Making my own APU

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Tuckster, Jan 21, 2010.

  1. Tuckster

    Tuckster Light Load Member

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    Whats wrong with the idea of buying a gen and adding components as necessary. It would supply power to anything you need. A small bunk heater or a rooftop ac/heat unit and at alot less that $8000.00. It would take a little work to set it up but it seems feasable.
    Am I missing something ??
     
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  3. Wings2Wheels

    Wings2Wheels Medium Load Member

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    You're not missing much. If you're handy, there is no reason why you can't design your own unit to work as well, if not better than, the commercially available units. If you're good with google, you can look into some cab HVAC systems that heat and cool, and don't mount on the roof. Cut the portable diesel powered genset out of its factory supplied frame, build your own frame and box to hang off the framerail (or wherever you want), and you're off to a good start. I'm actually drawing up plans to mount a genset on top of the framerails and above the tranny but below the doghouse of a '84 Kenworth COE.

    Good luck, and let us all know what you come up with.

    - W2W
     
  4. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    only thing I would say is to use a diesel generator. you can just plumb it into your fuel system. Gas has alot more dangerous emissions, especially carbon monoxide. Plus there is regulations about carrying gasoline. You can't have a generator with an attached gas tank. any gas tank would have to be able to be detached from the generator for transport
     
  5. truckinusa

    truckinusa Light Load Member

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    They have electric powered units that mount into the duct system and fit under the bunk. Of course ir robs your storage under the bunk, but its a really clean install. All you need is electricity then from a generator or shore power.
     
  6. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    I believe the regulation actually states that the generator cannot have a gravity feed fuel system. While this defines most, if not all, small generators, it doesn't mean the generator cannot have an attached fuel tank.

    However, I would agree that a diesel generator, fed from the truck's tanks, is a better choice for numerous reasons.

    As for the OP, I agree that's the way to go. I have an APU on my truck and I will build my own if I get a new truck.
     
  7. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    I know it pertains to gravity feed systems. Sorry I didn't state that. but that is the system 99% of these generators use.

    personally the bigger concern is killing yourself with carbon monoxide poisoning.
     
  8. 7mouths2feed

    7mouths2feed "Family Man"

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  9. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    For some reason I got a flash back of the red green show...:biggrin_25523:
    [​IMG]
     
  10. coastie

    coastie Road Train Member

    I seen where others have done it and posted the how they were doing it but shortly after that or during that they disappeard from the forum I saw them on. One even did it lost his truck in a blaze of I did it my self APU. So do use caution, not only as MM stated, but also can be a fire hazard.
     
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
  11. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    persoally I'm just hooking into my reefer like the refer link but without the espar and AC for now.

    Anyne ever find out what one of the full reefer link systems sells for? too much probably considering you can do it yourself in stages as money permits
     
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