Increased Milage/APU Idea

Here's an idea:

Is it possible to splice a second ac compressor into the lines on the truck already? I found complete 3 cyl deisel egines fo around $3500, all you would need to do is attach an alternator and tie it into the existing electrical on the truck, add an ac compressor and splice it into the existing high and low side lines, and tie the collant lines into the coolant lines in the truck. Then you have heat, ac and electrical and only have to hang a 250lb deisel engine set in a box on the frame.

 

Soleus Air 12,000 BTU PA1-12R-32 Self Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner 5-in-1 (brilliantstore)

Sanyo model 18KHS72 SINGLE ZONE 20 SEER 18000 BTU HEAT PUMP SYSTEM (ductlessdepot)

Aurora 6500-Watt Silent Diesel generator (emergencypower)

Easier more reliable than reinventing the wheel. Likely less cost because systems rarely work the first time. Unless you are look to start a new business. The battery systems weigh the same as a genpac (roughly). Check out the night system and comfortcab. 8 agm batteries give about 12 hours, and 6 give about 8 hours. Most AC units have a min voltage cut off, so only get a portion of the battery before out for low voltage. There are several other battery systems available.

I don't understand why APU's are DC then use an inverter????
Don't alternators produce ac?? Also why the low power production of most APU's?

My 6500 gas genset uses 7 to 8 gallons in 12 hours, very close to just idling the truck in cost, only its legal. Just prefer not to have gas on the truck. Would have to get a fuel cell to be legal.

 

I never understood why they provide AC power. I mean you use an inverter when going down the road, when you start the APU do you have to switch the plugs? Why not just have a large alternator and continue using your inverter?

I like the idea of the battery systems, but if you wind up sitting for more than 10 hours, if don't have a place to plug in the truck you are out of power or have to idle anyway. Kinda defeats the purpose.

 

If everything is setup properly the heavy users: refrigerator, AC/heatpump would switch sources automatically. Not sure the exact cost but is available at the big box stores for home backup systems. Inverter produced AC is harder on electronics. Plus much easier to convert AC to DC than DC to AC.

 

If you have issues with inverters messing with your electronics, spend the extra $$ and get a pure sine wave inverter instead of a modified sine wave inverter. Much better and can actually be cleaner power than my household hookup is.

 

Lot's of good info, thanks for the clarification on the 12v/24v question.

I've done a lot of dry camping in a trailer, and the best batteries I've found have been 6v golf cart batteries. I just had a pair in series for 12v and I could power everything (except AC) for a 3 day weekend without trouble. For longer trips I'd either charge from the tow vehicle or just watch the inverter usage. If in doubt, double or triple the number of batteries. The more capacity the battery bank the less you will discharge them and the longer they will last before you need to replace them. 1 complete discharge will take alot of the battery life away. I had Trojan t-105's at $90 each, but later I used the ones available from costco for $59 each. I think they worked just as good. Wal-Mart might even have them cheaper. They held up way, way better than any 12v batteries I tried, including optima. Cheaper to boot. I ran a small microwave, laptop, radio and other 110v devices from a 1500 watt inverter, and all the 12v accesories like water pump, heater fan, vents, and lights from the battery bank.

I've been measuring my pickup truck, and I think I'm going to run the 12v ac pump. It would be hard to fit a regular compressor under the hood, a 318 detroit really doesn't belong in a pickup truck, but it will be fun. Several of the engines I've looked at had monster alternators because they are from buses. In my case I think it might be more efficient to run electric than run another belt for the ac. I also don't have to worry about reserve because I don't plan on running when the engine is stopped.