Plenty of options to avoid parasitic loads

Each of FE’s interviewed battery manufacturers on the topic of parasitic loads were quick to mention the products they offer that will help trucks avoid parasitic load issues.

Exide recommends their Road Force AGM 200, which they say has two times better cycling and 40% greater charge acceptance when compared to conventional flooded batteries, for more power and superior durability.

Maxwell offers the Engine Start Module (SM), which is an ultracapacitor module, meaning that it has much higher power density than a battery and can help trucks start. Maxwell recommends pairing it with an AGM battery, as ultracapacitors aren’t battery replacements, merely enhancements.

Purkey’s offers an inverter that can be set to only be used a certain amount of time, so it doesn’t run out and drain the car’s battery. The inverter is programmable to whatever amount of time the fleet chooses for it to be used–two hours out of every eight, three out of ten, whatever the fleet chooses.

Trojan recommends the OverDrive AGM31, which features a high density, low porosity paste chemistry composition. Trojan says this battery provides the ruggedness to endure discharge levels generated by parasitic loads such as properly managed inverters and hotel loads, yet retains a more than adequate CCA level to power the engine start the next day. Additionally, Trojan’s proprietary technology allows the OverDrive to charge at a charge voltage of 14.0 to 14.4 whereas most AGM batteries require 14.5 or greater.

SmithCo Manufacturing, Inc., a producer of side dump trailers, reached an agreement with Utility Trailer Sales Co. of Arizona, and Bluff Country Ag & Equipment of Minnesota to sell SmithCo’s line of side dump trailers. Bluff Country will also serve parts of western Wisconsin.

“As interest in SmithCo side sumps continues to grow in Arizona, we are excited to add Utility Trailer Sales of Arizona to our SmithCo dealer network,” said Todd Karolczak, SmithCo’s director of sales and marketing. “Customers will appreciate their service capabilities. Utility’s fabulous newer location in the Phoenix area really enhances the customer experience. They are invested in helping customers gain efficiency and safety with top-notch equipment like SmithCo.”