APU?

[FlameMerc]

Hey Guys and Gals, I really hate to bring this up again,Buuuut LOL. I know it's had a lot of threads on this subject. I am going to take the plunge and have a APU put on my truck while I'm down for Christmas. If I can get an appointment during that time.

My question is. I have looked at Rigmaster/Idlebuster/and Blackrock. OK. Which one should I go with? They all sound good.

Lost in GenSet Land? LMAO..Butch :7 :7 :7

 

[rode2rouen]

Merc,

I've been looking hard at all of the various "NoIdle" technologies, and I've come up with a set of parameters that are in place for determining which unit gets bought for my truck.

1) Diesel Power....must be a "national" brand....ease of finding parts on the road

2) 3500 to 5000 watt AC output

3) Must NOT tap into existing truck systems...a Coleman 13K BTU or similar rooftop A/C unit and an underbunk heater/blower unit, the block heater can be on a switched circuit controlled from the cab

4) Direct drive alternator...the last thing I want to do on a snowy, windy (or a hot and muggy, for that matter) night is ##### around with a broken belt(s)

I think the main thing that makes me shy away from a number of the existing units is complexity and invasiveness. This ain't rocket science, but a glance at some of the units on the market make me think that the manufacturers believe it is. The KISS principle has been thrown out the window!!


Rex

 

[davekc]

Most of what you have listed is obtainable. The only item I never see is a direct drive alternator. I like the idea though. I have seen a couple of direct drive generators though. I think one is idlebuster.
You are right, maintenance on belts is a issue with alot of units.


Davekc

 

[LDB]

I looked at those plus others at the Dallas truck show. I cut units from the list until I got down to Blackrock and Willis. I went with Willis. I only have about 6 hours usage so far so I can't say anything long term but I am VERY pleased with it's heating capability so far. Good luck with whatever you choose and be VERY particular about the installation as that's THE key factor in how well or poorly the unit will perform for you.

Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[guest]

WalMart trucks use the Tri Pac APU. I assume WalMart is going to spend its money on the unit that they feel is most cost effective, so I think this unit should make the short list.

 

[The Gibster]

Butch, we hung an Idlebuster and am moderately satisfied. It's got a 9000 watt genhead on it, and we opted for the rooftop Carrier AC/heat unit. It'll freeze ya out but leaves a lot to be desired with the heating strip.

They've only been out for a while so they still are working out some developement issues - they just came out with a new muffler system that makes them quieter. We had to go to Meineke to have a welder/fab guy rework our pipe to quiet it more, the original was loud.

Good stuff: 9000 watts, Speedco services them, direct drive genhead, Kubota 2 cyl diesel, rooftop air unit, Halon direct-ingage fire suppression system.

Not-so-good: 450 lbs total with roof unit, bulky, under-bunk electrics more residential than vehiclular (a circuit breaker/fuse panel box), hugh control panel for 4 switches, noisy.

And who installs the thing is VERY important.

Let me just say that had we not gotten such a good deal getting in on the very inital design and lease program I would probably once again take DaveKC's advice and have bought a TruckGen. Now I keep reminding myself how much money I'm saving at 1 pint/hr vs .8 gal/hr idling to ease the concerns.


The Gibster

 

[LDB]

If you want to stay warm the Willis will do it. With the temp knobs for front and back turned to the warmest position and the fan for both only on low setting it was up to 81 degrees in here with the outside temp at 11 degrees. I woke up from a nap thinking I was a roast in the oven. One thing I like is the idle can be set at low or high which I think is either about 800 or 2500 rpm. It produces more heat at high idle but I've got it scaled back to low idle and still 75 degrees in here. I don't know what the fuel consumption is at low idle but presume it's even less than the quarter gallon an hour of high idle. So far I'd give the Willis a 9 rating but that's with the caveat that we're still in the honeymoon phase. More updates periodically.

Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[redytrk]

>WalMart trucks use the Tri Pac APU. I assume WalMart is
>going to spend its money on the unit that they feel is most
>cost effective, so I think this unit should make the short
>list.
Upon checking with the local Thermo-King I learned that this unit has a condencer tha mounts on the rear wall of the sleeper.The only thing they can do for a straight truck is fabricate an alternate location on the side rail.

Other than that,I like that they incorporate the Espar heat systen.Drawing fuel for same,providing heat for bunk and engine block.I also like that they have service locations everywhere.

 

[FlameMerc]

Well I found a Great Deal on an APU Generator. Air/Heat/Battery Charger. I have had it now for about 4 weeks and it works great. They are located in Marion,IL. Price was $5200.00 plus 6.25% sales Tax. Thats installed Out the Door. Takes 4 hours to install.

They are working on an Add on Auto start feature to be ready in the near future. They also have a WebSite to check out. I haven't found any thing even close to this price. Give them a try, if your looking for a Generator...Butch http://www.etairsystem.com/default.html

 

[rode2rouen]

Merc,

I will be very interested in how the new unit works out for you. I just received an info package from ExecutiveAir, and I've got to say that I really like their thinking on this solution the No Idle laws.

I spoke with the Owner/Operators who have their phone numbers listed on the web site and I also spoke to Garry Parks at ExecutiveAir and he seems to be a stand up guy.

Please keep us posted on how the unit works for you!!


Rex