Considering an APU

at 616k, I think you don't need to worry anymore about excess wear and tear, that ship has recently set sail. You're going to have enough fix-it issues with the truck itself. Better save that $8,500 for tow service and high-priced service shops away from home.

 

You can use a bunk heater instead, much more cost effective. Espar or webasto are both very good with the nod going to espar. Only idle when it is so cold you may have an issue starting the engine.

 

Buy a used/refurbished APU. www.apucenter.com
They install and finance if you want.

 

An APU is something I can justify in the price of a used truck, not so much as an add-on. I don't like to imagine being without mine.

 

Have you calculated the cost in fuel and maintenance for both the APU and the truck, divided by the cost of the APU? $8,500 buys a LOT of fuel.

My company doesn't have APU's for that simple reason. They only keep trucks for around 500k/4 years.
It is not as cost effective as pressuring the driver to keep idling to a minimum. The initial cost added to the fuel used and upkeep simply isn't worth it, especially with the newer trucks.

And many owner ops probably see it that way too, considering how many of them idle all the time because they don't use an APU.

 

I wouldn't buy one.

No DPF either on that truck right?