IntraUSA Group
As margins continue to shrink across all segments of the trucking industry, truck owners are seeking new ways to maintain a black bottom line. Two expense categories affecting operators the most are jumpstarts and premature battery replacement.

Providing a tool to manage these problems, IntraUSA Group recently introduced a solid-state low-voltage disconnect (LVD) designed for aftermarket or OEM factory installation.

An LVD is an automatic switch that allows truck drivers to enjoy appliances and comfort items during key-off periods — while preserving battery power needed to start the engine. Using patented technology, the Intra LVD monitors battery levels, automatically disconnecting non-critical power loads when battery voltage reaches critical levels. The unit can be easily installed in any truck by a qualified technician in less than an hour.

“A growing percentage of new trucks are spec’d with LVD’s, but in today’s economy, fleets and owner operators are extending the equipment trade-in cycle. As a result, 70 percent of long-haul trucks on the road today are not equipped with LVD’s,” said Will Watson, vice president, sales, for The IntraUSA Group, explaining the demand for aftermarket LVD’s. “Long-haul trucks have tremendous electrical draws. Even forgotten dome lights or a space heater in the sleeper can result in a deep discharge, forcing battery replacement.”

In addition to battery replacement, Watson reports that industry-wide, jumpstarts are a growing cost category. “Anyone in the towing business will tell you that these are boom times, with the average jumpstart cost now exceeding $200 (an average of local and remote service calls).”

Responding to this issue, Intra developed its LVD at the request of a major truck OEM.

“They had a large fleet customer that was experiencing significant jumpstart and battery replacement costs, and the OEM asked us to develop a solution,” said Watson, explaining that Intra’s solid-state LVD monitors battery levels and gives the driver an audible warning before battery draw reaches a critical level. If accessories are not turned off, the LVD disconnects non-critical loads, preserving the ability to start the truck — and protecting batteries from deep discharge.

Watson adds that the industry average for battery life is just four months to one year.

However, if deep discharges are avoided, batteries can last three years or more.

“Battery replacement and jumpstarts are real and growing cost categories across the board in the trucking industry,” he said. “A quality LVD will pay for itself with the first jumpstart that doesn’t happen with the batteries that won’t be purchased. It’s a matter of simple cost accounting.”

Aftermarket Intra LVD’s are currently available at Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers. According to Intra officials, the products will soon be available at most truck dealers for all makes.