how do otr drivers drivers stay warm in winter months if they cant keep truck running

by lisa
(new york)

just wondering if a driver cant run truck while sleeping what methods do they use to keep warm in winter months

Comments for how do otr drivers drivers stay warm in winter months if they cant keep truck running

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Jan 28, 2011
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How to keep warm in the winter
by: lisa

Thanks to all for the great advise about how to stay warm in the winter :))

Jan 19, 2011
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KEEPING WARM
by: GEARJAMMER08

WELL HERE IN CANADA MY SELF AND ALMOST EVERY OTHER DRIVER IVE COME ACROSS KEEPS THE TRUCK RUNNING WITH THE HEAT GOIN WHILE WE SLEEP WINTER OR SUMMER HEAT OR AC

Jan 05, 2011
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Keepin warm
by: NickV

Yeah a heavy sleeping bag would be a good thing to get. I got one off of bass pro shops and I think its good for like a ridiculous -40. I have had to use it once and I thanked my lucky stars I had it. Was in Minnesota and it was about -14 and getting inside that sleeping bag was like a dream come true. Also another good reason you may need one is in case of emergency. You will notice once the bad weather starts to roll in the northern states medians and shoulders will start to look like junk yards. These trucks and cars can slide down and sometimes not be seen for hours and sometimes days. Some trucks and cars are stuck so bad they dont even bother with them until the winter months are over and the ice freezes. As far as reefers go they run off their own diesel. Its usually the little tank hanging off the bottom of the trailer just past where your drive tires end. They do have things they are starting to put on most trucks called APU's. Believe it stands for Alternate Power Unit. This runs as kind of like a generator for your ac and heating. Youll know one if you park next to one cause it will keep you up all night if your a light sleeper. They are trying to come out with all kinds of things. I had a truck once that was like your home thermostat. It would run til the truck got to a certain degree point youve set it on and then shut off. As soon as it dropped in temperature or rose in temperature...the truck would turn itself back on, and so on. This is another thing you have to get use to cause waking up to your truck starting in the middle of the night while your in the bunk and your sitting at the T/A in Gary,IN is quite a scary ordeal haha. Hope this helps you out a little and if you got any more questions just shoot.

Dec 20, 2010
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Staying warm during the winter
by: Al

There are several ways to stay warm. Mainly treat it like you were going to go camping during deer season. You would want a heavy sleeping bag or several really good blankets. I also use an clean pair of heavy socks (i.e. wool or thick cotton). Pajamas, if you're the type that needs them.

Otherwise, as you are finishing up your paperwork and getting ready for bed, run your heater and fan on their highest setting to heat the truck up. Just before you shut the truck off, remember to turn the fan down or you'll be blowing icy air at you first thing in the morning.

Also check with your company to see if they do have an extreme cold weather idle requirement. Most of them require the truck to run when the temp gets below 20 degrees.

Dec 10, 2010
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Staying warm in winter months
by: Thomas from Iowa

Yes, some Trucking Companies do have a small generator to run A/C or heat and refrigerator to keep your food cold.

Refrigerator (Reefers) trailers have its oun motor and fuel to run on.

Dec 10, 2010
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generator
by: Anonymous

I heard it runs off a small generator so the ac and heat can run and same as the refrigerator for their food and drinks. If it's a refrigerator truck they have to be running as far as I know. Been asking many questions and considering being a trucker myself

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