Question
Can I install a parking heater in my semi-truck myself?
Short Answer
Yes. Most truckers install them in a day. The fuel tee and exhaust are the critical steps.
Where to Mount
Under the bunk or in a side box. Duct to the bunk face. Exits under the chassis.
Fuel
Tee into the main tank return line. Add a shut-off valve. Prime the pump.
Battery
Trucks already have 24V battery banks. Verify voltage. Add a battery isolator.
Time
A first-time installer takes 6 to 8 hours. Professional installers do it in 3 hours.
Result
Self-install saves 300 to 500 USD. A well-installed truck heater pays back in fuel saved.
References
[1] European Union Regulation (EU) 2015/1188 on monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions.
[2] European Union Regulation (EU) 2015/1186 on type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and engines regarding emissions.
[3] SAE International J1455: Recommended Environmental Practices for Electronic Equipment Design in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Applications.
[4] FCC Part 15 Subpart C: Intentional Radiators.
[5] ISO 6722: Road vehicles – 60 V and 600 V single-core cables.
[6] U.S. EPA Idling Reduction Fact Sheet for Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles.
[7] ISO 8820-2: Road vehicles – Time-lapse current-limiting fuses.
