Purkeys’ SteadyCharge maintains accessory batteries during months of non-use without overcharging them and is operational whenever the tractor is connected to the trailer. It eliminates the need for extra charging cables, automatically charges using the trailer’s existing seven-way cable and it won’t interfere with other devices on the auxiliary circuit, such as the trailer’s ABS system, the company says.
“Many large fleets spend millions of dollars on battery maintenance and replacement annually and that’s not including asset downtime,” says Jimmy Fielding, Northeast account representative, Purkeys. “Not only will the SteadyCharge significantly reduce battery maintenance and repair costs, it will keep vehicles and drivers on the road by extending the lifespan of existing batteries by up to 500 percent.”
Fielding also notes accessing batteries in trailer refrigeration and heating units for maintenance or replacement can present its own set of challenges and safety concerns. “The units are usually mounted high on the nose of the trailer and a standard Group 31 battery generally weighs in the neighborhood of 65 to 75 lbs.,” he says.
The company says the durable, 10-lb. SteadyCharge is engineered to meet SAE J1455 testing criteria and is IP66 rated for exterior mounting on the trailer body. The charging system’s logic controller includes a low voltage disconnect (LVD), which protects tractor batteries and is programmable to any LVD setpoint. The SteadyCharge also features temperature-compensated charging that automatically optimizes its charging characteristics to match its operating climate.
The SteadyCharge is built to handle the harshest road conditions and comes with a three-year warranty. LED status indicators assure users of proper functioning and alert them of any issues, Purkeys says.
“Accessory batteries may not respond when called upon to start refrigeration and heating units that have been dormant or they may die while the vehicle is in the field, requiring a service run or even a replacement vehicle deployment,” Fielding says. “Unfortunately, many fleets and owner operators think of battery-related maintenance expenditures as just part of the cost of doing business.”
By constantly replenishing a battery’s charge, users can avoid depletion, even when vehicles have been inactive for months. Battery-related removal and replacement costs and time-consuming workflow interruptions can be minimized, as can the fuel cost to run climate-control units during off-season duty cycles. By maintaining only a shallow depth of battery discharge, the SteadyCharge helps battery life spans transition from months to years, the company says.
“The SteadyCharge is a must-have item for truck drivers and fleets with refrigerated or heated trailers,” Fielding says. “It will be a game-changer for those in cold-chain transportation and for those hauling liquids like beverages and paints that must be kept from freezing in cold weather.”
