Building a cheap APU Only $450

I do alot of classic car stuff and I had considered using a hotrod air unit. these are the basicly self contained heat and ac units they use in custom hot rods. small unit fits under the dash. hook up to a small honda gen set which could then replace my inverter setup.
I had a gas honda gen on a truck with a 96" custom sleeper. It was a pain to keep filled and actually it burned out on me a few times so mabey diesel would be a better way to go

 

this is a with a bunk heater in the winter mind you and no i do not haul heavy but in a 2002 eagle international with the isx my fuel average is 7.55 highest in my company and i go to the carolinas and connecticut a lot now on the other hand the people without bunk heaters and just idling away are averaging about 6.1mpg you can do the math on that one and figure out how much exactly you could save

 

Redneck or not,if it saves me $$$$, I`m for it.Go buy a Honda or Yamaha gas inverter generator($1800-$2000).Mount it on the catwalk behind the cab,or install it in a sidebox like me.You go and buy a portable air conditioner for $400.No you dont cut any holes.It stands up in your sleeper.Cools up to 350sqft.You buy a portable oscillating ceramic tower heater(temp adj 45-80f)for $75.99.So for $2475.99 you have a system that will keep you warm,cool,and not broke.:smt025

 

soju
your post on redneck engineering for an apu is great. i am planning to install a diesel generator on frane rail so it can power a portable stand up ac/heatpump unit as well as provide 110 volt power for microwave etc. i am wondering if the generator will be able to pull fuel from my main fuel tank. zircon

 

Slowpoke98908,

Great idea!

The only problem I see is with Dometic using refrigerant R-22 and R-417a, both are expensive if repairs are needed in the future.
The ban went into effect Jan.1st 2010, that all new "residential A/C equipment cannot use R-22 ",
Bottom line= R-22 's refrigerant's price increased due the demand.
About $14 a pound in my area, trade price.

Dometic has gotta be using R-134a or R-410a by now,
I'm going to contact them today.

Thanks for the info!

crusin

 

####, they just now restricted R22? Wow.

Also, you need a household section EPA clean air act section...uh..was it 607 or 608...uhh.. certification to buy that stuff. Not the automotive 608 ..or was it 609..uhh... certification to buy r-12..

And usually equipment that runs r-22 is hermetically sealed and should not ever need to be recharged unless its being repaired.

That said, i used to work at a print shop and part of the presses had "chill rollers", which were chilled by water chilled by a chiller unit, and i witnessed multiple 30lb cylinders of r-22 being dumped into that thing by maintenance...rofl..musta been getting ready to blow the compressor im thinking...


I'm section 608 certified..or was it 609...bah...LOL... i remember a while back on ebay you could buy dupont freon brand r-12 refrigerant for dirt cheap on ebay with a license..and a little more without......

 

I have seen a guy or two using regular generators. And to think people complain about reefer noise.