APU when buying a truck or not?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Evilcapitalist, Oct 20, 2008.

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  1. Evilcapitalist

    Evilcapitalist Light Load Member

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    I am going to be purchasing a truck soon. It will be my first truck purchase. Do y'all suggest buying a truck with the APU already installed or getting one installed later. I had a truck one time with an APU and they really do keep you cool/warm and they really do save fuel.


    The problem is that I don't see too many trucks on thetruckpaper that have APU's already installed. So, is this something that you get the dealer to install before buying or just get it later or what?

    Thanks!!!
     
    Evilcapitalist, Oct 20, 2008
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  2. Native Dancer

    Native Dancer Heavy Load Member

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    If you can get a truck with an APU for the same price as one without it go for it. If you have to pay a premium for one get your own. Dealers don't give you a bonus for an APU at trade in time. There are APU's and there are APU's. Get a good one and avoid headaches later.
     
    Native Dancer, Oct 20, 2008
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    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    In this area, the dealers aren't putting many on, the Thermo King dealer is doing the bulk of the new ones. TK Tripac is the one most preferred. It can be installed on new or used trucks.

    Used APUs aren't worth much, expensive to fix (mostly) and poor dealer support. If you could find a truck with a good one that is working, it is worth considering.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 20, 2008
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  4. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    When I purchased my truck a year ago I thought an APU was an important consideration and the truck I bought has one ... a Rigmaster. Now, I would say that if you are sure you need one (that's possibly a whole different thread), then I would be more inclined to add it after purchase. In fact, I would say that an APU on a used truck adds no extra value, and possibly reduces the truck's value, unless you are 100% certain that it is in tip-top condition (having been properly maintained and having all supporting records), and it was installed properly.
     
    lostNfound, Oct 20, 2008
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    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
  5. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I had all variations of uncomplimentary names for that brand, if I bought a truck, and it had one on it, the truck would weigh 600lbs less just as soon as I could get it done. Big thing is for that one is to wash the truck after any grime gets in it, the alternator is the weakest link, but most of the rest isn't much better. If you are on the road in bad weather, with salt and sand, at least flush it out good before running it again. Installation is important, and maintenance, but they aren't really going to help it that much. The ones that were transferred out of wrecks didn't work much at all, and the ones installed new by the dealer didn't work much better, the parts cost far more than the fuel saved.

    TK used to sell them and install them, you're supposed to service what you sell, right? Think again.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 20, 2008
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  6. phroziac

    phroziac Road Train Member

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    honestly you're better off making your own...
     
    phroziac, Jan 1, 2010
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  7. Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

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    I purchased a Honda generator at a sporting goods store and have it running in one of my side storage boxes. All I had to do was make sure it has ventilation and it works for me. It runs a small AC unit and all my electrics and keeps a charge on my batteries. I think I am in this for $1200, just couldn't see spending $8K on a APU.
     
    Dryver, Jan 4, 2010
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  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Running in your sidebox? While you're sleeping? How do you vent it? And how do you sleep with the noise? Vibration etc.
     
    Allow Me., Jan 4, 2010
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  9. Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    To my knowledge, APU's do not add "blue book" (for lack of better term) value to the truck. Dealers know this, and eBay is full of them because of this.

    If the truck has one already installed, what do you have to lose?
     
    Kansas, Jan 4, 2010
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  10. bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    We wouldn't be without our APU. A very prudent purchase, so finding a truck with an APU is a bonus, but here's the problem with the APU's that I've seen. You need to know how well its been maintained, just as much as the truck. If it hasn't been maintained well, then it will cost you money in the long run, and you'd be better off putting a new one on the truck. Just my two cents.
     
    bullhaulerswife, Jan 4, 2010
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