So have any of you guys read up on this lately?

Maybe diesel was (and still is) higher since they started switching to the ultra-low sulfer diesel fuel beginning last month. the fuel is supposed to be 97% cleaner being only 15 particles per million.

im hearing new types of filters and cats will be required....even on farm machinery(at least on the new heavy duty vehicles;they may let trucks on the roads now go for 20 more years), new buses and they are trying for a no-idling law

heres some info...i didnt read all of it just some.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/d...tm#regsrelated

 

That's a lot of reading. I'll have to save this one for later on at home.

 

Didn't come across the no idle law, but many east coast states have already made that kind of law, but for noise more than emissions. My question on that is, how do they expect the drivers to get rest if there is no heat or air conditioning in their sleeper bunks? How about RV's with generators, they are using the generator to make the air or heat, and it makes noise and emissions, but they don't seem to look at that...

 

A no idling law is absolutly rediculus. There should be a punishment for being a stupid lawmaker.

 

Guy's the no-idling laws are here and here to stay. You can thank CARB (California Air Resources Board) for that. The EPA has adopted similar laws. I have at work the latest version of what CARB and EPA have on the books. It includes no idling over 5min based on the type location and work being performed. I will post that this week.

To answer your RV question. The trucking industry is going to go through a change. Trucks, like Peterbuilt, etc, are steeping up to the plate and understanding that in the near future you will not be able to idle your diesel to maintain heating and cooling loads within the cab. I'm on the National Electrical Code, code making panel and have introduced a new article addressing the need for an electrical standard to provide power for trucks, (Truck Stop Electrification).

We have taken into account the legacy trucks out there and the standard will provide for a 120v 20A and 30A connection to the truck. Now, this will mean that future trucks will need on-board 120v electrical distribution, and yes, major manufacturers are on board with this.

BTW: This no idling is not a new concept. Take a look at a company called IdleAir. They provide heating/cooling/internet/TV/pay-per-view movies at several trucks stops throughout the country. Change is here...

 

Parcours, that's very interesting and a great solution for the truckers. I stay in rest areas at night when I'm pulling my RV to my vacaction spot of choice and have to wear ear plugs at night just so I can get some sleep.
I see no point in idling that 14 liter engine when it's 70 degees at 2 am!
Arctic conditions are another matter and I agree, leave it run or you'll freeze up.

 

There is...it is called the elections. Freedom to vote them out of office.

 

I saw a posting at a local shop. It stated that the ancient Greeks had a method for lawmakers to keep them thinking straight. When proposing a law, they would place a rope around their neck while standing on a table. If the people approved of the law, they would remove the rope, disapprove and remove the table....

Anyway, that is good to hear on the accomodation for the drivers. The one last problem is cold weather, and keeping the rig able to start. Even modern engines have trouble with extreme cold.

 

Truck Stop Electrification is just that.. The new NEC standard will address the needs of existing trucks, without the 120v cab heater/AC and the new design.

The 20A rec'p that will be included is designed to plug in the block heater only. The 30A will power the entire rig and it's hotel loads. AC, TV, etc.

 

This is a FAR better way to heat the truck.

We don't get REALLY cold temps in the NW but when we get temps in the 0's/teen's/20's etc I put a small space heater in the Suburban and connect it to a timer. I also connect the block heater and have it all set to come on about 3 hours before I'm ready to leave.

When I get in not only is the cab all warmed up and all snow/frost removed from all windows but the engine is fully warmed up too. It's FAR cheaper to run a block and space heater than it is to let the engine run. ( I never could sleep with a Cummins or Cat running under the doghouse anyway!)

Diesels do not produce much heat at idle anyway. Detroit Diesel used to suggest letting the engine run 5 min to cool the turbo and then to shut it down to prevent deposits in the combustion chambers, exhaust ports etc.(8v92TA)

I still do not like the laws however, Let the market place take care of this.


Regards,

Rick