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

Try using this.
http://www.easternmarine.com/15-liftgate-charging-cable-assy-23-2626

 

Good topic OP I had the same idea too. Maybe they will add that feature later in the future. In fact if they lowered the trailer's ceiling by an inch and added solar panels, the reefer could be all electric as it would run off the truck's alternator while driving and then solar while parked. If not enough sunlight the batteries should still last about 3 days which is about the same amount of time it takes to refuel a reefer tank. Plus shippers can just plug in the reefers to an electric outlet instead of having to refuel.

 

We also used to hook the refrigerant lines from the unit into our cab A/C, and a wire from unit to truck batteries.. Could then run your A/C while asleep in summer without running your truck. Just ran the unit, which was usually running anyway.

 

The company I work for raises hell about any idling, so when I have to do a 34 hour reset I hook up my jumper cables from the reefer to the tractor batteries to keep them charged. The company never complains about the reefer running whether loaded or not.

 

http://trucktrailersolarpanels.wordpress.com

 

You don't have to connect it all the way to the batteries, there are posts on your catwalk for that.

 

If you're hooked up you only need to run positive wire as the truck and trailer share ground. So you could use both wires of a set of cables on the positive of both sets of batteries, allowing for more amps to go through.

 

We used to have our trucks set to charge using the pigtail, needed to keep the key turned on.

Now I have a small cable about 8' long that connects from truck battery to reefer battery.

You can run the reefer continuous & keep truck charged on a 34 restart....

 

charging is one thing trying to jump start it threw a pig never. I saw a post of why not they have a pigtail for a lift. that lift does not draw near the amps that a starter does. You would catch the wires on fire or melt the crap out of them just trying to turn it over. carry jumpers plain and simple. and carry a 20 ft length of single 12 or 10 gauge wire with you this way if the alt does take a dump you can hook it up jump start it and leave the wire hooked up to get unloaded or to a shop...

Things to keep in truck for refeer...
1)JUMPER CABLES
2) 20 FT WIRE
3) EMPTY 1 GALLON JUG
4) CHEAP 12V FUEL PUMP WITH 5 FT HOSE
5) EXTRA FUEL FILTER FOR REFFER UNIT
6) COMMON SENSE (WAIT THAT SHOULD BE STANDARD REGARLESS...LMAO)