Roof top ac vs apu

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by pavrom, Apr 11, 2019.

  1. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    Can anyone suggest what would be best ?
    I already installed webasto bunk heater for winter times to avoid idling and save some fuel .
    Currently trying to decide on roof top ac units used mostly on rv or apu .
    How roof top units working and installed ? Guy from rv parts sales wasn't very helpful ..he just mentioned it has to be hard wired ( what does that mean ? ) And quoted me 1100 for particular unit and interior control panel . I believe i need generator to run it ( another 2k .. .Planning on quieter honda )
    Another option is getting apu , the only one considered at the moment thermoking tripac ( coolant preheat and battery charge in winter is definitely plus )
    New ones installed 11k
    Where to find decent used one ? What hours considered low ...i bit afraid looking at the unit uninstalled with full of wires that something might be missing .
    This unit considered at the moment for roof top
    https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-640315C-Penguin-Profile-Conditioner/dp/B00NRDHTVA
     
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  3. 86mechanic

    86mechanic Medium Load Member

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    That A/C is direct discharge, meaning it blows straight out of the bottom. So you would have to cut a hole in your roof and get that ceiling assembly. (Where it says frequently bought together on the Amazon page.)
    Also, those don't come with an external control panel, you would have to reach up to the ceiling to turn it on and off.

    Hard wired just means you would have to run a 120V romex wire up to the unit.

    Hope that helps.
     
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I am interested in cooling a sleeping space inside a vehicle for summer nights, but only wish to drive them with two batteries up to 24 volts combined. IF I had to I'll run the big engine and the air, but it's not a attractive option for a variety of very good reasons related to too much carbon.
     
  5. sidrambill

    sidrambill Light Load Member

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    lakeland, fl.
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    For the cost of one APU and the headaches that go with it you can buy several rooftop units and generators. When the rooftop goes bad just buy a new one. Thermostat can be mounted most anywhere. I would definitely recommend looking at the options as I have experience with both. APU is nothing but trouble.
     
  6. 86mechanic

    86mechanic Medium Load Member

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    Northridge, CA
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    Yeah but on the one he posted the thermostat and switches are all contained on the ceiling assembly thing.
     
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  7. sidrambill

    sidrambill Light Load Member

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    D
     
  8. sidrambill

    sidrambill Light Load Member

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    Dometic is the best. Price is right. Wire for generator or shore power. You won't regret it.
     
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  9. DenBob

    DenBob Light Load Member

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    About all I know about APUs is that roughly 10-15 percent if not more of our terminal's little fleet is out of service at any given time for APU repairs, with a similar percentage given up on entirely and the engine idle enabled again.
     
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  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    You guys and this idea.


    Look the battery powered units don't cool all that well in high temps and high humidity.

    And on top of that, where do you get them serviced and how much down time do you have.

    Not to mention the problem with batteries.

    Just look for an APU that has ac, a generator, get it professionally installed and enjoy.

    I've tried all kinds of combinations and I gave up on the generator ac thing because of downtime and repair cost.
     
    Rideandrepair, Intothesunset and PE_T Thank this.
  11. JoeyJunk

    JoeyJunk Road Train Member

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    My company has tripacs on all trucks. They run almost flawlessly because they actually maintain them. I have a cracked fuel line that needed replaced. They also replaced the fuel pump. Not because it was bad, but because it was the original and they tend to go bad.
     
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