if the alternator went out on the truck to attach cables to reefer and lugs to get to repair facility.

(I still have 2 sets of those cables)

 

i have a set of jumpers made from welding cables 50 feet long
i only carry one at a time anymore..........sigh

 

FFE's tractors and trailers have the set-up you describe, for just such an emergency.

 

Have the mechanics at your company show you how to prime the reefer engine when it has run out of fuel. A set of good jumper cables and knowing how to prime will save the day.

 

The reefer unit does charge the battery. You must have a bad battery in that unit.

Like others said invest in a good quality pair of 16' or 20' 4 gauge jumper cables. Buy one with a storage bag and it won't take up a bunch of space.

Since you don't have an APU the cables can work both ways and jump a dead truck off the reefer too.

 

For fuel transferring, carry a small 12v fuel pump and about 50ft of hose to transfer fuel from tractor to trailer. Vise versus, if you have to.

 

A company exists that makes a connector to permanently hook up the reefer to the truck, which keeps the batts on the truck charged. I think the product is called reefer-link, or maybe idle-link.

 

Was in Canada. Went to sleep - outside nice. Woke up - snowing... They did not accept CommData checks, so found some Jumper Cables. Had them auth it and got paid back for them. Only had plastic bottles in the box so running the reefer did not hurt them.

 

http://idlefreesystems.com/no-idle-elimination-solutions-for-reefers-and-refrigerated-trailers.html

 

If you want to go a cheaper route, as long as you are hooked up to the trailer, only 1 cable is needed. Hot to Hot. Frame, thru the 5th wheel, will provide the ground.