APU and generator alternative that works!

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by DUNE-T, Dec 24, 2022.

  1. mitmaks

    mitmaks Road Train Member

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    Didn't cost me 14k for apu since ive bought out truck from company already installed apu. You can get used one for 3-4k best investment imo. It heats my coolant as its tied into truck, charges batteries and runs sleeper a/c.
    I wouldn't buy truck without one.
     
  2. Elroythekid

    Elroythekid Road Train Member

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    What tank did you go with that is DOT approved?
    What inverter do you have?
    I have a Xantrax with the built in 55amp charger, it does all I need it to do, I'm looking at the Cummins Onan 4500 watt generator, it will do 18 hrs on a tank and has a remote start
    Also, where did you put your generator and what did you do with the exhaust?
    Any pics?
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2022
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  3. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    If that’s the same unit used in motorhomes, it doesn’t have an oil filter. The intervals are 100hrs, so that’ll be a regular deal. The good thing is you can setup the drain with a petcock, drain it into an empty gallon jug, then, dump the waste oil into your truck’s fuel tank. It’s only like a quart of oil and you’ll want to use a synthetic, straight 30W oil in it.
     
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  4. FLHT

    FLHT Road Train Member

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    New electronic trucks will leave you sitting on the side of the road if you were to dump your oil in the tank..
     
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  5. mudflap77

    mudflap77 Heavy Load Member

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    20 minutes with a block heater like this style makes a huge difference.
    I know this pic isn't one for a 15 liter but you get the idea
     

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  6. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    It’s a bit less than a quart. The truck won’t know the difference.
     
  7. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Maybe. I just have factory block heaters in the block
     
  8. Cdemars316

    Cdemars316 Heavy Load Member

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    I have the same setup as the op, mine is 2 200ah batteries, block heater tied to that, and haven't had a problem doing it.
    although I took last week off and didn't have to deal with extreme temps up here. If it is well below zero though I iwll just idle the truck for the night.
    I am also waiting on a webasto coolant heater, then the inverter will be used for my heated blanket and whatever other electronics I run

    The reason I didn't do the apu is I didn't want to listen to it, they are annoying to me, and I wanted to figure out a system where I didn't need one,
    also I took the factory heater out of my bunk in my 63" flat and my 48" flat did not have one when I got it. I wanted the extra room that the heater took up
    and will replace it with a diesel heater bresides the coolant heater when I get time
     
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  9. shatteredsquare

    shatteredsquare Road Train Member

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    what kind of generator u run
     
  10. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    I use a Predator 3,500.. best warranty I've found (2 year extend) covers everything 100%, not repair but same day replacement....!! If you can bring it in 1/2 hr later you walk out with a new one in the box...

    Super quiet.. mine sits on the catwalk and at times I have to touch the cabinet to feel it running. I was at Eloy, AZ. The truck on my right was parked back enough that his door was even with my catwalk. The next morning he asked me what type of generator I had because he had been sitting in the from having a cigarette with the window down and saw the light on but didn't hear it running...... that's how quiet it is.... I also add a remote start/stop kit.. when I stop i set the vent hose in the window... hrs later when it gets warm i just roll over hit the remote start the generator, wait 1min hit the remote start the ac and back to sleep..
     
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