Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/87831
67 TIPS TO BOOST FUEL ECONOMY 11 12 17 18 19 Buy a diesel-powered APU. While your truck's engine can use a gallon of diesel per hour idling, recent estimates indicate a diesel auxiliary power unit burns about a fifth of that. Get an electric APU. These systems typi- cally utilize electric power from a bank of high- capacity absorbed glass mat batteries – often replacing your truck's starting bat- teries – to power climate control units and in-cab accessories. Often, a diesel- fired heater is included in the system for heating. The systems cost roughly half to two-thirds of most diesel APUs. They won't cover your power needs over a 34-hour restart, but for drivers getting home once a week they could be most appropriate. 13 ing is low, battery-powered air conditioners can be paired with high-capacity batteries and a fuel-fired heater for a comprehensive cab climate control alternative to idling. 14 Purchase a diesel- powered heater. Operators in north- ern climates may not need to shell out up to $9,000 for a full-function diesel APU because a less expensive diesel-fired heater can keep the cab plenty warm while burning around a quarter of the fuel an APU uses. Use a DC air condi- tioner. If your need for cooling when rest- PROFIT OFF THE SURCHARGE. Try to beat the miles-per-gallon your fuel surcharge is based on, typically 6 mpg. If you can do better, you pocket the extra money. long run by getting a block heater. 15 16 Use your reefer for climate control. The unique reefer-based Idle Free Electric APU, developed initially by Overdrive 2006 Trucker of the Year Robert Jordan, uses the power capacity of the reefer unit to function much as a diesel APU would – running cab accessories and climate con- trol devices when the truck is idle as well as charging truck batteries. Install an automatic engine start- stop system. These can be set up to shut down the engine after a certain amount of idle time or, tied to a thermo- stat, to turn on when the cab goes above or below a certain temperature. Entering the market late this year, the Idle Smart system will measure internal and external tempera- tures and interact with truck cooling and heating sources, outside air and engine block heat to keep the cab comfortable. 26 | Overdrive | November 2012 20 21 22 Use an inverter. It will convert direct current from your batteries to alternating current to power in- cab accessories. If your idle time needs are limited, installation of an inverter can supply adequate electricity to power in-cab electrical devices. Get a mobile generator. Like diesel APUs, gasoline- or diesel-fired generators can be installed on the frame rail and utilized, often costing a fraction of an APU's price, to power in-cab accessories and HVAC systems. Avoid revving the engine between shifts. Ease into each new gear, and don't be in a hurry to climb through them. Adjust shifting patterns Download engine data to compare your shifting behaviors – RPMs at shift point – to the optimal RPM "torque bands" for your engine. Adjusting your shifting to fit the make and model of engine can make a big difference. Every 1,000-rpm reduction in engine speed delivers a 1 percent gain in fuel economy. Run in your engine's "sweet spot." Once you reach cruising speed, operating in the peak torque zone gives you optimum horsepower, so the engine runs most efficiently. It takes only about 200 horse- power to maintain 65 mph. SMART DRIVING. Of the many factors affect- ing fuel efficiency, such as aerodynamics and tire maintenance, more than a third is attributed to driv- ers' skills. Get an engine block heater. If you find yourself operating far enough north that you often idle a lot to warm your engine, you might save in the