It seems a couple of people are not reading my posts. THERE IS NO MODIFYING THE TRUCK!!! These units plug into the wall just like your DVD player and TV do. Except, your DVD/TV will plug into the unit instead of the wall/inverter.

Yes, geeshock, he is talking about the APS/UPS units. And depending on the unit it can take anywhere from 3 hours to 48 hours to get the batteries it's initial charge (which by the way is the most important charge). This is using a 110v power source with no inverter. Using a 12v source you can expect it to take a lot longer. Kind of like a 12v coffee maker. In your house it will take 5 minutes or less to brew say 4 cups. Buy a 12v coffee maker and it could take upwards of 20 to 30 minutes to brew the same amount.

You can find these units as cheap as $30 but I would not recommend using them even on your toaster let alone a computer or even in the situation you are talking.

In my past life before trucking, I was an electrical design engineer and CAD draftsman in the construction industry. I designed power and lighting for restaurants, retail spaces, offices, homes and data centers. I also was the in-house computer technician in charge of CAD workstations and network servers as well as network connectivity. I am completely self taught, but by far a hack. I have used these units in the past and have spec-ed them for alot of the offices I designed. Never did data centers though, they were a bit out of my league.

With data centers you are not using a stand alone unit you can buy at micro center. They build special rooms, that have racks to hold batteries, like truck batteries, interconnected with each other. A small data center will have anywhere from 50 to 75 batteries depending on the actual load of the equipment.

But back to my point, if you have the money buy a good one. I have been out of that industry for a while now and am not sure what is available on the market. The biggest concern will be what I mentioned in my last post and geeshock touched on. Getting the initial charge. You will have to probably triple the charge time when using a 12v power source, if not longer. Then you will need to see how long the charge will hold when the truck is not idling.

Another thing you will need to figure out is battery degradation. Will the truck battery gradually loose power over time from having to charge the ups back up to full power? That would be a major concern if your sitting on an on ramp and cannot get your truck started. Also of major concern would be your alternator. Can it recharge both the truck and ups unit fast enough and strong enough simultaneously? Remember, the batteries might get charged but will it be a good strong charge?

My opinion is this, if you have the money to try it, buy a good one and try it. Just, when you use it and until you are sure it will not kill your truck batteries make sure you have away of getting the truck started. As a company driver would I try it? That will be a big fat NO. As an o/o? Maybe. But at that point I would look into some other anti-idling device and spend the money for that, (no not idle air either).

You guys have given me some great advice. I guess I could buy an small generator. I know that sounds over the top, but here's my reason even if it is trivial.

I have an xbox gaming system(yeah a gaming nurd) and right in the middle of a game the opti kicks in and off goes the xbox. Alot of he games you can't save until you reach a certain point which means you have to start back at square one. I know what your're going to say. Get a new hobby :D I'll try my idea. If it works I'll let you know. If it doesn't I may buy a generator. Boy, some of these habits a guy picks up along the way can get expensive. I guess I could take up knitting or get off my butt and go for a walk.

Thanks again everyone.
Pat
Driving for CCC

nothing wrong with video games.

I'm leaning towards getting a generator myself; It's the only practical way to stay warm without idling. And yes, i've done extensive research on battery powered systems as well.

I can't get one right now because i/we slipseat too much, so i'll have to come up with something else.

In the meantime, the honda(and clones) generators are probably the best way to go. You'll have to fill up w/ gas often, but as flying j's /pilots also sell gas, it's not too impractical.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensup.asp

Hey Chad since you know everything.... You must be aware that carrying gasoline on a CMV is not kosher. :roll: :roll: :roll:

Please discuss

More on this later

Boy, I'll tell ya, I wish I had time for video games when I am on the road. Let's see, drive until either my hours are up, or I arrive at shipper/reciever (rest while I am there), drive again if hours are available :wink: , stop to shower & sleep, fuel if needed. Eat when I can.

I guess I can fit a game or two somewhere in there.