14 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse March 2026 15 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse March 2026 AUXILIARY POWER SYSTEMS duced idling, improved tool access, and creating enhanced crew productivity. Fleet managers are also exploring electro-mechanical PTOs (ePTOs) for electric and fuel-cell trucks. These systems tap into high-voltage circuits to run auxiliary equipment without relying on traditional gearboxes. Auxiliary Power Challenges While auxiliary power systems offer significant benefits, they also come with challenges that fleets must address to ensure reliability and performance. Cold weather performance is a major concern, especially for lithium-ion battery systems, which can lose efficiency or fail to charge properly in sub-zero temperatures. Manufacturers like ROYPOW and Dragonfly Energy have developed cold climate kits and thermal management systems to mitigate these issues. Technician training is another hurdle. As systems become more complex—integrating electronics, telematics, and multiple power sources—technicians need specialized knowledge to diagnose and maintain them. VMAC and Vanair offer training programs and online resources to help service teams stay current. System complexity can also lead to integration issues, especially when retrofitting older vehicles. Compatibility with existing electrical systems, mounting constraints, and software integration require careful planning. Companies like MEPS and APS provide custom engineering support to ensure seamless installation. Weight and space constraints are ongoing challenges. Multifunction systems can be heavy and bulky, impacting payload and fuel efficiency. VMAC’s lightweight designs and underdeck mounting options help address these concerns by freeing up cargo space and reducing overall vehicle weight. Finally, integrating auxiliary power into legacy vehicles can be difficult due to outdated wiring, limited space, and a lack of digital interfaces. Fleet managers are increasingly working with original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket specialists to develop retrofit kits and modular solutions that simplify the process. Overcoming these challenges is essential to unlocking the full potential of auxiliary power systems and ensuring long-term fleet sustainability. Maintenance Tips for Auxiliary Power Systems Proper upkeep is essential to ensure reliability and safety. Here are some key practices: 1. Routine Inspections: Check wiring, connections, and fluid levels regularly. 2. Battery Health: Monitor charge cycles and replace aging batteries before failure. 3. Filter Changes: For diesel APUs, change air and fuel filters per manufacturer guidelines. 4. Cooling Systems: Ensure adequate airflow and clean vents to prevent overheating. 5. Record Keeping: Maintain logs of service intervals and repairs for each unit. Safety is equally critical. Operators should: • Keep areas around APUs clear of debris. • Refuel carefully to avoid spills. • Shut down units when not in use. • Watch for signs of trouble like smoke, leaks, or any types of unusal noises. Being prepared for trouble, helps avoid long-term troubles. Looking Ahead The move toward advanced auxiliary power systems isn’t just about compliance—it’s about smarter operations. Fleets that adopt lithium-ion or PTO-driven solutions have reported lower fuel costs, reduced engine wear, quieter job sites, and improved uptime and productivity. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, especially in urban areas, having a clean auxiliary power strategy is becoming a competitive advantage. With the market for truck APUs expected to grow at a seven percent CAGR through 2033, per www.visionarydatareports.com, innovation will continue. Expect to see: • Greater integration with telematics and fleet management platforms; • Modular systems tailored to specific vocational needs; • Renewable energy inputs, like solar charging. For service truck operators, the message is clear: auxiliary power is no longer an afterthought. It’s a strategic asset—one that can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and support a more sustainable future. Photo courtesy of Vanair From Vanair, the Air N Arc 300 system, provides more efficient use of your truck bed and reduces cost by combining five power sources: Rotary screw on-demand air compressor, 7 kW generator, 300 AMP welder, battery booster and battery charger – into one single unit. ANDREW JOSEPH, EDITOR The late‑January 2026 snowstorm slammed into North America with a level of disruption that was impossible to ignore, burying regions from the Southern Plains to the Great Lakes and into the Northeast under snow and ice, brutal winds, and dangerous wind chills. The storm’s impacts were severe and far‑reaching. At its peak, more than one million customers across the United States lost power as ice and sleet snapped trees and overloaded electrical lines, leaving communities exposed to life‑threatening cold. Even days later, hundreds of thousands remained without electricity, and officials warned of worsening conditions as frigid air settled in behind the system. While northern states are accustomed to being hammered by blizzards — and have the equipment, crews, and institutional muscle memory to respond quickly — many of the regions hit hardest this time simply weren’t built for a storm of this scale. Southern and mid‑Atlantic states faced treacherous conditions with limited plow fleets, thinner road‑salt reserves, and utility networks never designed for prolonged ice loading. The same was true for the lineworkers and emergency crews who suddenly found themselves battling conditions more typical of the Upper Midwest than their own backyards. Even so, they pushed through round‑the‑clock shifts, working in dangerous cold to restore power and reopen critical routes. Brutal winter blast slams US and Canada, punishing power grids As millions lost power amid brutal cold, utility crews across the US and Canada worked through dangerous conditions to restore electricity and reopen essential services. Crews from Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities worked through the night to restore power to more than 24,000 customers affected by the storm. Some Tennessee residents endured more than five days without heat or power, but Nashville Electric Service lineworkers continued pushing through sub‑zero temperatures to bring customers back online. Ice and snow hit Arkansas hard, but Entergy Arkansas’ advance planning helped keep outages to a minimum. After stabilizing their own grid, crews deployed south to assist neighboring states. This Hydro-Québec utility truck, designed for heavy-duty electrical work, is, we think—based on the hood curvature and grille proportions—an International WorkStar, as opposed to an International HV. Featuring robust tires and a triple axle, this vehicle is equipped with a Posi+ yellow bucket lift, mounted on an extendable boom to access elevated power lines. Photo courtesy of Ritchie Bros.
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