Successfully Doing Lunch At Rest Stops Requires A Strategy
Marilyn and I have been stopping at many rest stops for lunch as we travel across the country. One of the things we talked about this week was the strategic positioning of our RV at a rest stop to gain maximum enjoyment from our lunch. 
We decided it is best to get either the first or the last spot at the end of the truck/RV row so our window looks out at something other than a truck. We also like to be able to open our windows but if you are bracketed on both sides by trucks with idling diesel motors you can’t do this. If you can get one side of your RV away from the trucks you can at least get some fresh air.
Today I approached a real truck driver by the name of Richard Falls from Ladora, Iowa and asked him why truck drivers leave their trucks running while at rest stops and truck stops.
Richard said that they keep their trucks running in order to keep their refrigerators working and all the other electronic stuff they use which includes (among other things) a microwave oven, television, battery chargers, radios, video/DVD players, cell phones, video games and, well just use your imagination. Today’s commercial trucks are not your grandfather’s trucks! Richard says that trucks don’t usually have generators like many RV’s and they rely on the alternator to supply the electricity, hence the incessant idling of trucks at rest stops. Now you know the rest of the story. I’m open to suggestions for doing stories about stuff you are interested in. If you have a question about something that has to do with RVing or traveling on the RV road just drop me an email and I will do my best to “get the scoop” and answer your questions. Please email me at jimtwamley@gmail.com with your questions. Thanks for your readership. JimLabels: Travel
posted by Jim Twamley at
6/05/2007 10:47:00 PM
15 Comments:
Jim, that was great article. Short to the point, inclding great pictures.
Yhanks - Mike
By
Anonymous, at June 4, 2007 2:28:00 PM PDT
Not surprisingly, there is a move to get truckers to install 4-5kw generators in their trucks, so that they can shut down the big engines.
By
Anonymous, at June 5, 2007 8:31:00 AM PDT
I drove trucks for years and if I wanted to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter I had to keep the truck running
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Anonymous, at June 9, 2007 6:05:00 AM PDT
A lot of the time, the fuel is paid by the freight company, so it doesn't come out of the truckers pocket, so why not idle the truck. Although I guess they could get a diesel genset. I've seen some huge inverters at truck stops also.
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Ron, at June 9, 2007 8:39:00 AM PDT
Watch those truck parking areas if you are pulling a fifth wheel trailer. Two of my friends have had truck drivers pull the fifth wheel release on them. Sure messes up your truck rails and tailgate when that trailer drops down on them! Seems like some truckers don't like you parking in their area or they just don't like RV's on the highway. Put a lock on your release handle.
By
Anonymous, at June 9, 2007 9:05:00 AM PDT
Needing electricity is understood.
Running those engines while refueling is dangerous.
Alternators make sparks, as do many accessories.
Diesel fumes are volatile.
By
Walt Benson, at June 9, 2007 9:37:00 AM PDT
INTERESTING!!!!!
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Pat, at June 9, 2007 9:57:00 AM PDT
I,too have wondered why truckersleave there engines on.They not only pollute the air but they put wear & tear on their engines.My son-in-law, who was an over the road trucker, did not get his bonus because his mpg was not up to company standards.And the big reason was he didn't shut his engine down when he wasn't driving.So for me there's noexcuse if it isn't cold or superhot,the rest is all an excuse.
By
Anonymous, at June 9, 2007 10:29:00 AM PDT
Can you say "solar panels"? Or how about "fuel cells".
We have a generator on our rv & the only time we use it is to run the micro. We're always without hookups, so all of our power for our radio, tv, lights, etc. comes from the solar panels. :)
By
Helene, at June 9, 2007 8:36:00 PM PDT
I am a part time Driver and also pull my rv trailer with my class 8 tractor. Idling has become a major issue with many states passing laws for idling times. This is forcing truckers to install APU/GEN SETS. I am currently installing one, 41AMP AC along with Heat/AC for sleeper. I am also making it possible to provide 110 AC power to my 5th Wheel RV trailer from the onboard APU/GEN SET when stopped for the night and not at a park or place where I can plug in. I have idled to keep warm to keep cool and sleep in my sleeper. But to do my part I am working towards a change over. Many truckers do not have the immediate cash to convert to a APU. Many of you are right large engines are not efficent at idle but most have no choice either freeze or sweat. But times are changing. As a driver I appoligise for a few drivers that are disrespectful of RV's but as a general rule they would about do anything they can to help you out. More than one has helped me in time of need and I have stopped more than once to assist some RV'er that has had a problem.
Best to you all.
By
Anonymous, at June 9, 2007 10:34:00 PM PDT
We have a diesel pusher and we have found the overwhelming majority of truckers to be very friendly. Recently we stalled pulling out of the diesel pump at a Flying J and two truckers helped us get it restarted. Regarding, running diesel engine while fueling. Alternators are brushless devices therefore no sparks. Most accessories are transitorized, therefore no sparks. The volatility of diesel is so low, it is very difficult to ignite. Ever see a sign to shut engines off or stop smoking at a truck stop? All the trucks keep their engines running.
By
Anonymous, at June 10, 2007 8:27:00 AM PDT
I have driven truck for a lot more years than I would like to remember; and as I am now retired for a few now years too, I was amused by most of the RVers comments that have responded here-in.
Yes, in some ways there is a battle going on over our American highways and most assuredly, within our rest areas too for space in many ways.
Just the same, please remember when a trucker rolls into a rest area he is most likely beat; as in "dead-tired", "simply cannot drive another mile" and sometimes even far worse off... Get It, and when he sees a RVer taking up two spaces with their sildes open or cutting a crossed two lanes (I see this done often) to get some air and a view; or whatever, and he is faced with struggling; and I mean this is a real push sometimes too, back out onto the road again to try to drive another mile or two so a RVer can have a pleasent little vacation stopover.
By comparison, I personally drive a 40' luxury motor coach; as in not a cheap motor home made by GM or WinnieB as they are not the same... Thank You, with a 25' 2-stacker car trailer too behind it for a total of 70' and I do my darnest to always limit my stays within any rest area in the name of everyone's Public Safety.
In fact, the very reason the first and last American rest area was ever built was in the name of "SAFETY", and not as happy little RV park for group sleepovers.
Recently I watched as six 5th. vacationing wheelers took up seven slots in a CA rest area with the middle one being fenced off for dogs, kids, plus a BBQ with tables and chairs for the night. When I spoke with them they finally agreed that the 7th. lane might be looked at as a little too much, but "it keeps the truckers noise down" and "they flipped to see who was going to have to park on the outside lanes within their group... ha ha ha". Well after calling the CHP within less than 15-mins. they were told to leave... and ...I was a bad guy within their.
As for those noisy diesel engines, please believe me when I say that those very same truckers that you RVers seem to love to hate these days were long ago the first to ask for small power units that offer heating and cooling services, as well as serving other needed A/C power requirements too.
Until then, todays professional trucker regularly has 50,000 lb. Zero Cold requirement frozen loads to haul and the very same A/C and heating needs that you have too.
In closing, as I travel 80,000 miles per year (yes, I am really retired and am having a grand time too) and I cannot remember following even one RVer for more than 5-mins. down the road without seeing him break at least one state or federal law or causing another driver to have reasonable concerns for their own safetly as they pass... Get It? So maybe all you RVers have some house cleaning to do of your own.
PS: Before you start whining about how bad trucker drivers are today; in general, remember when you refused to pay a living wage it was you that chose to place a cheap and unskilled driver that cannot even speak or read English behind the wheel of a 80,000 to 100,000 lb. truck... Get It!
By
Anonymous, at June 10, 2007 10:23:00 AM PDT
Why was the comment made about a worker/driver that can't read english all about. My father immigrated to the USA and he could not read english, but he was a very good cement mason/brick layer and he raised 4 boys. He worked so that I could dream and be who I am today. JJ Correia, Ph.D.
By
jimcorreia, at June 10, 2007 5:33:00 PM PDT
To answer JJs Phd comment about the importance of truck drivers needing to speak and read English.
Last year I was on vacation when a long haul truck driver walked up and asked if I knew where a thought-to-be local address was. While handing me his Bill of Laden he said "Where this" in broken English and I smiled and said, "Sure... I live in Lake Oswego, OR and know where this place is". After a moment or so he gave me a rather funny look, while clearly thinking about what I had just said. In response, I tried not to laugh at him and chose instead to just let my map set him straight.
In short: This so-called: new type of non-American "Professional Driver" should have only driven south from Seattle, Wa; where he had picked up load, just over 3-hrs. to Dalles, OR, but instead he had just driven over 3-days to Dallas, TX.
~~Was this a stupid sick joke?
Not really, as it is becoming a all-too-common issue within the transportation industry.
Furthermore as I was once a 48-state / 600 truck transportation company owner / investor I see these problems coming to light more and more with use of cheap unskilled labor being put behind the wheel of a truck and sent down the road in the name of what the American Motoring Public is willing to pay for.
Even worse, now that we are about to see Mexican National truckers coming farther up a crossed our dangerously wide open southern border than ever before; with far-far more problems on-board, our once safer highways will soon only be just a memory of the good old days that were lost within the name of cutitng cost and being PC.
In closing, I find it rather sad that the days of seeing a truck driver meant that a woman alone on the open road felt safe just as our young children used to instintively know that they were looking at a honest hard working type of guy too. Simply said, that is no longer the norm, nor should anyone safely count upon it anymore either.
~~ There is more, but this is not the time nor the place to talk about it...
By
Anonymous, at June 12, 2007 5:10:00 AM PDT
Well Actually Jim,
Sorry you took offense to the can not read english comment made, I am sure that person was not attacking all immigrants or anything like that. On the other hand, think about it from a safety standpoint. If a trucker can not read english how is he going to read a sign that states "no commercial vehicles, or vehicles over 5 tons on this bridge" or one that says "trucks carrying Gasoline or explosives are not permitted in this tunnel"
Recently a major component of the interchange leading to the San Francisco Bay Bridge was destroyed by a trucker who lost control of his truck carrying thousands of gallons of Gasoline, and crashed into one of the support columns for the interchange and the resultant fire destroyed the connector ramp.
The mexican driver fled the scene (and was later found at a hospital he got to in a taxi). He did not call 911 after the crash, Fled the scene, and no, he did not speak enough english to read this paragraph.
Did his lack of english skills contribute to the early morning crash? I have been thru that interchange many a time and I can assure you it is not an easy one to figure out if you CAN read english.
Another question is did his prior conviction for drug posession have any bearing on the fact he lost control of a tanker full of gasoline? If he had prior convictions, why the heck was he driving this truck? Lettuce sure, Tennis Shoes? you bet! But a truck with enough destructive power to drop a freeway interchange being trusted to someone who can't read english and has prior DRUG convictions?
Personally I really don't think anyone who drives commercially in ANY country should be able to do so without being able to read and understand the language the road signs are printed in. (more on that below).
My Grandfather immigrated to the United States just like your Father did Jim, and he took a job in an area he could do with his educational background and vocabulary skills. Your father was a brick layer. Good for him, he probably made a decent living and put bread on the table for your family. But I have yet to see a brick that has been cast with instructions on it.
To lay bricks requires skill yes, but it does not require you to read english and interpret it correctly with split second timing while piloting 80,000 pounds of steel hurtling down a highway at 65+ mph.
Your father did not just walk up to a building and start laying bricks, he was trained by someone and his work was inspected both by his peers, his boss, the Foreman, and the building inspector. He had a job that could be done with skills learned, and a friend who spoke more english than him translating. It does not work that way (or god I would hope it doesn't) in the cab of an 18 wheeler. "hey what does "bridge out ahead mean?", "dunno let me check my phrase book" is not a conversation I want to hear in a truck...
Don't take offense where none was meant. Different jobs require different skills, Driving a truck requires you to read and correctly interpret maps, road signs, directions, Bills of Ladeing (sp?) and other documents as a daily part of your JOB.
Would you want a surgon who only speaks Dutch to walk into an operating room with you on the table, and have a support staff who only spoke Chinese? Never gonna happen right?
Think about it, A supremely qualified individual is not going to do a job he can do in his sleep because he cannot communicate effectively with his support staff. If he does, he risks not only the patient, but the reputation of everybody in the room, the hospital and even the profession in general, by recklessly going ahead with an operation with something that adds an unacceptable level of risk to the proceedure. Not being able to read and interpret road signs while driving a truck adds an unacceptable amount of risk to the endevor.
Driving an 18 wheeler is an enormous responsibility, because you have not just your life in the mix, but others who share the road with you. As a motorist and a RV'r with hundreds of thousands of miles under my belt I have seen plenty of carnage on America's highways, I have held people broken and bleading and watched people die who thru a moments inattention lost control of their vehicle. We do not need to add to that caranage by allowing drivers to drive trucks who have only the vaugest ideas of what the signs ahead of them mean.
Sorry to get off topic.
Oh yea, in CA you will not be able to idle your trucks I think after 2008. (please feel free to correct me if I have the date wrong) Lots of companies are now producing small Diesel generators and heating and cooling units for the cab/sleepers. They are quiet and their exaust meet or exceed all standards for emissions. (just saw one installed on a truck on the show "Trick my Truck" on CMT)
Truckers will still probably idle if they are only gonna be there a few minutes, since there is growing evidence if you don't let the turbochargers cool down a bit before you shut down, the oil that is trapped in them breaks down and causes premature wear on the bearings. A company makes a timer system that you engage before you shut off the key, that idles the engine for a set amount of time then shuts the truck down.
I have family that are short haul and some that are long haul truckers, so I know of what I speak. Enjoy the road, watch for the blind spots of truckers, drive with an escape route from your curent lane whenever possible. Treat trucks like the things they are. Giant Monsters that if you end up on the wrong side of them will crush you. Not because they are mean, just because they weigh 15 to 20 times more than your car and if you tangle with them, you will loose.
Most truckers I meet would give you the shirt of their back if you needed it, and would help you out in a second if it is safe to stop and do so. With the advent of Cel Phones, and call boxes on major highways, many truckers are not stoping because they have to weigh the dangers of stoping by the side of the road and helping you, against continuing on down the road and making a cel phone call. Just because they did not stop does not mean they did not help.
A feature being considered by a company that makes truck navigation systems would be a button that automatically calls up location information from the point you pushed the button on the screen and dials 911 thur the hands free phone.That way you dont have to guess where you were by the time the 911 operator answers.
Another system would allow you to electronically report an accident or disabled car at the push of a button, and the info would be passed to the Emergency dispatcher digitally via a system a little like onstar. The trucker in general is probably your best friend out there on the road, but you have to remember to SHARE the road, and respect the RIG.
By
Matthew Elyash, at June 17, 2007 11:16:00 AM PDT
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