I am a local truck driver, but recently have had to stay at some truck stops in a sleeper, one of the employees told me to make sure I set the idle up if I use the sleeper instead of a hotel, and I was just wondering why?

Am I really supposed to do this? I have never heard of this before, but then again I've never driven long haul either...

 

Sometimes in the winter you might need to bump up the idle to keep the engine warm enough to keep you warm but that's about it.

 

The truck will idle smoother and not shake and rattle so much.

In winter it will also help keep the engine temps up and keep the cab warmer.

Sometimes it is just easier on the engine to high idle when sleeping.

My volvo engine, says not too use a high idle, but i never sleep in it anyway.

 

It keeps the charging system up, and thats good since you are running stuff like interior lights, TV, fan, refridgerator, exterior parking lights, etc. an idling motor may not keep up with your electrical demands.
You don't need to idle 'er up much. They will burn cleaner idled up some, and you also take out some vibration. Vibration is bad...and annoying if you are trying to sleep. Idled up burns a little hotter...enough anyway to keep condensation from building up in your exhaust....especially in the winter.
Anyway, it's better for a lot of reasons, mechanics could give you more reasons....maybe even that employee who told you to idle up.
Personally, I like to shut'er down, and I don't use much electricity...not even a 'fridge.

 

Actually, it's a good idea to keep the idle a little high, around 900 minimum to keep the oil flowing so it won't have a hard time reaching the top of the engine or make the oil pump work overtime.

It also keeps the water warmer so if you need the heat, it will be warmer.

Another reason is if the air conditioner is on, it's better on the whole system if you keep the idle up so the drag of the compressor and the belts.

Remember, that powerplant produces the energy you need to keep the truck rolling and you warm-take care of it.

 

Yeah I understand why it would be good in the winter, definatly. However it only got down to about 40 during my stay, and these trucks aren't equiped with TVs or refridgerators... Like I said, most of us stay in hotels over nigh so we can stay well groomed to deal with customers, this route I'm on now I can't quite make it back to the warehouse with the HOS, so I have to stop and then continue back, since I don't have to deal with customers on the way back they'd rather I just stay in the sleeper than pay for a hotel room, plus it is easier on me since I don't have to deal with checking in/out, and getting reimbursed.

It just seemed like everyone around me had a regular idle and I didn't know if it was right or not. I don't want to get bitched at for burning too much fuel either is why I ask :-)

Thanks for the responses

 

whats everyone think about NOT running the motor and maybe just a lil space heater to keep u warm and your blankets???

 

If I were an O/O and paying for the fuel myself, I would strongly consider such options, or something like an APU. Since I don't pay for fuel, and don't get a fuel bonus, the truck stays on and I stay comfortable.

 

what is APU??...i'm just thinking of options to have a better chance of getting the fuel bonus...lol

 

Auxillary power unit. Basically an onboard generator of sorts. Check out www.rigmasterpower.com for a better description. Being you are a company driver, I wouldn't recommend that option. They are quite pricey (it would take many bonuses to pay for one.) It is also a permanently installed item, most companies frown upon you installing anything on their truck.