Red's electric apu thread

Replying to myself, as I made a related observation during my learning. Clearly the diesel APU has set the pricing bar at or slightly above $10k for an aux driver comfort system, that you can get installed in a day or two, requires nearly zero driver aptitude to use, and pretty much just works 99% of the time.

Not coincidentally, the one or two social media posts where someone named their price, it was always in the same ball park of $10k out the door, no matter what it was. Then there's always some trucker math to rationalize why their bleeding edge system is superior to a Tri Pac or the like.

 

I never had that temp control problem with any of my Tripacs. The actual temp setting is sure not to be relied on, but once set for comfort they maintained temp ok. I think on the bunk heater side, it's more the product of an adaptation between manufacturers. On the thermo king and the bunk panel in my new Macks, you have to set like two clicks above cold to get it right with 90% of the range remaining. Anything higher turns it on broil. Same thing though, once I find that "spot" it works ok.

 

Upon looking into it, I have not enabled it. According to the destructions, the setting goes away if the unit loses power. I unplug mine when not in use, but have the inverter on for other stuff. I also switch off my inverter when driving to reduce RF noise on my CB. I'm too lazy to reset that feature every time its power cycled, and it's been fine as-is.

Even turned off, the unit uses 100W to energize it's electronics to wait for use. It's not much, but removing every bit of unnecessary load helps extend battery capacity. In comparison, my 24" LCD TV draws 30W, as do most wall wart usb chargers most people have everywhere.