Running truck idle all night....

[plainjaneFJC]

I would greatly increase the oil change interval- and have the oil analysis, I’m sure the fuel numbers will be too high

 

[tirod3]

Running the a/c defeats the purpose of being away from urban buildup, doesn't it? Add Zero mpg to it using a overkill powersource to operate a compressor that only needs 3-5hp. And, at idle, the alternator is turning 850 rpm but needs 1750 to actually create current. Its basically running off the battery - until its dead.

The fleet diesels no longer idle all nite. Many now use an auxiliary power unit to separately power the cab hvac and accessories when shut down. The equivalent is a 3000 w inverter genset to power a small a/c separately. The military went this direction with tanks to reduce noise and thermal signature, too.

And, btw, oil psi is at the lowest at idle, yet the turbos are still spinning. Based on a 8 hour idle time, at 5mph, its like crawling in gear 40 miles - standing still.

We go places to visit and enjoy a different environment but too often choose to do so completely unacclimated to the location. Its why Grand Canyon hikers have to be choppered out ($$$$$) because they overheat and dehydrate. Having a/c on at night does prevent it. When deployed, tho, soldiers get two weeks getting used to the climate before taking missions.

Turn off the a/c at home two weeks before leaving, you wont need it there. ; )

 

[Christian]

Regarding CO posioning, gas engines produce more CO than diesel, because CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.
Since diesels get all the air they need, they don't produce as much CO.
But truckers have died from CO poisioning in rigs too, look it up. And I suspect a number of deaths in sleepers have been wrongly classified as natural...

Furthermore it is an old misconception that engines doesn't suffer from idling, they do, and more than from being used. look up cylinder glazing.

Lastly - to me - its seems very wastefull and bad stewardship of nature and our ressources to leave a truck idling all night just to have a bit of A/C running.