Inverters and generators... Need info

I just ordered a TriPak for end of March install. Have the bunk heater, but not going to sweat like I did last summer. Truck is 8 months old and had to earn it's APU.
I did seriously consider a genset and a mini split or portable A/C. However, for me, the determining factor was the Artic package...preheating the engine coolant is key for my operating area.

 

Not that I want to encourage too many more gasoline generators because I've seen some awfully dumb stuff out here, but here's my setup.

No APU - A/C options??

For what it's worth, the mini-split just quit working a few weeks ago because of a leak. I think it's been on the truck two years now.

The Predator 3500's are a good generator and my original has over 6000 hours on it. When it had about 4500 hours on it, I decided to replace it with a new one just because of the high hours. I went through four of them that only lasted 200 hours before they would quit running. I kept the last one and finally got around to looking at why it had died--a wire harness was rubbed through by the pull cord.

One of these days, I'll repair the wiring and recharge the mini-split.

 

Carrier, change oil, filter every 500 hours and belts yearly, coolant hoses after 5 years and every 2000 hours check valve lash settings. Check refrigerant level yearly.

 

Lolol, love this stuff, y’all roll with what you like to roll with. I appreciate all the replies. It helps make informed decisions. I think APU would be great in the future. Right now for me it isn’t in the cards. Maybe later or maybe bigger plans we will see.

 

My brother has gone thru a couple of the predators in the marine and construction use .He claims the fuel pickup in the tank gets clogged. Also the electrical generation unit does not like rain.

 

Never had fuel problems. The rain part is a module mounted upside down on the cover that the pull cord goes through. If it gets water on it, the engine won't start. I apply a liberal amount of waxy chain lube to it every once in a while. It really could stand to be mounted the other way so water doesn't collect on the capacitor lugs.

 

I also silicone spray the #### out of everything inside the cover.

 

I use an inverter, maybe 2500 watts off Amazon connected to my batteries with size 0 cables.

With the truck off, I can run a mini fridge an entire weekend and the truck will still start. I can run a fan on high for a 10 hour break. I can also microwave with the truck off and have no issues. A generator isn’t necessary unless you want to run AC.

 

I've owned an apu for about 3 years total. I honestly don't remember the name. I think it was a pro something or another. That was about 12 or 13 years ago now. Obviously technology has changed and I hope they got better. When mine was running it was awesome! However, it was not running more than not.....always something. I wouldn't mind a new one. However, the buy in price is too steep for me. In my new truck I'm putting in the new s2 esbar. Keeps me warm for a portion of the price of an apu. In the summer, I dunno, cross that bridge when I get there.