Exhaust routing question

[woobergoober]

I was wondering if anybody could help me with some information.

In a couple months, I am going to be putting a sleeper behind my daycab, as well as changing boxes to a shorter one of course.

I have bought and paid for an extremely nice, used Alumi-Bunk and am picking up the "boot" kit in a coule weeks, which is of course what seals it to the cab.

My problem is with the exhaust. Currently, muffler terminates behind the cab, underneath the chassis, pointing down. Is this going to have to be changed, as far as DOT regs goes, regarding sleepers?

According to the regulations, verbatim, it reads: (g) Protection against exhaust and fuel leaks and exhaust heat. A sleeper berth must be located so that leaks in the vehicle's exhaust system or fuel system do not permit fuel, fuel system gases, or exhaust gases to enter the sleeper berth. A sleeper berth must be located so that it will not be overheated or damaged by reason of its proximity to the vehicle's exhaust system.

Does this mean that no part of the exhaust system can be underneath the sleeper? The more times I read it, the more I am convinced that is the conclusion.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Scott

hey Woober

This is one of those times when the most important consideration is YOU.

Have an exhast extention installed by someone who knows what they are doing to make certain there are no leads and the exhast fumes are well away from where you sleep.

Exhaust fumes can kill and diesel exhast fumes can indeed make you ill.

Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.

Good post !

[Jimbo]

The main point they are making about the exhaust is that if the pipe **does** leak, the exhaust will not get into the sleeper or cab. As far as the heat goes, just make sure the pipe is routed so there are a few inches between the bottom of the sleeper and the pipe. Your best route in most cases is to have the exhaust come out from under the frame of your truck, to the side, right where the sleeper and cab come together. Then the pipe can go straight up, and end a few inches above the top of the sleeper. This will allow the freight box to be right up against the back of the sleeper, without a need for space for the pipe. As far as the exhaust ending under the truck, I would never go that way. I want the exhaust up, up, and away, not building up under my truck.

WG-

Just as a side note: We knew someone that had their exhust piped TOO long once and it caused problems with his brakes etc...

[Arky]

WG, I think you'll find that most expediter trucks have the "weed burner" exhaust, which means the exhaust is routed right down the frame similiar to what you have now.

What I have noticed though, is that they extend the exhaust system. The best I can remember the muffler would be placed just past the sleeper and then the tailpipes are usually extended to very near the drive axle.

I don't know the specifics of why all this is done and would advise you to folow Tom's advice and seek a qualified professional to do the work and let him locate everything.

Arky

[67NOVA]

I heard that the end of the exhaust pipe had to be at least 6 ft. past the rear of the sleeper, (DOT Regulation)

Having said this I'd like to mention that I have a late model International 7400 and found that if it wasn't windy out side that a strong exhaust smell was getting into the cab/sleeper, what I found by the process of elimination was that the fumes were getting in through the fresh air vent when the heater was on and that if I put heater/ac control on (I'm thinking it's called) max. setting which recirculates and heats or cools the air within the cab the exhaust wasn't getting in.

Also just using the bunk heater only will keep the fumes out ! at least it does with my truck.

Hope this helps!

[Jimbo]

I have never understood the whole "weed Burner" exhaust deal. I myself want that stuff up, and away from me. Even on a still night, the exhaust will still go up and away from the truck with the pipe being above the top of the sleeper and cab.