Auxilary Power

with the TriPac, you aren't just paying for the generator. You're also paying for the AC unit as well as a 1500W "thermo-king" inverter. They charge you $1500 if you get that separately Another item you are paying for is the bunk heater. A Webasto bunk heater alone is almost $2200.

There are other things the APU controller will do for you as well.
Monitor your system voltage and run when needed.
Monitor your engine temp and run when needed if you have the Arctic kit installed. (mine does)

The AC and bunk heater is a "set the temp" and forget. It will take over from there.


You just aren't "getting an engine"

 

Just bungee that thing down good, would hate to see a generator fly off at 65 mph.

 

You will get a securement violation, just using a bungee. Use a 1 inch ratchet strap from Walmart, they are load rated, bungees are not.
BTW, the rules state that gravity feed fuel systems are not allowed on trucks, so don't mount that gas gen (as in bolted down), as the majority are gravity fed. Just carry it strapped in a rack, or on the deckplate. Nothing says you can't carry it, you just can't make it part of the truck and it must be properly secured, when carried.

 

Here's a few of the rules.

 

...and if you don't want to require convalescence from a severe head concussion, make sure the thing is quieter than a jet engine at full power.

 

When I imagine the first trucker to inquire an APU guy about mounting a power unit to his truck for A/C I think of it like this:

Trucker: Dude I need power to run my little air conditioner...

APU guy: No no no that will not do you need sooo much more, you need it to monitor your batteries because you're too dumb to recharge your batteries every day when you're driving down the road. You need a system that will keep your coolant and oil warm too (as if, how did we all get along without APU's for so long?)

All those little extra things they have designed APU's to do are nice, but not necessary, only thing they do is escalate the price tag.

My solution for 2 summers has been a $1000 honda generator and $300 air conditioner. Batteries get low? Idle at 1000 rpm for 45 minutes duh lol. Bonus? Heats up the coolant and oil too....

 

didn't say it's all necessary , but there are so many more things than just a honda generator and a window AC in an APU package.

To me, you are almost comparing apples to oranges. You also get what you pay for.

I made it a point to buy my truck with an APU. Tells me the engine has had a lot less wear idled into it. I see it as a $2000 value to the value to the truck. Being conservative too and using a used price not new.

 

I'm not sure what good that Honda AC generator is going to do for the driver in Phoenix, in August. That's assuming he makes it through the winter before someone assists in it's relocation.