Making my own APU

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.

 

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've looked at these generators at Camping World and considered it. What do you use to heat and cool with once you got the generator running?

 

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.

 

Thanx for the info......I can't afford an APU right now and the rising cost of fuel and cold winter hurts. Idle Air cost has come down, $1.85 per hr if you're a gold club member but there is not always an Idle Air when you need it. My 2 doggies ride with me so besides for my sake heat/air is important.

 

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.