Fuel for Thought

Not the Status Quo

Oftentimes refusing to go with the status quo can yield new and better results. Just because “that’s how it was always done” does not mean you have to follow suit. Many things we consider as “how we should do something” were started by someone at some point to improve on the norm of that time. APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) were not always a part of trucking. The need for them arose and the market responded with what we have today, a myriad of choices. There are diesel APUs, like ThermoKing and Carrier, as well as the very popular Onan Diesel generators. Each has their own merits depending on your needs and your budget. More recently there are electric (battery powered) APUs and of course as there has always been, there is the option to just idle your truck for your heating, cooling and power needs. Many industrious truck drivers have also built their own APUs with gasoline generators and mini split style heat pumps to fit their needs and/or budgets.

I had a Carrier APU on my previous two trucks but on my last truck I also tested out a new system. While I kept the fully operational Carrier APU on the truck I chose to add a gasoline generator, extra fuel tank and a mini split heat pump. It worked very well. So well in fact, that my current new truck only has a gasoline generator, fuel tank and rooftop RV style heat pump for my power and hvac needs. I did modify the setup a bit from what I had on my previous truck and so far this new APU is working great.

A few of the benefits of this type of APU are quieter operation, less costly to purchase and install, improves truck fuel mileage (no diesel being used except for driving), easy to maintain/service and it keeps the truck batteries charged.

The cost is significantly lower than a diesel APU from ThermoKing or Carrier. When you consider that a diesel APU or Onan diesel generator will cost you north of $11,000 - $14,000, it really was a no brainer to at least try something new. The new APU I built and installed only cost about $3500. You can definitely build one for less, but I opted for a clean professional install without skimping on parts or cutting corners. From using heavy duty brackets for the fuel tank and adding a fuel pump to mounting the generator inside a toolbox for security and protection from the elements to adding a breaker box for all the circuits and also covering all the electrical lines and fuel lines with wire loom to protect them from sharp edges or chafing, a few extra dollars spent now will help ensure a longer useful life from all the components. 

Building this type of APU will require some basic skills with tools, electricity and fuel lines. It really is not that difficult as long as you understand the basics and are diligent about installing it correctly so that it operates as it should but also so that wiring is protected from chafing which could cause short circuits, fuel lines are protected from chafing to prevent leakage and circuitry is adequate for the load they will carry. If you decide to build your own APU, remember to always keep safety in mind. No matter what type of APU you might have on your truck, always install a smoke/ carbon monoxide detector in your sleeper to protect yourself.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.
- Ayn Rand

See you down the road,

Greg