So, I am thinking about buying a truck but had a few questions I don't see discussed often
1) APU vs EPU vs Opti Idle. Looking around the truck stops it seems counterintuitive. That is trucks from big fleets seem to idle while smaller fleets or solo drivers have APUs. Why is that?
2) Tank size - is there a sweet spot for bigger size / longer range vs extra weight? Probably depends on typical routes and fuel price variations along the route.
Thinking of buying a truck, what options are important?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by RollinChaos, Mar 29, 2026.
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Siinman, blairandgretchen and Big Road Skateboard Thank this.
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It’s been probably 10 years since I’ve had an apu, the were hot garbage then, but I’m going to give a carrier a Try when my new truck gets here,
I hate stopping, and fueling so I ordered big tanks,OliverCallenderIII, Siinman, Big Road Skateboard and 1 other person Thank this. -
Make sure you can haul standard weight for whatever you're getting into. For example, 48k for flatbed loads.
Siinman and RollinChaos Thank this. -
Why don’t you asked yourself first if you can afford the fuel ……..
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Yep I can afford the truck AND the fuel. Thanks for staying on topicmathematrucker, OliverCallenderIII, Siinman and 1 other person Thank this.
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If you're just pulling typical box, flat or steps get an ex-Walmart truck. They're maintained very well and equipped with APU's so minimal idling.
mathematrucker, Siinman and RollinChaos Thank this. -
Instead of a apu I would do a mini split with a generator.
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I know nothing about which APU.
I would hate to have anything smaller than 150's on each side, but I'm driving the f'c out of my truck, and hate stopping.Siinman, Sons Hero, Diesel Dave and 1 other person Thank this. -
Walmart's got dual 100's which sucks for long runs but honestly shouldn't be an issue running lanes east of the Miss river.
Siinman Thanks this. -
Currently am based out Texas and run to IL, IN, AL, FL and everything in between. Fuel prices seem best in OK and LA but that obviously can vary.
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