Question 51 Tuesday, July 26th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		I’m new to the trucking industry and have been wondering what exactly is the definition of Ideling used in this issue. Is it still considered ideling if your using your engine to run your microwave or television. i know that these are small but wouldn’t they still be putting a load on the […]

A.		Definition of idling: Running the main engine without wheels rolling to supply heat, air-conditioning and power for hotel loads, this would typically be 5 minutes or more. Yes, if you’re using your main engine to run your microwave and T.V. and you’re not moving, that would be idling and yes that would be putting a small load on the engine.

Question 37 Sunday, July 24th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		please inform me as how to increase the diesel fuel mileage

A.		Reduce you idle time!

Question 35 Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		I am very interested about all the anti-idle laws out there and I was wondering if any of them specifically state what engine must be turned off. I have been researching APU’s and wondering if a truck driver uses an APU is it considered idling?

A.		Visit this site for all state laws. http://www.epa.gov/smartway/idle-state.htm Not one of them stipulate what engine must be turned off, in terms of Manufacturer. However some states limit all trucks from idling regardless of the engine within. Currently running an APU is not against the law.

Question 36 Friday, July 15th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		Do “idling laws” apply to a generator, generating electricity, to run an air conditioner?If I mount a generator on the tractor, to power an RV air conditioner, mounted on the roof, with the truck engine shut down, am I legal?

A.		No they do not. However this might change a few years from now but I can assure you, it will not come without a huge backlash. Legislators are looking into having the APU engines comply to stricter emission standards just like they have done with the Truck Manufactured engines, this is years out. To answer your question, You are legal.

Question 34 Friday, July 8th, 2005 @ 12:00 am

Q.		i am looking @ getting a stand alone apu (1 that dose not hook up to the cooling or a/c systems) do you know how well the elect. heater/ac units work? also do any states have laws agenst apu’s? thanks dean

A.		I am not that familiar with how the elect.heater/ac unit works on the APU, your best bet is to contact a few of the manufacturers yourself. Here are a few to get you started. Thermo King TriPac, ProHeat Gen4, Pony Pack, RigMaster, their are more out there and you can visit this link for them. http://www.epa.gov/smartway/idlingtechnologies.htm Currently no states have laws against APU’s that would be detrimental to their overall initiatives of trying to reduce idling from the larger Class 8 truck engines.