Facts about diesel ideling
As the vast majority of 5th wheels are being towed by diesel trucks here is some interesting facts about idling and the myths surrounding it: http://www.in.gov/idem/prevention/2372.htm
Forum Discussion
Owner operator with 40 years exp(who tows his W+P 5th wheel with the big truck) here.
I avoid idling, have the 5 minute shutdown engaged in the ECM. If it is going to be below 10 deg F I will start it a few times while sleeping in it to insure it starts in the am, letting the diesel fired aux heater(webasto) keep me warm in the cab. Service calls are big bucks.
Most municipalities that have idling laws also specify temps when extended idling is allowed. Nothing uniform. Very few truck stops have any shore power.
Unnecessary idling is one of the biggest problems in the trucking industry. Huge amount of misinformation and downright selfishness out there. I am sitting next to a major truckload company truck right now who has idled at least 6 hours and it is 60 degrees outside.
Major big truck engine manufacturers all say the same thing. Start the truck, let the temp gauge show a little movement, start driving but don't put serious load on the engine until at operating temperature. And this is aimed towards the operator of a vehicle grossing 80k lbs.
I avoid idling, have the 5 minute shutdown engaged in the ECM. If it is going to be below 10 deg F I will start it a few times while sleeping in it to insure it starts in the am, letting the diesel fired aux heater(webasto) keep me warm in the cab. Service calls are big bucks.
Most municipalities that have idling laws also specify temps when extended idling is allowed. Nothing uniform. Very few truck stops have any shore power.
Unnecessary idling is one of the biggest problems in the trucking industry. Huge amount of misinformation and downright selfishness out there. I am sitting next to a major truckload company truck right now who has idled at least 6 hours and it is 60 degrees outside.
Major big truck engine manufacturers all say the same thing. Start the truck, let the temp gauge show a little movement, start driving but don't put serious load on the engine until at operating temperature. And this is aimed towards the operator of a vehicle grossing 80k lbs.
