Espar Bunk Heater Stops Working

Hi there! We already have an issue with the idle override on our 2019 International LT not working. Were told 2 weeks ago it would be “5-7 days” until it could get in the shop and were told to use the bunk heater. No problem. It worked great. The last few nights, the heater has either stopped working part way through the night and one night (in the middle of a blizzard in NY with -30 wind chills) it didn’t work at all. During the day it works fine. We don’t crank it up. We start it at around 75 and work it to 80. I thought it was because the battery went below 12v of charge since it was 11.7v last night but after charging back up, it only stayed on one cycle before shutting off again. I hear the pump working, the fan comes on. It cycles 2-3 times and then gives the “no flame” error. The truck and heating unit are brand new. (6300 miles). Any suggestions? I’m guessing maybe the fuel is gel-ing enough that it’s not making it through the lines but not sure. It’s only been the last few days with the bitter cold that we’ve had issues and again, during the day, it runs fine. Would wrapping the lines with some insulating tape help? Thanks!

I don't believe the batteries would matter,at least with Schneider the bunk heater will run until the batteries die since it's essential to have during the winter when it's not cold enough to idle.

Thank you. Will just have to wait to get it checked out by maintenance.

Yes it's probably gelling enough to give you trouble. This brutal cold wreaks havoc with diesel.

I'd throw some anti gel in there and let it run through the system as much as you can. Eventually it'll make its way to the bunk heater. Check with your company on their recommended antigel.

If the big engine isn't idling, you'll be a sitting duck for everything gelling up.

I would be "a squeaky wheel" to get that heater fixed ASAP. As cold as it's been, it is a safety issue, either from being cold or losing sleep.

It was so cold this last week, my bunk heaters on my 2919 Cascadia, which normally works extremely (too) well, just couldn't keep up. If the wind would die down, it would do a bit better.

I even had to break out the arctic rated sleeping bag I carry with me for emergencies, to use as a comforter instead of my regular lighterweight bedding.

I recommend all drivers have one. They're not expensive.. think I paid $35 for mine at a Walmart just before u started company training 3 years ago. It's rated to -35°F and trust me, I was grateful to have it with the polar vortex thing in the upper Midwest.