How much is too much for a used APU?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by SemiMan, Jun 16, 2014.

  1. SemiMan

    SemiMan Light Load Member

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    May 21, 2013
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    Hey guys
    Im about to buy a used ThermoKing APU for around $3,000 with 7,000-10,000 operating hours. Can anyone tell if that is a lot of hours for a used APU? Also how often do they brake and require fixing? Would i be better of in the long run with a brands new with warranty for $10,000?
    Thanks
     
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  3. Verdel

    Verdel Medium Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2013
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    It all depends on the condition. Check the oil, if it is dark, this means the unit needs a service. Every 1000 hours you have to change oil, oil filter, 2 fuel filters and air filter. Use synthetic oil 5W40 for diesel. Check the alternator, the ac and the heather. If you don't know how, go to the nearest THERMO KING CENTER and pay them to test everything.

    These are good units if you take care of them, friend of mine has one with over 15 000 hours, still working good.
     
  4. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    $10 is too much for a apu in my book. Onan diesel gen~set and roof air is the route I went. Works awesme and its a stand alone system. I like having my storage space under the bunk..... Oh, did I mention it was cheaper?
     
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  5. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    I had a tripac with 14,000 hours. Off the top of my head I don't think I've seen a used one less than $4K. $3K isn't bad if it's in good shape. People sell stuff for a reason. What was that reason? :)


    Onan is good for a RV. They are not known for the high hours that a tripac is. 4000 hours on a RV and they think it's wore out. :)
     
  6. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    Good enough for ICT good enough for me. I love mine. But, different strokes for different folks.
     
  7. chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    TK's and Carrier's in the truck paper all the time starting at $2500 with variable hours. Some give warranty.
     
  8. EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    i would strongly advise, if you are getting a used APU, take it to Thermo-King have them do a complete workover, finding anything and everything wrong and fixing it (they will give you a guarantee on their work)

    same with buying a used reefer
     
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  9. KeithT1967

    KeithT1967 Road Train Member

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    Thermo king dealer in Joplin was selling used units for 2500 a few months ago.
     
  10. KeithT1967

    KeithT1967 Road Train Member

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    I like the idea a lot but why not get the apu and use its generator to power the roof mount?
     
  11. Cottonmouth85

    Cottonmouth85 Bad Influence

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    The generator is not strong enough to run an rv style roof air. The little generator will power it easily and then some. Its also a stand alone system meaning the only thing it shares with the truck is a fuel scource. Its not as loud as a clunky old TK. What CondoCruiser said is true, they're not rated for as long as a regular apu but oh well. What I can tell you is that when my A/C compressor went down and leaked all the 134a my truck stayed nice and cool. You see plenty of people hauling around a cheap gasoline generator on their catwalk to power a window a/c they stuffed in the back of the sleeper.... this is just a more elaborate setup.
     
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