Increased Milage/APU Idea

I haven't checked in for a while. One last thing I can contribute, in the RV world, most owners report significantly better mileage running the generator to power the house AC instead of using the dash AC while under way. I don't know how accurate it is, but I've heard that the average AC compressor on a car is large enough to cool a house.

It's not quite the same, but I'm consistently getting about 5% better mileage on my pickup by removing the AC compressor. I never even used it because the system had a leak, just that belt spinning the clutch. BBC with the weird half serpentine and half v belt system. The AC was on a V Belt.

If I was going to buy a generator to run on a diesel truck, I'd buy a diesel generator. There are quite a few models out there, even here in Kalifornia.

 

OK, the guy is Robert Jordan who was overdrive trucker of the year in 06. i can't give the link to his site on here, but i can pm you.

i think his ideas are more up your alley in that he is oriented more towards going completely electric whereas people like me prefer generator power.

i'm not saying electric isn't the best way---it may very well be. It's just that i'm more familiar with generator--inverter power and it would just be quicker for me to set up.

 

Here's what I did. Installed a Coleman Polar Cub 9500BTU RV roof mounted unit, with heat strips, for $1,475 including labor. It has a shore power outlet also. Bought a used Honda EU3000IS gen set for $1,000. Had a custom aluminum bracket built for gen set for $475. Total investment to date is $2,950 and it's been working like a charm for 5 - 6 months. SUPER QUIET. Burn 1 1/2 to 2 galons on an average 8 to 12 hour night. Drawbacks - the EU3000 is not CARB compliant as the 2000 is but the 2000 will not handle the start up surge of 1800-2000 watts required. When the unit is running it draws 1100 watts. Hauling gasoline is a pain but I can often pull up to a pump and fill the gen set and 5 gallon can. I'm curious if a propane conversion like the one I saw on EBAY will be a CARB legal deal? All Flying J's have propane as they are in love with RV's. Other drawback is no remote, but the is one on EBAY for $229 just haven't ordered it yet.

 

I'm surprised that the manufacturers haven't already put electric fans for engine cooling, since well constructed computer controlled electronics have proven to outlast the best mechanical. Plus, they can provide more precise control and speed. My Honda has two electric fans, one for the motor, and a secondary for the A/C, and these variable speed fans can continue as needed even after the engine shuts down. Fan clutches don't do that. With a bigger alternator, computerized recharge of deep cycle batteries, and a variable speed compressor motor on the a/c system as well, a more efficient a/c in the cab can be provided regardless of whether or not the engines running. As you say, using a belt driven compressor seems like a drag on the engine hp while a brushless alternator isn't.

Given the huge surface area of sleeper tractors and trailers, I would like to see a role for solar power that also helps to reduce radiant heat that enters the cab in summer. I wanna be able to wake up in the morning and have the truck turn over regardless of the battery drain the night before. If the sun is high, why can't solar help trickle charge the batteries while on the road? Unfortunately, right now, solar is very expensive and wattage to low though...

 

Not sure if I can post the link but search Mcmaster-carr in google. They have anything and everything you could need to build your project.

What about using an electric motor to power the trucks factory ac compressor? You could setup a dual drive system on it. Engine to clutch to compressor and electric motor to clutch to compressor. Instead of having a clutched pulley on the ac compressor you mount it on an idler pulley that goes to the ac compressor with a fixed pulley. Then have an electric motor that has a clutched pulley on it run to another fixed pulley on the ac compressor.