Revisit of the APU 400 lb exemption

[greg334]

OK I have a bit of a problem with weight and want to add a pair of batteries and a/c. this would add 150lbs onto my van and put me over the weight restrictions I have with FedEx.

After searching EO for the thread discussing the 400 lb exemption – which I could not find – I decided to download the energy bill and look for the exemption.

After reading the provision, I find that it does not specify a unit that has to do all three – heat, cool and provide electricity but rather all or each – which means generators are also included.

I also was disappointed to read this was for only heavy duty truck but they defined it as 8,500 lbs GVW and above with a diesel engine – so I am safe. The only catch I can see is acceptance with emissions, hence the EPA and title 40 involvements, but I don’t think that matters with new equipment. The interesting thing is that it does define the APU as integrated which I take that as exclusive power and environment source outside of the main power source (van engine) but does not rule out module system made up of different components not located within one package.

So here is my idea - I have a small (less than 80lbs) one cylinder diesel engine and a Leece-Neville 200 Amp alternator with internal regulator – which I think the alternator weighs as much as the engine. I want to put these two together and mount it underneath with two batteries and an inverter within the van (to be zero emissions at some locations) with an A/C unit on top, etc… I think the total weight addition would be around 250 lbs.

This means that the batteries/inverter are in one location, the generator is in another and the A/C is in a third but completely and totally separate from the main power source (van engine).

Any ideas or comments?

 

[davekc]

That should work. Several APU's are designed to run a roof top. If it applies to vehicles over 8500 gvw, I would say it would clear. I would recommend carrying that document with you in case you ever got stopped.
If the EPA law passes in CA, your unit would not qualify unless you have it emmission compliant.






Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[RichM]

Sounds good to me.I know of a guy who rigged up a similar setup for a small boat but used a Honda 1 cylinder gas engine to run the alternator.

 

[Moot]

Clever idea! You might want to get cleared with FedEx before undertaking this project though.

 

[greg334]

>Clever idea! You might want to get cleared with FedEx
>before undertaking this project though.

Thanks for all the replies.

Moot, that is going to be the big problem, I think this may be something where I ask and get 10 different answers.

 

[Moot]

I know how that goes! But you are entering the TWILIGHT ZONE on this one. Hope someone at FedEx has an open mind. Good luck!

 

[Tennesseahawk]

What does FXCC have to do with that anyways? Unless they're on the title, it's none of their business, unless it would interfere with freight. I'd say it's a "don't ask, don't tell" matter.

 

[LDB]

Does FX require you to supply a scale ticket? I would think a van could be set up any way you wanted and be nobody's business but your own. The only place I see a potential problem is if/when you have to cross a scale. I don't know how often that is or in what states for vans. If it's like I think and only in a couple of states you could just be sure you don't take a load too heavy that traverses those states. It seems like you should be able to do it and it shouldn't be a big deal but maybe there's something I'm missing.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[greg334]

Leo, T-Hawk - point well taken.

Well I got to tell you, telling them would not be on my list of things to do when my van is inspected in November. If they ask, well I guess I deal with it when the time comes.

I still am undecided what to get - big honkin 12 volt batteries or eqaully big 6 volt batteries. I know the different but I am looking at the cost for the 6 volts being a little higher than the 12's. Can't afford the Optimas that I want.... yet, it is kinda slow out here.

right now sitting in Walton KY, I would have the A/C on. even witht he breeze it is 85 in the truck and 76 outside.

Well for those who are intrested in building something like this, I will post the project notes, diagrams, parts list and as I actually build the thing the details with pictures all on my website - just haven't finished some things on the site to publish it anyway. I could use front page but that is cheating.

 

[layoutshooter]

Greg,

You might want to re-visit the Optima battery idea. They are good batteries but too much money for what they are. In one of my past lives prior to working this business I sold marine stuff, including batteries/chargers etc. To my way of thinking I would buy the Dual-Pro Lighting series. They tend to run a bit less than Optima and size for size have a bit more storage capacity. Most AGM's are very good in cold. Not sure how good the forgian made ones are. Dual-Pro is in Tenn. Just a thought. Layoutshooter

 

[greg334]

>You might want to re-visit the Optima battery idea. They are
>good batteries but too much money for what they are. In one
>of my past lives prior to working this business I sold
>marine stuff, including batteries/chargers etc. To my way of
>thinking I would buy the Dual-Pro Lighting series. They tend
>to run a bit less than Optima and size for size have a bit
>more storage capacity. Most AGM's are very good in cold. Not
>sure how good the forgian made ones are. Dual-Pro is in
>Tenn. Just a thought.

Thanks, I will look into it. My red top Optima c**p out on me the other day in my Dodge, Rather disapointed. I got to get it changed out this week for the wife. I never had problems with the batteries in that truck until i got on the road, maybe jeliousy?

 

[layoutshooter]

On the subject of the AGM's, the secret to them is proper charging. They should not be over or uncharged. They hold a charge well, losing only about 2% per year on the self. Old style flooded cells lost 2-4% per month when not in use.

The AGM discharges differntly than the flooded. The old style flooded discharged in a steady decline from the instant they were first drawn on. They don't discharge at a steady rate either. They start to lose voltage right away. They are considerd "dead" at about ten volts. The AGM discharges at a flat rate. Giving a full 12 volts for almost the entire life of the charge. They drop off fast at the end of the charge but can be pulled down closer to 8 volts before they "die". There life span is also much longer than old tech batteries. The only draw back to them is the cost. I like them and think they are worth the cost.

I would suggest a high grade marine "smart" charger to charge them when they are not being charged by the engine alternator. Pro-Mariner and Dual-Pro make good ones.

Hope this helps. Layoutshooter

 

[greg334]

Thanks again, I never had problems with the optima's and I had a couple AGM aircraft batteries (got them free and they fit) in my other dodge and they are still going strong after 6 years. I am going to replace the red tops next week because of the prorating of the battery. I will look at the Dual-Pro Lighting batteries for the van.

Actually glad you mentioned it, I am putting in a blue seas system's Batterylink ACR - a good battery isolator is around $40, so the extra $30 or so is worth it to get the ACR. It has adjustable drop out and overcharge system and remote sense/control lines. I will set it at 12 volt for the drop out and leave the rest alone. The nice thing about the BSS ACR is that I can set it up to shed the load as needed when it reachs the drop out threshold and kick in the generator - all at the same time.