[yoopr]

Originally Posted by SteveBooth

It is so cold here today I'm glad I didn't leave. I just can't imagine someone having to tarp a load in this weather. It's below zero and with the wind chill it's below -25.

I just went down and took my truck for a little ride. It started real slow even with 4 brand new Optima Yellow top batteries but it fired up quick. Every light on the panel was on and the computer was complaining that everything that could fail was failing. The shop said ignore it for a minute and they all go away. Happens in the cold weather. Yup, he was right.

I'm impressed how quick the engine heats up and puts out heat. I'll bet in the old days the trucks never really warmed up. I have a small electric heater and I had that going also. Good day for my Mad Bomber Hat.

Can't believe you don't have a Block Heater

[Outta here]

Didn't Steve say he has to park his truck about a block away from his
house? Maybe he doesn't have a long enough extension cord. :lol:

[yoopr]

Originally Posted by Outta here

Didn't Steve say he has to park his truck about a block away from his
house? Maybe he doesn't have a long enough extension cord. :lol:

ok-I missed that

[Jackrabbit379]

Originally Posted by Outta here

Didn't Steve say he has to park his truck about a block away from his
house? Maybe he doesn't have a long enough extension cord. :lol:

Originally Posted by yoopr

ok-I missed that

I missed it myself. :shock:

[hamboner]

Steve what do those Optimas run apiece?

Those Optima batteries were almost $200 a piece and that including shipping.

I do have a block heater on my truck, in fact it's this really big thing and I can't seem to find any info on it and what it actually does other than heat the coolant. I'm assuming it has a motor inside. Does this thing circulate the water through the heating cores in the cab also? Does it supply power to anything else like the heater fan inside? Will this thing heat the cab?

I actually do have access to power where I'm parked. The plug is only 20 feet away from my truck but I'm not sure what benefit it would offer? It's -8 outside right now. Yesterday it fired right up and 15 minutes later I had heat. The truck ran pretty good right off the bat. A little white smoke for a few seconds and that was it. Maybe I'll run down and plug it in and see what happens after a few hours.

I can't imagine this massive unit takes much power. I looked at the power cord going from the plug to the pump and it's no bigger than a house light cord.

I've only been running in the winter so far so I can't even fathom how nice it's going to be in the Spring and Summer!!!

[hamboner]

Originally Posted by SteveBooth

Those Optima batteries were almost $200 a piece and that including shipping.

I do have a block heater on my truck, in fact it's this really big thing and I can't seem to find any info on it and what it actually does other than heat the coolant. I'm assuming it has a motor inside. Does this thing circulate the water through the heating cores in the cab also? Does it supply power to anything else like the heater fan inside? Will this thing heat the cab?

I actually do have access to power where I'm parked. The plug is only 20 feet away from my truck but I'm not sure what benefit it would offer? It's -8 outside right now. Yesterday it fired right up and 15 minutes later I had heat. The truck ran pretty good right off the bat. A little white smoke for a few seconds and that was it. Maybe I'll run down and plug it in and see what happens after a few hours.

I can't imagine this massive unit takes much power. I looked at the power cord going from the plug to the pump and it's no bigger than a house light cord.

I've only been running in the winter so far so I can't even fathom how nice it's going to be in the Spring and Summer!!!

Yes keep that baby plugged up when it is gonna be cold! The whole engine will run smoother when you start it up. Plus your heat will almost be instant since your coolant and block will be warm, i.e. block heater! Still you should crank her up and let her idle for an hour or so when you are gonna be parked for a few days. It will save you from having to jump it off! I think your out of luck though for heating your cab without actually cranking the truck. Its not an apu, its just there to ease the cold cranking. Hope this helps!

Just saw this load. I feel like calling them up and reaming them out. Not only is it oversized, it's 2 loads that need to be trarped and it's -8 out there!!!


Edit: I just sent them email and said they should be ashamed for even posting that load.


Pickup Location: DOVER, NH
Drop-off Location: MOUNT ZION, IL
Mileage: 1175
Pickup Date: 01/29/07 (Monday January 29)
Equipment Type: FT
Load Qty: 1
Load Size: FULL
Extra Stops:
Weight: 0
Team Preferred:
Payment Amt: 1200
Company Name: RBR FREIGHT MANAGEMENT, INC.
Company Location: Charlotte, NC
FMCSA Lookup: MC 483213
Contact Name: Ron Lane Or Betty Riddle
Contact No: 704-714-7800
Extra Info: OVERSIZED LOAD, TARPED 125X108X85 AND 72X72X60 APPT NEEDED PRIOR TO P/UP DAY

[GMAN]

Unfortunately Steve, someone will take that load just to avoid having to buy their own fuel. That load was probably brokered a couple of times with that rate. I have decided to not waste my time calling people whom I know double broker or have cheap loads. It won't stop the practice, but will not waste my time.

Doing my IFTA stuff I was able to get a true overall reading of my mileage.
I did 13,000 miles last year using 2283 gallons for an average of 5.7 mpg.

I think this is the only true way of measuring miles per gallon.