Apu reviews

Dang, there was an exhaustive thread on this here, however I can't find my bookmark. But try searching for the word "generator" rather than APU and you'll get hits. Here's one lengthy thread:

Inverters and generators... Need info

In brief, a few problems I had with this idea are that, 1) drivers seem to not include the time and equipment needed to fabricate the generator box and install the system into their estimates of "cheap" 2) you'll probably want to install an Espar style heater anyway, and not rely on the mini-spilt for heat 3) mini-spilt exterior units are fairly thick and heavy (around 12") to be hanging off the back wall of your sleeper, and 4) you'll need to be good with electric systems to figure out how to create any sort of auto-start/stop functionality like the premier APU's have.

But yeah, these systems absolutely can work. And some o/o's here do indeed have them.

 

Thanks @seamutt. I figured it had been discussed before. I haven't searched but I know it's there, probably many times. But, the big RV companies have figured it out. I really don't care about an auto start stop, just an inside manual start/stop would work for me. I would run it constantly when using mini split or cooking, etc. I would turn it off when the weather was nice. I would actually much rather have my current Espar NOT tied to my Tri-pac but why bother with what's done. Mine came that way.

My next truck will have one of two systems:
1. Carrier (because it's a generator). When the Carrier AC dies I'll add mini split. Espar separate.
2. 'Nuther brand diesel generator, mini split and Espar all separate.

I am currently running an AIMS power 2500 PSW inverter, which will go to the next truck. It's a nice unit with 3 stage battery charging, AC pass through, plenty of juice for whatever you'd want to run in a truck......except an air conditioner of course.

 

The RV companies have done nothing to innovate. Every system in an RV is completely independent of the other and is fed by an electrical panel which in turn can be wired for a transfer switch and generator. RVs have the real estate for independent systems.

O still haven't figured out an efficient layout. Very challenging when you have a hose rack up close to the back of your sleeper and your pump and compressor are hanging off your right side frame rail. The all electric systems may be best in my case but they don't seem to be a proven design just yet.

 

I completely agree that RV co's have done nothing to innovate. Quite the opposite in fact in my opinion. I was mostly meaning the high end diesel pusher manufacturers but just guessing.

 

AIMS has option to start generator when battery voltage gets low.

 

Found out today my Dynasys mounting bracket is cracked again. Just had a new one installed in July of 2021 The mounting bracket holds the Gen-head in place as the belt attaches to it... Anyone with an APU that isn't Dynasys ever have this issue on yours?