Ok, I have this ProHeat APU. It sucks. It breaks a lot. This time I think it is likely to be the alternator. Has anyone out there had on replaced lately? If so, can you give me a rough idea as to how much it cost you? Parts, labor etc?
How Much?
- Thread starter layoutshooter
- Start date
I can't give you an estimate [but any 'shop' can], just that my Proheat alternator also went, after the exhaust, and it's not cost effective to repair the dam thing.
I know that it may seem hard, if not impossible, to consider replacing it, but OOIDA offers some help [with financing, I believe], and some states offer assistance as well - worth looking into.
I know that it may seem hard, if not impossible, to consider replacing it, but OOIDA offers some help [with financing, I believe], and some states offer assistance as well - worth looking into.
I will have to see. A new APU will be $8-10,000 dollars. All the financing assistance in the world won't allow me to spend that. I also know that this ProHeat is not worth what in weighs. The old rock and hard place thing again.
Personally, I think a reliable APU is worth the cost, as you'll get it back over it's lifetime - but if it isn't possible to spend that kind of $, then it's time to look outside the box, no?
Perhaps a combination Honda genset & roof AC unit?
Is it possible to find a used APU at a boneyard, maybe?
Perhaps a combination Honda genset & roof AC unit?
Is it possible to find a used APU at a boneyard, maybe?
Personally, I think a reliable APU is worth the cost, as you'll get it back over it's lifetime - but if it isn't possible to spend that kind of $, then it's time to look outside the box, no?
Perhaps a combination Honda genset & roof AC unit?
Is it possible to find a used APU at a boneyard, maybe?
Going to look at every possibility. Will get a price on fixing this one. Look at the seperate genset and roof mount. I have not found any good places to by used APU's yet but I will keep looking. Wish it was winter, much easier to heat than cool.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
The really dumb question of the day is this, why are they not using common parts in these APUs?
The real problem is that no one is using common sense when designing these units, everything seems to be 'special' and I have yet seen a unit that has been designed without the certified shop in mind.
I like the idea of one guy, he wanted an APU so he found a small reefer unit with a two cylinder engine and built himself one. He took used parts from junk cars and put it all together in a box. When the alternator crapped out, he stopped at O'Reillys and got himself another one for $50, replacing it there in the parking lot. When the A/C gave him trouble after hitting a 'gator', he had it at an A/C shop for a condenser replacement at $200. I know Layout won't do that but others may.
Simplify people, If you can't get to build a good system, then Phil's layout should be the one to follow, the investment may be the best one you make for the "APU" lifestyle.
The real problem is that no one is using common sense when designing these units, everything seems to be 'special' and I have yet seen a unit that has been designed without the certified shop in mind.
I like the idea of one guy, he wanted an APU so he found a small reefer unit with a two cylinder engine and built himself one. He took used parts from junk cars and put it all together in a box. When the alternator crapped out, he stopped at O'Reillys and got himself another one for $50, replacing it there in the parking lot. When the A/C gave him trouble after hitting a 'gator', he had it at an A/C shop for a condenser replacement at $200. I know Layout won't do that but others may.
Simplify people, If you can't get to build a good system, then Phil's layout should be the one to follow, the investment may be the best one you make for the "APU" lifestyle.
Doggie Daddy
Veteran Expediter
I will check out that shop. Greg has the right answer to the problem. To many weird parts. Need to put a "car" unit on for an APU. Off the self stuff.
Slo-Ride
Veteran Expediter
So does someone in the classifed adds for sale under the; other section (in case ya didnt see it)
I did and he contacted me. I don't think I am interested if I do need to replace. Just another ProHeat that does not have the guts to do the job.
I did and he contacted me. I don't think I am interested if I do need to replace. Just another ProHeat that does not have the guts to do the job. Thanks for thinking of me.
Being bored does that!!Now I see how ya got your post count so high
Slo-Ride
Veteran Expediter
Not to derail your thread here..
Was wondering are the Espar units not a better option then the full size APU's?
After hearing all the nigh mares ppl have with them and I hear little if none at all about Espar failures.
I dont have an APU (and never had) but something tells me they weren't meant to be used like they are today, in use what sometimes 18 hours or more if not several days nonstop with lil to no maintenance performed.When these hit the market I think trucks weren't sitting like they do today. Just wondering with the addition of another truck I think I'm going to have to something myself before winter sets in
Was wondering are the Espar units not a better option then the full size APU's?
After hearing all the nigh mares ppl have with them and I hear little if none at all about Espar failures.
I dont have an APU (and never had) but something tells me they weren't meant to be used like they are today, in use what sometimes 18 hours or more if not several days nonstop with lil to no maintenance performed.When these hit the market I think trucks weren't sitting like they do today. Just wondering with the addition of another truck I think I'm going to have to something myself before winter sets in
I agree. Bill Moore at TSI Western Star in North Jackson Ohio. This was an independent truck repair shop before they picked up the Western Star line of trucks some years ago. They have done a lot of good for a number of expediters who had generator problems that other shops could not seem to fix.
Layout, I hope I'm not being too forward with what I am going to offer next.
If I was in your shoes, getting beat up this month like you are, I'd take action to stop getting beat up. As soon as reasonably possible, I'd deadhead to TSI to get my generator (comfort lifeline) fixed by a facility I could trust, even if that meant a one-day or two-day drive.
While the truck is in the shop, I'd use the available taxi service there or a rental car to get into a hotel for a couple of days to clear my head and re-focus on the reasons you are in this business and the things that move you ahead.
You've had more than your share of setbacks but dwelling on them does not move you ahead. If you are getting hit again and again, go hide for a while. Clear your head. Read a self-help book, recharge and come back swinging.
Not withstanding the developing complaints you and I share about our carrer, you are in one of the best places an expediter can be; that is, on the road with your wife, in a fully-quallified, fully-equipped WG TVAL truck that has more revenue potential than most.
Think this through and make it work. It's not about the setbacks. It's about what you want to make happen (goals) and what are going to do next.
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No need to worry Phil, you suggestions are well taken.
I am not dwelling on the "stuff" that has been going on. I vent it out in one thread and that is it. This thread was looking for the kind of info I have received. As to the rest. I will have to see. I will be in NJ on Thurs. I will asses this more then. I won't need the APU while running. Maybe We will luck out and just run steady for a few days/weeks and not need it at all.
It was nice were we are this morning. No A/C or heat needed last night. I started the reefer to charge the batteries when I woke up. I will look into the shop in N. Jackson. I also have the shop right next to my house. Might head there if I get close. Then I won't have the added cost of a rental and motel and I could go fishing too!
I always bounce back and with friends like you in my corner it makes it easier to do so.
I am not dwelling on the "stuff" that has been going on. I vent it out in one thread and that is it. This thread was looking for the kind of info I have received. As to the rest. I will have to see. I will be in NJ on Thurs. I will asses this more then. I won't need the APU while running. Maybe We will luck out and just run steady for a few days/weeks and not need it at all.
It was nice were we are this morning. No A/C or heat needed last night. I started the reefer to charge the batteries when I woke up. I will look into the shop in N. Jackson. I also have the shop right next to my house. Might head there if I get close. Then I won't have the added cost of a rental and motel and I could go fishing too!
I always bounce back and with friends like you in my corner it makes it easier to do so.
Any one know anything about this company?
APU Truck APU Truck Generators Diesel Generators Standby Diesel Generator
APU Truck APU Truck Generators Diesel Generators Standby Diesel Generator