How much fuel does an APU use?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by VA CDL Holder, Jun 11, 2022.

  1. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    No, I agree with the part where anyone can get better economy with an automatic. That's the only reason our company buys them now... we still don't hire newbies and we still fire those who won't conform to policies or repeat offenders. It has nothing to do with the caliber of driver we hire.
     
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  2. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Perhaps, but we will need to agree to disagree then. We are getting this thread pretty far off topic and should move to either whispers or a diffrent thread as this is one of those chevy vs dodge style arguments.
     
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  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    Never got an accurate read on the last apu equipped truck i had since the pos never worked, no way I was wasting money on one, but I don’t thin I even did 150 nights in the truck last year. I have a espar bunk heater and a harbor freight gen and a stand up ac solely because I just hate the truck running, $800 and I get the same thing.

    if I spent more time in a truck, I would have a roof top and a onan on the truck
     
  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    for an owner op.. all your fuel savings with an apu go out the window when u need to pay for parts for the apu
     
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  5. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I don't know, my APU hasn't cost me hardly anything in the last 4 years. One water pump, a couple of services. It's got a few thousand hours on it now and I think soon I'll have to replace the condensor and most of the plumbing/wiring on the back wall because the sun seems to be killing it.

    But, I wouldn't buy an APU new unless spec'ing a new truck. Too expensive. Makes more sense to me to find a truck that already has one if buying a used truck.
     
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  6. Chieftains

    Chieftains Medium Load Member

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    What brand ac you running.
     
  7. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    some Amazon special 10k btu, made a templet for the discharge piece and trimmed it the the passenger window, roll window down, put in piece, roll window back up, attatch hose. Ran an extension cord down the frame of the truck and keep it up behind my light panel.
     
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  8. Ffx95

    Ffx95 Road Train Member

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    Yeah those are great until the batteries run down. Also batteries are weaker during cold climates. APUs that integrate with the truck’s coolant system also keep the truck warm during winter times for less wear on cold starts.
     
  9. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    Same here
    Bought a new TK Evolution for $10k installed on my kw in 2014
    Moved it to 2 more trucks and other than oil changes I think I put maybe $500-1000 in parts on it
    Alternator once and something else??
    So that’s 8 years pretty much problem free
     
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  10. jonk32000

    jonk32000 Bobtail Member

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    Well it's great that your APU keeps you cool in the summer but where I work it gets COLD in the winter. Can you use your APU to jumpstart your truck in the morning after a cold night? Will it keep the fuel in your tanks warm so you don't gel-up a couple miles down the road?
    Oh...and please don't park next to me and shoot your carbon monoxide directly under my bunk...