Inverters and generators... Need info

i ran normal feed gen for years. keep it full and can empty

 

Yeah when you hit placard requirements.,

why don’t you just get an apu?

 

I knew this conversation would lead to the inevitable question above. It's simpler, more reliable and just makes sense to get an APU. They are much more expensive than any homebrew option but simplicity and comfort are worth paying for living out here on the road, IMO.

I'll tell you this, I'd at least get a diesel heater (Espar/Webasto). Only about $500 and you have reliable and super efficient heat. Trying to power an AC electric heater in a truck is backin' up.

 

My company truck only had 3 series 31 batteries in my Western Star .
For house and starting.

I tortured them and got a year out of them. They were cheap batteries

I had a large factory mount refrigerator freezer that ran full time off it.

Also I ran my cupboard top ice maker full time along with a 120 volt 500 watt amp for my subwoofer. Cheap compared to a automotive unit.

All this but the frig/ freezer ran off a cheap 3500 watt cobra inverter.



When I was parked I had my 42 inch tv running also.

I also had a large convection oven and a hot plate, coffee pot, tea kettle , insta pot I used but you had to run the motor while using or the inverter screamed.

I slept with the truck off 95% of the time.

If cold in morning I started truck and turned on coffee pot and webasco

I am getting ready to build out my personal truck this summer.

I am going with a couple big banks of 6 volt deep cycle golf cart batteries.

Boaters have been using them for affordable house power for decades

Their cheap and durable. Than mount a couple 3000 watt inverters a controller and 4 solar panels mounted flush on the sleeper to maintain the batteries while the truck is parked..

Thinking a mini split for a/c with webasco for heat.

Probably mount s auxiliary alternator on my n-14 also. Very common addition on cruising sailboats.

Like to keep it all at about the weight of a Apu.

 

Purchased a Carrier Comfort Pro APU for my new Cascadia last year for $11K. Installed and no hassle with all the cables and frequent oil changes, gas cans and other stuff. It pays for itself in 3 yrs and has a 10,000hr warranty. Don't waste your time and just get one.

 

My 2000 watt Yamaha inverter has no issues running a 1500 watt space heater for hours I tested it when truck was cold soaked at 15° with a -8 windchill and it took a cold truck in 1.5 hours and makes it nice. Truck was not running. You would have to test yours before you make a move. You can rent the 2000 watt Honda at Home Depot and test it before you spend any money on a purchase @Dino soar

 

I currently have two Yamaha 2000 watt inverter gens I bought for cheap on marketplace like new condition.
I will only carry one on the road with me.

they are stupid quiet and run a 1500 watt space heater easily. I’m sure it will power a stand up A/C as well. They came with the link kit so I can use them together for 4K watts. They weight about 45 pounds I believe. Easy to move around. Will fit in my enclosed headache rack with a 5 gallon gas can also.
I do have a extended range fuel container as well which is a boat gas tank that holds 6 gallons which would last probably a week or so depending on if I use it much. As far as reliability. Yamaha Gens are phenomenal.

I would love to get an APU but that is later. I’m not spending $10k on something like that right now. However it or something comparable may be in the future. I hear people talking about reliability with APU and in another thread talking about what garbage they are lol. I don’t want a $10k lemon. So if or when I do get it it will be with some deep thoughts. They also lose value very quickly. How much money you save really depends on how much you idle anyhow. I would be real happy with a rooftop AC for $6-$800 and a decent diesel generator or APU that just provides electricity and doesn’t tie into my system and a bunk heater so I may go that route. For now, make more money, save more money, spend it on upgrade when time is right.

 

4 hours a night 300 days a year. 1/4 gallon a hour.

300 gallons a year is $900 plus oil changes. Give it 3 years of beating around and salt.

After 3 years they become a maintenance headache for someone to that does not know how to maintain their own equipment

 

How long did you use your brand new apu before it became a maintenance headache?