No Idle Solutions
The article by Ed Thomas entitled Cab Heating & Air Conditioning in your November 2001 issue addresses a serious issue, how to heat and cool the cab without idling. However, according to his article, power inverters cannot run HVAC systems and this statement is false. The Dometic Corp. has been marketing their Cab Comfort heat pump system for several years and this product can and does operate from a battery/inverter system.
This system incorporates both a properly sized inverter (1,750 Watts) and additional batteries that will support the heat pump system for a full night of idle-free heating or cooling.
In the near future the electrification of truckstops will make inverters and AC powered HVAC systems an even more viable option. Truckstop electrification is the provision of 110 volt AC power at truckstops, rest areas, terminals and other areas where heavy trucks congregate. In the president's energy plan the EPA and DOT have been directed to implement alternatives to idling for long-haul trucks.
Mr. Thomas mentions fuel cells are on the horizon as a potential power source for HVAC systems. While I agree and share his enthusiasm for this technology, most industry experts expect this technology to be at a minimum 7-10 years away not 1-2 years.
Brian Lawrence
Manager, Heavy Duty Truck
Mobile Power Xantrex Technology Inc.
In 1999, HDT honored the Dometic Corp.'s Cab Comfort products with a Nifty Fifty award. For that as well as our continued advertising, show participation and major fleet involvement, I was truly surprised at your lack of knowledge about our product. We are a very active part of this industry.
The Cab Comfort system is powered by a separate battery and inverter that allows a driver a full night of comfort without idling the engine. The cooling side of our system is an air conditioner, not a chiller. The heating side is a heat pump.
Currently we have field tests in process with numerous large fleets and are proving a payback to them in nine to 15 months, depending on their previous percentage of idle time.
Al Haimbach
VP, Cab Comfort Div.
The Dometic Corp.
Editors Note: Ed Thomas admits he was ignorant of your product, but that he has been educated by yours and Mr. Lawrence's letters. Please note, however, that we try to keep our Smart Spec'ing articles generic and therefore neutral.
On Brakes
Read your article on the "rust jacking" (Cover story, HDT September) and agree whole heartedly. One other thing to remember regarding brake shoes and linings. The friction industry has done a great job of increasing lining life. For that reason, shoe and lining assemblies are staying in-service longer exposing them to the elements you mentioned for longer periods of time.
In-depth brake inspections should be scheduled at alternate PM's to identify problems before they cause loose lining, etc. During visual inspections, any separation between the shoe and lining is cause for concern as this is an indicator of the "rust jacking."
Bill Wood
President
Wood Brakes
On Drugs
I read your editorial (Doug Condra, HDT August) with great interest, but can't help but respond to a couple of points you made. I always bristle a little bit when I hear things such as, "Finally, there's movement by the federal government ..." as though federal legislation is the solution to all of our problems. Clearly there are things that the federal government can do to make our lives easier, but, in many ways, we are our own worst enemy. If we are truly serious about not putting drug offenders back on the road, we already have the tools at our disposal to do it. The bigger problem is, I believe, that we are not serious enough about it. After all, we are short of drivers, any warm body will do, and who cares if he's a druggie? As long as we have done the bare minimum, everything is copasetic. Although I agree that we have left drug abusers a huge loophole, that loophole can be plugged, and without further federal legislation.
All it takes is a little effort. How many companies take reference checks seriously? If a prospective driver gives your company false information on past employment (information that can be verified by checking with a previous employer), all sorts of red flags and whistles should be going off. Gaps in employment history (remember, he/she is not going to give you the name of that company that fired him/her) should also raise a red flag.
Whose fault is it anyway if you hire someone who you know or suspect to be deceptive? Let's wake up and smell the marijuana all over his breath.
"It only works when carriers play the game honestly ..." No federal regulation will change that.
With respect to your comments on Oregon and that "... the catch is that the data can only be released with the driver's written permission."
Let's see: "Dear Mr. Prospective Driver, will you please sign this letter giving me your permission to review your DMV file?"
"Well, gee, I'm going to have to think about it. Can I get back to you after I consult with my lawyer?"
"That won't be necessary, thank you. I appreciate your stopping by. Have a nice life."
My opinion is that we need less federal regulation and more people doing the right thing. We are masters of our own destiny.
David C. Finch
VP Maintenance and Operations
AMI Leasing
