Equipment options that can help 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
When it comes to parasitic loads, don’t forget about lighting
Batteries may be the item most affected by hotel and parasitic loads, but they’re far from the only aspect of the truck affected. Spec’ing the proper lights is also crucial to the truck’s electrical stability. Most lighting manufacturers recommend LED lighting as the best option, as it draws significantly less power from the truck; while
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
Optronics releases new stop, tail, turn LED lights
Optronics International, manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, has announced the introduction of its new HD 500 Series LED stop, tail, turn lamps. The HD 500 Series LED lamps have lenses with a raised linear focal point in the center for a visually unique look. Both the four-inch round and six-inch oval lamps are engineered
Warm weather battery tips
Note: This article was contributed by Andrew Carlson, Mitchell 1 technical editor. As summer transitions to fall, high temperatures persist in many parts of the country that can present some extra challenges for truck maintenance. In particular, your truck’s charging system needs some special attention in hot weather to ensure peak performance. It’s important to make
Peterbilt offers Maxwell ultracapacitor-powered Engine Start Module
Maxwell Technologies Inc. and Peterbilt Motors Co. have announced that Peterbilt trucks will now begin offering Maxwell’s ultracapacitor-powered Engine Start Module (ESM) on new Model 579 and 567 trucks as a factory-installed option. Maxwell’s ESM enables fleets to give their drivers the starting reliability they demand while increasing payload, according to the company. The ultracapacitor
Skeleton Technologies announces new Engine Start Module ultracapacitor
European manufacturer Skeleton Technologies has announced the availability of a new 24V engine start module (SkelStart ESM), which uses ultracapacitor technology to ensure engine start at any time, in any conditions. Ultracapacitors are highly efficient and able to provide much higher currents of power than lead acid batteries. They can also charge and discharge millions of
FE Mail Bag: Clarifying loads on APU fuel usage
Here at Fleet Equipment, we make sure to go the extra mile to tackle any truck topic and leave no question unanswered. Occasionally, our most excellent readers reach out for even more info. When that happens, the FE team hits the streets to track down the right people to get the right answer, and then
Solar idle solutions
If you’re looking for a unique idle-reduction solution, eNow has developed a solar power offering specifically for the transportation industry. eNow’s solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted on top of a vehicle’s roof to capture sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity goes to a solar charge controller, which maximizes
Truck idle FAQ
Looking at deploying an APU solution across your fleet? Here are the top questions to ask your supplier according to our panel of experts. Is it consistent with our corporate goals, e.g., driver retention, environmentally friendly, on-time delivery? What will my drivers like and dislike about this system? How easy is it to use? Why
Phillips Industries releases compact trailer wiring management system
Phillips Industries has released the Volt-Box, the only compact Sta-Dry trailer wire management system. Even with its slimmer design, theVolt-Box offers more interior room than the competition, keeping wires pinch-free and organized while maintaining the standard seven-way trailer mounting bolt pattern for easy retrofit. The durableSta-Dry housing seals the interior wiring against corrosion, chemicals and extreme
Anderson Power Products expands SB environmental boot
Anderson Power Product (APP), a leader in high power interconnect solutions, now offers Environmental Boots to protect their dual pole SB 50, SB 120 and SB 175 connectors from water, dirt, chemicals and UV. The IP64 rated, durable soft sided Environmental Boots’ shield the SB connectors from water and dirt in both the mated and