Some random truck stop in Germany, notice how nobody is idling.
Posted by DanEpiCa@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 160 comments
Posted by DanEpiCa@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 160 comments
Snookfilet@reddit
I’ve been noticing this in the US also lately. Was in a rest area in Georgia and realized not a single truck was running.
bigfoot_done_hiding@reddit
Seems like dedicated truck stops should have electric hookups so trucks could have cabin climate controls (and cargo refrigeration units) powered by the grid while on parked breaks/overnights.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I think something like this was a thing once in the US, saw a post about it here in this subreddit. Maybe someone here can provide some info.
StonedTrucker@reddit
Idleair. Im too young to have ever used them but i see a few stations around slowly crumbling away. Ive been told that they were too expensive for what they offered and they werent cleaned properly. The air wasnt good quality
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
A good idea badly executed then.
Waisted-Desert@reddit
The high temps in the hottest part of Germany today was 78°F. The rest of the country was 55-75°F.
FatCrusher9000@reddit
Wrong. Even in Spanish summer heat they don't idle, because they have separate, battery charged cooling systems. American trucks are simply decades behind.
Hamhockthegizzard@reddit
America in general is decades behind and it always takes a view into other parts of the world for us to realize it. Because we’re idiots lmao
TapWaterKY@reddit
American trucks also have battery powered HVAC systems and have for a decade or more. Along with diesel and electric APU’s as an option as well. We also have cheaper fuel than across the pond which greatly factors into whether it’s cost efficient, as well as extremely diverse climates ranging from -30 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the country during a year.
Not saying American trucks aren’t behind in some aspects, but Europeans generalize American trucking and equipment far too much lol
Snobben90@reddit
Well. We use our fuel to pull loads as our loads are generally higher. And Europe has a temperature range thats great too.
What makes Europe "feel" more modern here is that regulations have banned idling for so long during a night, because of noice and exhaust.
This has pushed for auxiliary systems. However, as you say, the US has those too.
American trucks that idles however are actually very clean and quiet.
But the problem is that US is behind on design, however, way too many generalize the WHOLE truck as being outdated...
I myself work with both EU and US trucks and I dislike the US truck design. But I cant compare as the brands arent on the same quality segment on their respective markets. But I must say, the US actually has a requirement for stronger brakes, and the longer chassis allows for that. But thats nothing I ever hear...
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I drove for more than a decade in Germany and pretty much all of central and western Europe, moved to Canada more than 3 years ago and drive here and in the US now and covered 45 out of the lower 48 US states and the whole lower half of Canada. So I have a good in-depth experience with that comparison.
That's both false. Europe is moving more than 13.65 billion tons of freight with trucks per year, whereas USA is at a bit lower at 10.8 billion.
Temperature range is the same. I've personally experienced -20C (-4F) to +45C (113F) in Germany alone. Count in hotter countries like Spain or colder countries like Finnland, Norway and such and you get even more extremes...
That might be true, but it's also just a cultural thing. Idling just isn't a thing in Europe, at least not to the extend as it is in America. Especially in normal weather.
That is true, the difference is if it comes standard or not.
They might be clean, but they won't be cleaner as a not running engine... Also American trucks are many things, but definitely not quiet.
I'm currently driving a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia and when I compare that to European trucks then yes, the whole truck is outdated.
Do you have a source for that? Drum brakes being the standard, ABS systems being on a very outdated level and the trailer not communicating with the tractor are just a few things that are behind European tractor-trailers from my experience. Also engine brakes are much weaker in braking power compared to fluid retarders in Europe...
Not for me, but that might be just me still learning about American trucks.
TapWaterKY@reddit
Curious what your motive is exactly lol? Ironically, you’re in the only Daimler owned truck in the North American market, and your specs for your 5 year old truck do not apply to everyone else.
Your temperature range in Germany for 365 days is not that shocking when going from Death Valley to Wyoming in a day is very common and can feature a 120 degree swing within 24 hours.
Drum brake equipped, base model spec’d trucks with no auxiliary power source compared to a loaded Scania is such a crazy comparison. WOW, North American trucking sucks so much. Gosh, our higher pay and egregiously shitty trucks is so God awful. Wow, Europe great hahahahaha. Is that what you’d like from your post?
Or maybe we can come to a more logical conclusion that North American trucks have a much wider range of specs to accommodate various uses and a direct comparison of the two would require two equivalently spec’d trucks. (And no, not International and Scania, as International is the most dog shit brand in North America by a huge margin)
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I'm merely pointing out how quiet that truck stop is because nobody was idling. Something I never saw in Canada or in the USA, no matter the weather. That's it, but apparently that's enough for many people to feel attacked. Which is just weird to me.
You're math ain't mathing (mine is a November 2023, so 2.5 years, not 5, but besides that of course there's different specs and what I drive doesn't necessarily apply to everybody else. That being said though, if we compare we have to compare base spec to base spec and that's a comparison American trucks objectively loose.
Fair enough for Germany, but that doesn't mean you don't get these kinda swings in Europe. The trucks can handle that just fine. But what does that have to do with how many guys are idling in normal temps? I never complained about idling in extreme temps.
Again, if we compare than it's base spec to base spec. I don't know why you feel attacked by me pointing that out. I literally wrote that comparing a well equipped Scania to a base International is unfair. I also stated (not only in this post, but in many others), that trucking in general is better in USA and Canada than it is in Germany and I stand by that. You guys are doing a lot of things better, but that is not because, but despite the American trucks.
I don't think there's a wider range of needed specs as the use-cases are quite the same on both continents. American trucks can be spec'd with lower/older tech though and that's where they loose the base spec to base spec comparison. You simply can't even order drum brakes for example. Manuals cost extra, if even possible to order. I could go on and on. And to stay in my personal experience and comparison and even in the same manufacturer group (Daimler trucks) for one example, why is the adaptive cruise control in a 2023 Cascadia absolute crap when a 2006 Mercedes-Benz Actros does it better? They have the technology literally in house. The only logical conclusion here is that American truck manufacturers hold back on technology because they can and they're greedy and American truckers line up to defend that shit the moment someone points it out even though just moments before they complained about these very things. It's sad really because it could be so much better for everyone of us.
TapWaterKY@reddit
Vehicle years are commonly produced the year prior, so a 2023 could very well be manufactured in 2022, which was 4 years ago. My apologies, not 5.
No clue. I’ll be sure to knock on the door of people idling in normal temps and ask them why they dare do what they please with the vehicle they own. Can lead a horse to water, but can’t ask them to drink, so I can’t explain why someone is idling and wasting fuel for fun. Not sure what relevance that has to anyone with common sense.
Am I supposed to care that they can’t order drum brakes? Did the drum brakes touch me growing up and tell me not to tell the teacher? Same for manual, why does anyone care lol? Who cares that Papaw wants a manual in his toaster oven shaped Peterbilt? And who cares that someone in a Scania has to pay extra for one?
Couldn’t tell you why the adaptive cruise is crap is a 2023 Cascadia versus a 2006 Actros. I don’t think there’s an anti-adaptive cruise lobby in America stopping the technology from improving lol.
I’m not on the side of defending American trucks and getting in a pissing contest of quality. It’s more of a thing of simply not caring one way or the other. Would gladly drive some fancy, loaded Scania if it came over here. Absolutely not heart broken that it hasn’t. On the flip side, what’s your goal with videos like the one posted? Is Abdul from Somalia or Joe from Alabama gonna see it and change their idea of whether they need to be idling excessively or not? Am I supposed to kick the corner of a table with my pinky toe and shame myself for being from North America? Am I supposed to go cut their fuel lines and shut their trucks off for them?
My point overall is you’re asking a bunch of peon truck drivers to get riled up about things that are way above our control and largely minuscule things in the grand scheme of our lives. My life saw zero improvement going from a truck with drum brakes to one with disc brakes. I find myself griping about adaptive cruise almost never because we’re on far less congested roadways and simply passing is almost always the go to maneuver.
The 10% of overly patriotic hicks in America that thinks nothing could improve does not have anything to do with the other 90% of us. gUn dEaThS, sEmI tRuCkS, pUbLiC tRaNsPoRt so much better in Europe than North America. Gosh I hate my life so much. You all are so correct and I’m such a fool for not seeing it. Scrounging up my billions of dollars to go lobbying rn and will surely cast my vote in my absolutely derelict and defunct electoral college system rn to get all these improvements underway immediately.
(Sorry, it’s 4am and I’m pissy lol. I agree with you that it’d be nice if we had better trucks, but we simply don’t. Not sure what I’m supposed to do or what the point of posts like this is)
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Look, we're all in it to make a living and have to play the cards we're being dealt. Nothing wrong with that, don't get so worked up.
I agree, most of us are simply not in the position to cause any change. But if no one is pointing out differences or things that could be done better, then that kills any chance for improvement to begin with. So I'm pointing out and even if just one guy reading/seeing this post will idle less when it's not necessary that's a win in my book.
Snobben90@reddit
Ok so Europe has a great temperature range and heavier trucks YET its not true that we have temperature and heavy trucks? Come on now.
Idling American trucks are quieter than idling EU trucks, however in general EU trucks are quite while running.
On the brake force thing. Its internal company documents, but the US trucks have a higher brake force. It has nothing to do with what type of brakes a truck has. In general, US trucks brake harder, how the trucks handle stability and ABS is not factored in, but I generally fell like EU trucks have an overall better system.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I misunderstood how you meant your comment regarding temperature and loads then. For some reason comments here get quite hostile, so my bad. I just wanted to point out that you get extreme temps too and that Europe is hauling more tonnage per year. I don't know what the amount of loads has to do with unnecessary idling though.
I'm aware of that, yeah.
From my own experience I disagree here. American trucks are louder in almost every aspect. The latest Volvos seem to be somewhat ok though.
I see. So the question would be how the technically higher brake force fares when you factor in everything else. Some side to side testing of braking distance between a European and American tractor-trailer combo in the same conditions and with the same weight would be very interesting here.
Got it. Yeah I heard not a lot of good stuff about international here and never had my hands on one so far. Scania on the other hand I owned several back in Germany and absolutely loved it. I get what you're saying that it's a somewhat unfair comparison. What do you think about the S13 engine and the "new" (to international) transmission? Also when you work with these two brands you probably heard of Bruce Wilson on YouTube and how he is showcasing Scania in the US, what's your take on that?
Snobben90@reddit
We seem to agree on most things. And yeah the braking is interesting if you compare them side by side if you factor in everything like EBS and so on.
When it comes to the S13 drivetrain. I mean, the powertrain has been used in those conditions so it's not something unfamiliar for the engine. Hopefully International can take the experience from MAN and Scania and do something great with it. And honestly, if I was a US trucker, I would consider International in the near future.
Bruce is honestly interesting. Some of us have meet him and he is a nice dude. But it's difficult to say whats the purpose. I mean the dude asked for a truck and got it, why would Scania spend the money to give him a truck for free and let him tour it in the US? A market where Scania doesn't sell trucks? Considering the fact that Longline just got reintroduced in the US, conventional trucks might be next? But this is speculations, these decisions are taken in the head office.
TapWaterKY@reddit
Sorry, I’ve calmed down now. After slamming my head against the wall repeatedly and asking God why he would curse me with being on the road as semi trucks with drum brakes instead of fluid retarders and disc brakes, I’ve gotten my emotions out now.
Maybe one day I can reap the joys of sleeping in a cab over and driving through the congested streets of Western Europe.
For now, I’ll have to deal with the horrors of driving an adequately spec’d, disc brake and APU equipped truck that gets the job done perfectly fine and allows me to feed myself and pay bills just fine as well. Life sucks, but I’ll persevere. Maybe I’ll be European one day
Exzalian_@reddit
I think what he meant is it comes stock or maybe companies actually equip them. Most company trucks on the road don't have gens because companies are too cheap to pay for it.
Cool_Algae4265@reddit
Most companies do and you can buy them pre installed from the factory.
Exzalian_@reddit
I said most company trucks not specifically the companies like swift or knight most of those trucks do NOT have them.
DukeBradford2@reddit
I had a 2020 freightliner that had battery ac. I could get 7 to 8 hours on medium before the engine turn on to recharge.
SecureThruObscure@reddit
Americans have batteries and air conditioners. It just doesn't make sense to install them in vehicles in a sort of inverse way it doesn't make sense to install AC in a great many European homes.
Put simply: The cost of energy is higher in Europe.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
And yet in the exact same weather/temperatures there'd be a lot more if not almost all trucks idling on a Canadian or American truck stop and that is exactly what I'm trying to point out.
supernova-juice@reddit
Pretty sure in Germany they have a law about it. If you're parked and idling, you can get fined.
Thewanderer540@reddit
Wrong
supernova-juice@reddit
We literally had it confirmed.
Thewanderer540@reddit
Never heard about it mate, sorry
supernova-juice@reddit
So you just go around shouting "wrong" when you literally just don't know?
I'm sure thst makes you very fun.
Thewanderer540@reddit
I asked a couple of german friends/drivers and they also never heard about it so I was convinced it did not exist. Sorry if I'm wrong but I just passed on what I knew so you wouldn't be falsely informed. I'm wondering who told you you couldn't idle in Germany because like I said even the Germans don't know about it.
supernova-juice@reddit
Well then say that, don't just go, "wrong!"
Thewanderer540@reddit
I called the police in Sittensen Germany, they said it's not allowed to let it idle unless you are in the cab sleeping etc. Case closed I would say?
Cool_Algae4265@reddit
Most of the US has laws against idling too unless it’s above, I think 80 degree and below 40… could be wrong on the temps but there’s a range where it’s illegal.
supernova-juice@reddit
Not in the south, or at least, not that I've ever heard of. But there's a 99% chance I've just never heard of it
december151791@reddit
It's not most of the US. I've only seen that law in a few states, mostly in the northeast.
RobertRG11@reddit
There is no law that prohibits you from leaving your engine running, especially in a parking lot on the highway. It's a matter of common sense and the fact that you are disturbing others. For example, if you have a faulty auxiliary heater or faulty parking air conditioning ( during the summer ), you pull into a more secluded place and leave your engine running and no one has any problems. That's pretty much how it works everywhere in Europe.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
While I agree it's a matter of common sense, Germany does actually have an anti-idling law. Goes even so far you can't have your car idling while you de-snow or de-ice it in winter.
RobertRG11@reddit
I know that Germany has several laws on this topic, but as far as I know they are for urban and populated areas. I'm not contradicting you, maybe I'm not well informed. But the law is definitely not the reason why truck drivers don't leave their engines running.
supernova-juice@reddit
Any Germans on here care to settle the debate?
Frosttidey@reddit
They are both correct. There is such a law, but it is not enforced. If you want to idle your truck/car you can.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
That is correct and I support that.
Billybob_Bojangles2@reddit
And i don't support government overreach
Castingnowforever@reddit
...and I'm glad we don't have idling laws here in the US.
Tricky_Big_8774@reddit
Only in places with extreme weather...
supernova-juice@reddit
Same
silic0n_jesus@reddit
Could it possibly be because of German antiidling laws
fmccloud@reddit
And in these conditions, drivers would be bipping their throttles every 4.999999 seconds because it ain’t their fuel.
Responsible_Egg_3260@reddit
Isn't idling illegal in Germany?
StonedTrucker@reddit
Its also illegal in the US but nobody cares
fiasco666@reddit
So by this logic do you never turn on your AC or heater at home ?
JackyOctavius@reddit
He's in Europe, he doesn't have AC
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I'm actually in Canada, just visiting family in Europe and I do have AC.
Also please don't buy into the cliché there's no AC in Europe...
Rubes2525@reddit
Then tell Europeans to don't buy into the cliché that you will get shot as soon as you step into a US school.
Why do you think people started that rumor in the first place? It's just giving back that same energy.
StonedTrucker@reddit
Those 2 things arent even close to comparable dude. A minor nuisance vs death...
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Yeah well that's a problem with clichés, hard to stop them once they're out.
Let's don't buy into either of those and move on.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Bunk heaters are a thing, battery powered auxiliary AC is a thing, no need to idle for quite a big temp/weather-range.
So to answer your question: yes I turn on my AC and my heater in the house if necessary, but not all the time.
las3rschw3rt@reddit
It’s illegal to idle for extended periods of time in Germany
StonedTrucker@reddit
Its illegal to idle a truck for more than 5 minutes in the US. In 10 years ive only ever had a cop tell me to stop once though. Never even wrote a warning
raZr_517@reddit
As a small car, not as a truck. I've idled a lot while I was doing nightshifts and had to sleep during the day at 35° C (95°f), no one bothered me, even when they were doing random checks in the parking lot.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I know and I think that's a good thing (provided the trucks have bunk heaters/aux-AC)
Particular-Week-9521@reddit
Having lived in Germany, no one is idling because it is illegal and all laws are actually enforced in that country, there is no 'at the officers discretion'. Plus, the officers are cameras and you just get your ticket in the mail and if you don't pay it they show up at your door and you pay them right then or you lose your license. Period.
Tovarich_Zaitsev@reddit
Totally unrelated but I would hate to run a 4x2 tractor unit, done it once never again, bi drive all the way 6x4s or 8x4s are so much nicer to drive.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Is that all American units? Because I can tell you, European 4x2 tractors are riding so much smoother than pretty much any American truck it's sad.
Tovarich_Zaitsev@reddit
European, Japanese, Australian, American. I personally have never found Euro trucks (except DAFs and older Volvos/Scanias) to be all that good. Would much rather a Australian or Japanese truck. American trucks are crap though, Freightshakers are the absolute worst.
rugerscout308@reddit
I dont do OTR
My trucks stays idling no matter what im doing. [Concrete mixer]
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Why? I mean sure, when the mixer/pump (is that a thing? I have no experience with concrete mixers) is running then it's just necessary for getting the job done. Just like reefers running.
But say when fueling, do you idle? If so, why? I'm genuinely curious.
Dangerous_Walk9239@reddit
Europe and North America shouldn’t be worrying about the environment when India and China are burning a hole through the ozone layer 🖐🏻🙂↔️🤚🏻
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Fair. It's not only about the environment for me though, more about the noise.
rugerscout308@reddit
Yeah truck never gets turned off
Pto is powered by the motor to keep the barrel spinning. If the barrel stops spinning the concrete will start to harden faster. If im empty between loads i still will have leftover concrete from washing down which if i stop moving long enough will also get hard eventually.
Also some trucks are such POS that if we stop them they may not turn back on and that would be very bad. We dont turn off our trucks fueling up but we have our own fuel at our plant we dont go to a station.
Basically you come in for the day and turn it on and its only off when you park it for the night
Ive even gone into military bases and durring thr inspection theyve asked me to turn off the truck which we dont do and have been exempted.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I understand, thanks for explaining.
Dangerous_Walk9239@reddit
OP is an EPA plant 🌱🤣🫵🏻
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Nope, just a trucker who drove over 10 years in Germany and moved to Canada over 3 years ago. I miss some of the aspects of trucking, quiet nights being one of them.
xside16@reddit
I am a truck driver in Europe and we don't let the engine idle in the summer, only if it's too hot and for a small period of time. We open the windows or open the doors, I guess is a cultural thing vs USA. A diesel or electrical cooler would be nice tho, some trucks have it installed from the factory but the electrical ones only last a couple of hours if your battery is good.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Exactly my experience before I moved to Canada. Trucking is very in many things better here than in Germany, but it's loud as hell.
Elite_Slacker@reddit
Electric apus standard? Strictly enforced laws? Pure roll of the dice?
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Nope, drove here for 10 years, it's just normal to not idle or limit yourself to the least idling possible, even in winter, even in summer and even without battery powered AC (bunk heaters for winter are standard and mandatory). Most drivers crank the windows in normal weather or in summer and use the bunk heater in winter, that's it. Quiet and peaceful. I really miss that.
fuzzygerbil88@reddit
The highs in Germany are normally 68-77 during the Summers. The low in where I am stopped in TX tonight is 75. That might work in Canada where you said you are driving in a few comments. Get a load going to Phoenix, AZ, in August and then relay how you kept comfortable with your windows open and a battery apu (and don't idle to recharge those batteries either).
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I'm running to the south US frequently, mostly Texas but occasionally Airzona or New Mexico too.
The highs in Germany in Summer get over 100F too.
That being said, my point was never the idling in extreme temperatures. My point is, even in that nice 60F weather there's a lot of trucks idling in America and that's just not necessary and not a thing in Europe.
GordTransport1958@reddit
Okay..and ill bet everyone of them are equipment by law with an APU.. Which is not the case in USA or Canada or Mexico.. Wish it was though..
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
From my own experience driving for 10 years in Germany, the new trucks have battery-powered AC systems and bunk heaters. Older ones at least will have bunk heaters.
I agree, this stuff should be mandated by law. I'm not sure if it'd help much though. A lot of trucks here (in Canada and the USA) have that equipment and are still idling through the night in not extreme weather, which is the point I'm trying to make.
ButterscotchNo3984@reddit
I remember getting in shit years ago for idling too much over the winter - in Canada, with no APU. This company also liked to make you wait around for loads for days. I just laughed at them - give me an APU then, I'm not standing in the truck stop to stay warm.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
No bunk heater either?
SexyWampa@reddit
Germany is slightly smaller than montana. There is absolutely no equivalence.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I could've taken the clip anywhere in Europe and it'd be the same.
rdmcrd@reddit
Cause they all have an electric heater/cooler. And that’s a $10,000 option ifor the freightliner n US. That should be an essential mandatory part of the truck, instead of an option. But that will require some federal fuckery. They’ll have to do it eventually
thefooby@reddit
Yeah I’ve never had a truck without a night heater in the UK and if the night heater breaks, the truck goes off the road until it’s fixed. Air conditioning is another thing though. Sure we don’t need it most the year, but those few months when it’s close to 40c in the cab and you’re sat on top of an engine that’s been running all day are hell and we can’t idle because most trucks shut off after a few minutes.
possibly_lost45@reddit
New Volvos have them as standard equipment
OnAJourneyMan@reddit
Not in the US. Go to Volvo website, spec a truck. It costs extra.
----Richard----@reddit
How new? My old company bought a fleet of new Volvos a year & a half ago and none of them had it.
username_unnamed@reddit
Since 2024. Companies can typically add or remove whatever they want when buying fleets.
Dead_Namer@reddit
They won't, big oil will pay everyone to make sure that does not pass.
It would pass in any country where all politicians are not corrupt though.
Danny4278@reddit
What about trucks that dont have room for them? My truck has a blower for pneumatic trailers drivers side and fuel tank amd exhaust are on the passenger side. Yes the truck could have a smaller tank, longer frame is out of the question. Running a 218 wheelbase and theres on place i pick up from that im the limit with some of our long trailers.
NitroBike@reddit
The federal government is full of pedophiliac billionaires who don't give a fuck. They'd let this entire world burn if it meant they got an extra million
Heavy-Literature-156@reddit
An extra million, fuck that, 10 cents
Gotta snatch the pennies from those that are already one small bill away from homelesssness
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
This and drivers just crank the window if the weather is in a normal range, whereas in Canada/USA it feels like almost everyone is idling all the time, no matter the weather.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
So much this.
Anytime I'm stuck waiting at a shipper or receiver everyone is just idling away no matter the weather.
I'm just sitting there like...it's 65° out. Why!?
R34CTz@reddit
Because the company i worked for when I did OTR didn't have idle restrictions, and didn't fit the trucks with opti-idle systems or tri-pacs. I was in a 25 Volvo 860 and the only way to keep the inside at a comfortable temperature and be able to plug my laptop in to play was if it was idling.
Call me whatever you want, but if I'm out for 14 days at a time, I'm damn sure gonna be comfortable and entertained when I'm done driving for the day.
If i owned my own truck, it would have a Tri-Pac system or some other method of powering my A/C, heater, and electronics while I was stopped. But I didn't own the truck i was in, so I did what I needed to do to stay comfortable.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Exactly. Like I get it in extreme temperatures, but yeah.
codekb@reddit
My favorite was in Texas there’s DCs that got signs saying “no idle while loading/unloading”. Like bro it’s 110 degrees with 125 index get bent.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Yeah ok, I'm not a fan of idling but in that kinda heat no aux-AC will be able to handle that, so yeah, I agree there.
FWD_to_twin_turbo@reddit
I like my truck precisely between 60-62 degrees in warmer months and 68 degrees in colder ones. Dehumidifier/purifier with a scent booster must be ruining too, my truck is my relaxation area on the road so i never compromise.
tommior@reddit
that is so stupid or lazy or something.
Level_Tell_2502@reddit
How the hell would you know a lot of these trucks have what is known as smart idling. Were the truck idles at most two hours a day to recharge the battery that runs the heat pump..
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I know by driving a 2023 Cascadia through Canada and the US with that very feature.
Fibrosis5O@reddit
That’s why they want self driving trucks or robot drivers
bigfoot_done_hiding@reddit
This administration is not going to do anything that might lower fuel consumption -- they are 50% owned by the fossil fuel industry. They'd be more prone to fine truckers for *not* idling!
DazednConfuzed62@reddit
Yeah, so what's your point?
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
My point is there's too much idling going on here in weather where it's simply not necessary.
fuzzygerbil88@reddit
The low tonight in TX is 75 and it's still late Spring. That's the upper range of summer temperatures in Germany. Comparing apples to oranges here.
DazednConfuzed62@reddit
Usually they run to recharge then shut down again. My truck usually starts and recharges once on my 10 hr. But some trucks aren't capable to do that and it costs so much more to have that capability. Idling in truckstops is not a problem high on our list right now, this industry is dying
DANO8503@reddit
Same when I was OTR, I had a 8 deka car batteries as my APU. Every four hours truck would run for 30-40 mins to charge. If it was chilly out and I didn’t need ac I could go all night with out my truck having to run.
Broken_Timepiece@reddit
It's just hotter in the U.S. because we use freedom units! None of that metric shit
Meltedwhisky@reddit
It’s doesn’t get 106 degrees with 80% humidity either. It’s probably a nice 65-70 degrees and the windows are down because they’re not at a Memphis Flying J and won’t get robbed
sk8zero0619@reddit
Is it 95 farenheit? Didn't think so
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
As if there was noticeable less trucks idling in 60 degrees F weather.
But also in 95 F the video would sound pretty much the same.
Emergency_Ad1152@reddit
Germany calls anything over 85⁰ a heatwave, you're saying no one would have their truck on while they're sweating balls?
bananslickarn@reddit
They have AC units on the sunroof if its an older truck but newer trucks you can just run the AC while parked
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Yes, that's what I'm saying. Been there, done that and millions of other truckers in Germany too, since there's a lot of transit traffic going through.
trakr24@reddit
Unless they all have EPU/APUs i can guarantee that those trucks would all be idling for A/C at 95⁰F
95⁰ F would send Germany and the entirety of Europe into a State of Emergency.
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I was driving in Germany for 10 years before I moved to Canada.
95F is hot, but nobody would go into a state of emergency.
wittywillync@reddit
Who cares?
koledokus@reddit
Another false equivalency. Germany’s climate regulations, roads, transport systems and infrastructures, rules etc not even close to being the same as North America’s. Especially, the weather, it is not as various or as extreme as in North America. Why people compare an ancient civilization like Bavaria with the new world is baffling. It’s like cyclists in New York wanting Amsterdam’s bicycle infrastructure, thinking that it can be adapted to their city. It simply cannot. The same goes for idling in extreme weather conditions.
DepecheRumors@reddit
Considering fuel prices in Europe it’s understood
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
While fuel is definitely more expensive than in the USA or Canada I don't think that's the reason.
It's just a different culture and considered normal to not idle.
DepecheRumors@reddit
I think it’s a culture because of the price
TruckinTuba@reddit
Real feel temperature was 0 (-17C) over weekend, Idle to keep warm
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Bunk heater is good enough for that. I'm driving in Canada and I turn on opti-idle in my Freightliner at -20C and above 30C. Everything in between it's either the bunk heater or nothing or crank the window.
TruckinTuba@reddit
Was parked in Prudhoe bay AK
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I'm jealous, Alaska is still on my list to go there at least once.
Also with -17C that's a range that I absolutely would understand anyone who's idling. I'm just saying that my cutoff is -20C and that in normal temps, say -10C to +25C there's no need to idle at all.
TruckinTuba@reddit
Its beautiful, but man the roads are rough
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
Heard that before, I can't imagine how the Cascadia would make that even worse since it has the unique feature of being able to make a small pebble feel like off-roading, lol.
TruckinTuba@reddit
I saw zero cascadias up there, and at my company, they won't let any automatic trucks go up there, they burn out way too often
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I guess that makes sense. I wouldn't say the Cascadia is a very sturdy/off-road capable truck.
I don't understand the automatic limitation though, are American automated transmissions that bad (my experience is only highway use in Canada and USA, so Rocky Mountains and stuff and it does just fine). In Europe pretty much every truck, even heavy haul and such is automated transmissions.
TruckinTuba@reddit
In my experience, they really suffer in limited traction scenarios, the computer likes to "give up" essentially making you stop and start again, the road to pridhoe is over 400 miles of dirt or ice in the winter. With a manual transmission, you can set it in a gear and know it will stay there
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I see. Yeah I noticed my Freightliner having trouble with clutch control sometimes.
Thanks for your insight.
TruckinTuba@reddit
Of course! Happy to help
TwoTrucksPayingTaxes@reddit
Cranking the windows feels like asking to get broken in to, I'd never do that while chilling in the bunk or sleeping
kxlling@reddit
Not just that, but also the constant bugs and piss smell. It's also hotter in the truck with the sun beating down on it than outside in the open would be too
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
I'd say that depends very much on the area.
I do that as often as possible because it's quite literally a breeze and never had a problem and that's in Canada and USA and most of mid-west Europe.
Fawstar@reddit
You also have almost exclusively snub nose trucks. I see the opposite in North America.
boogogaa@reddit
Because Eastern European trucking companies, which make up the majority of the European industry, threaten their drivers with fines for idling diesel engines. And the weather is good, according the photo
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
While the first part is correct, German trucks don't idle either and if I'd be here in the middle of the winter or in the middle of the summer the video would sound exactly the same. I've driven here for 10 years, idling just isn't a thing.
jjvsjeff@reddit
Notice how no one cares
ToeSimilar5163@reddit
Whatever bro. Like I’m gonna get high roaded by a German on emissions. Volkswagen scandal and the largest bucket wheel excavator on the planet. Plus you’re still breathing in the Jewish population.
-Mikey2Toes@reddit
Our truck stops smell like piss and garbage… who wants that wafting into cab while I’m trying to sleep….
DanEpiCa@reddit (OP)
That's another discussion, yeah.
datdudeuheardof@reddit
Never work for a company that doesn't have a diesel powered apu. Screw the electric ones, those things aren't sufficient enough in the summer time to keep up with the heat in the south and you end up needing to put your truck on battery mode to crank up to charge the batteries anyways and sometimes the truck idles longer than it needs to.
Unfair-Variety-995@reddit
Yah? I didn’t idle today either.
JackyOctavius@reddit
My company specs their trucks like ovens. They give us bunk heaters, but not APUs or battery HVACs. If it's 65 outside, it's 80 inside. No sleeper windows either, just those dumb little vents. And before anyone says it, I am not sleeping with my cab windows cracked. I don't feel like daring someone to jump my shish.
I would love to have an APU.
idontknowhowtopark@reddit
As a kid I'd go to Germany in the summer to see my family and when I tell you that their summers are colder than winter in Houston...
RobertRG11@reddit
auxiliary heating. runs on diesel on diesel trucks (draws fuel from the main tanks) and LNG trucks (where it must be refueled by the driver). Almost all trucks come with this equipment in Europe. It costs around 1000-2000€. (some good ones like those from Webasto). For example, I changed my entire system on a Mercedes Actros 2017 (mp4). For about 650 euros.And regarding the weather, it's still quite cold in central Europe at night, 6-7 degrees last night in Germany (near Munster), now I'm in Belgium (near Leuven) and it's about 12-13 degrees, and I keep the heat at 23 degrees all night.
FWD_to_twin_turbo@reddit
Am i paying for diesel? If yes then i'm idling or running my APU
Is the company paying for diesel? If yes then i'm idling or running the APU.
Makes 0 sense for me to compromise on comfort for a few bucks.
Kan-ka@reddit
Well maybe that’s because y’all don’t get as hot as the America. Don’t yall ever think about that?!
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
How can they think of the nonsense you make up before you tell them you have made it up?
tommior@reddit
all of america? woa
lord_nuker@reddit
What America? I'm willing to bet that the southern part of Europe gets just as hot as southern US, just like northern US gets as cold as northern Europe.
Zestyclose_Brief8627@reddit
In Brazil is the same but nobody have a cooler, diesel is very expensive
Prior-Ad-7329@reddit
Weather looks great.
zzooooomm@reddit
Okay?