Idle Free Systems has released the Total Truck Heat System, a battery-powered auxiliary heating system to provide warmth and comfort for a truck’s sleeper berth without idling the engine.
The system consists of a coolant heater and an auxiliary AGM battery that work together to provide heat for both the truck’s sleeper bunk and the engine, keeping the driver warm and ensuring an easy start in the cold, the company said.
“By offering a system that provides heat for both the truck’s interior and the engine, we provide drivers what they need to eliminate engine idling,” said Roberyt Hoptom, CEO. “Given the current price of diesel fuel, an investment in this system today will provide a return on investment of only 12 weeks for the average over-the-road truck.”
According to Idle Free, when the vehicle is shut down, the system uses residual heat generated by the engine and circulates the heated coolant through the bunk’s heater core, the cab’s heater core, and the engine block. The electrical energy needed to move the coolant, monitor the coolant temperature, and maintain interior climate control is provided by the independent auxiliary AGM battery. When the coolant temperature falls to 140 deg., the system’s ultra-efficient diesel-fired coolant heater is automatically activated.
The system is capable of producing more than 17,000 BTUs per hour. If run continuously, the system will use less than 12 ounces of fuel per hour, the company said.
The auxiliary AGM battery can provide power to the system for more than 10 hours. It includes an optional programmable timer.
