Why do trucks use fan belts instead of electric fans computer controlled fans?

Question

Why do trucks use fan belts instead of electric fans computer controlled fans?

Answer 1

Electric fans can be as good or better than engine driven fans -

the biggest issues are cost, efficiency, utility.

Cost - the electric fans require more circuitry and and are much more expensive as a whole.

Efficiency - electric fans are more efficient, as they only run when they need to - so at higher speeds, they can run on low or shut off to help improve fuel efficiency. Tucks already get crappy fuel efficiency and also don't have to meet requirements like cars and it usually doesn't play a huge role in buying decisions - particularly on big trucks, so why bother?

Utility - electric fans have more parts and more things that could break/breakdown. engine driven are very simple, simple to maintain (changed belts when worn) and, and cheap to fix or replace.    

Answer 2

Because trucks are built to be a little more heavy duty.  With the heavy loads they can haul or tow, an electric fan would not get the job done.

Answer 3

Probably because it's cheaper for them to just slap in a longer belt than to deal with all the electronic stuff. If you think about it most cars are front wheel drive so the belts are on the right side of the car and that would make rigging up a belt driven fan much more difficult where a RWD car/truck has the radiator right in front of the belts.