Question 21 Monday, March 28th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		What is the estimated payback time on initial investment for “over the road tractor” application? What can a person expect for periodic maintenance of your heater system? What is the availability of parts and service on the road for this brand of equipment? Who administers the warranty in the event of failure? How can I […]

A.		Steve, estimated times can vary, depends on where you drive. However I’ve seen that you’re from WI, so I can safely say that your pay back time is probalby in 6-8 months. Periodic maintenance is, a routine system check every 3 months, perhaps a glow pin change once a year and start the systems, once a month for 15 minutes in the summer time. Espar works with a large number of dealers and distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada, so availability is widespread, you can find our entire dealer network on our website. www.espar.com Our dealers do the admin warranty work and submit all paper work to us via online registrations. You have a great dealer in your back yard. Transport Refrigeration, they have 3 locations in WI, De Pere, De Forest and Plover. Give them a shout, they’re outstanding. 920-339-5700

Question 20 Saturday, March 26th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		http://digitalthink.breezecentral.com/p99853739/ Have you seen this system , is there one better,and can they be added at the factory,Peterbuilt 387 2005 /2006 or after market.? is the proheat the same thing?I’m just starting to check into a new truck ,and am very interested in these units

A.		I have seen this system, it is relatively new, it is being introduced by Caterpillar, the gentlemans name that I know off that is the driving force behind this is David Orr from Caterpillar, essentially this system eliminates all belts and clutches but does use a Proheat like generator system. Your best bet would be to contact David himself and you can do that by reaching him at. Orr_David_C@cat.com

Question 19 Friday, March 18th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Do the major engine manufacturers publish any idling estimates to help determine the amount of fuel consumed while idling? If so, how do I get a copy of these.

A.		Yes, they do. You can find that information from the specifications of the engines. You should be able to find this info on the web. Some research is involved. General Rule of thumb is 1/2-3/4 gallon of fuel at idle running at 650-750 rpm. Also; every 10% decrease in idle time equates to approx. a 0.1 increase in mpg. Cummins has a great paper called “Secrets of Better Fuel Economy” you can find that at http://www.cummins.com/na/pdf/en/products/truck/MPG_Secrets_Whitepape.pdf

Question 18 Wednesday, March 16th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Do you have any info on NJ CORP Tax for trucks that are now being fined to trucks for picking up or delivering in the state of NJ?

A.		I am not aware of this NJ CORP tax you speak of. I do know that you will be fined if you are picking up or delivering product in the state of NJ if you are idling for more than 5 minutes.

Question 9 Thursday, March 10th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		In reading your answers I see where you estimate the amount of idle time at 30 to 50% at a rate of 1 gal. per hour. My question is, after paying road use tax on fuel that each state adds to the price per gal., but not using the road,but rather sitting in a parking […]

A.		I understand your thinking and rational but the states don’t look at it that way. They look at it as “you should’nt be idling in the first place” and so if you chose not to idle, “YOU” would be better off for it in the savings that are attainable using anti-idling technologies. There is great association out there called OOIDA, it’s an O/O’s association, get in touch with them if you want to move mountains. It can be done! As for the states and feds finding money? Plans are in the works where states or municipalities could offer special loans to thsoe who want to outfit their trucks with technologies and/or offer tax incentives or rebates.