I have a Honda gen in one of my tool boxes doing just what you describe. Yes, I have to purchase gas now and again, but for what I have in it I can put up with that. During my last DOT inspection at a scale in TX they said nothing about my setup.
Making my own APU
Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Tuckster, Jan 21, 2010.
Page 2 of 8
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
people put em on buses all the time.
-
If you could get a small motor like they use on apu's then get a a/c compressor that was on a truck and mount that on the motor for a/c on your truck, use the hot water from the motor for heat, then you would only need to find a generator to fit the back of the motor for electrical, does this sound practical? you would have to make a box to mount it on your truck, but it might be cheaper to buy peices like that and build your own. Of course the rest of the a/c system would have to be there. but it might work.
-
I do the same thing. I have the 2k watt gen only weighs about 50 lbs and fits inside my tool box. Lasts about 8-10 hrs on a gal of gas. I just take it out, and use a small piece of chain to lock it to the frame. They have them at camping world for about $1000 or so. I have had mine for 6 or 7 years and has paid for it self many times over. I also have had no issues with DOT (and I even keep the gas can strapped to the catwalk) with it being on the truck. -
-
I have been looking at this option close the rooftop ac is only around $700 at a camper place you need to find someone to mount it and a diesel gen i have found some pushing 10000 watts for 2500 and peak at 13500 i just dont know if i want to piece all of it or not plus i have heard some of those anti idle states might not like the set up like cali but anyway it can be done and for half the cost of a apu
-
It is not a perfect system. I have a webasco/espar heater installed for heat. (cant remember which one it is, as I am home and the tuck is parked at the terminal). As far as cooling, I use the window screens, and carry about 3 electric fans and try to park facing east in the summer to help keep the sun out. I usually end up running the truck while I sleep to stay cool (depending on where I am) but I have cut the idle time way back. Every hr I don't idle keeps 2.75-3.00 in my pocket. It is not the end all be all solution but, still MUCH cheeper then spending 7-8k on an apu unit. (Plus, i have the added benefit of being able to take the gen home and use it around the hose). -
I ran a 2600 watt Yamaha campground model. It has a bigger fuel tank and a quieter muffler than standard. I had it in a ventilated box and it would run 10-12 hours on two gallons with a 1000 watt space heatrer in the truck and block heater plugged in for the engine. Never had a comment from any scale or safety check. I made a vinyl cover to keep it a little cleaner from the road spray and made sure I put a little gas line antifreeze in it when it was really cold. I also ran synthetic oil because they don't have a lot of capacity and running 8 hours a night 5 days a week is more than they are really designed for. I used it on the road for 2 years and still use it around the house if the power goes out.
-
-
I'm glad to see this discussion, I have a Honda Generator it's small and very quiet, Maintenance is nill, and heck you could buy 2 or 3 generators for the price of 1 apu.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 2 of 8