Advice on apu ,

This has been discussed at length, dozens of times. If you use the search feature on the forum you'll get instant answers. This is one answer that sort of sums up, in broad terms to your question. (It's from another thread, which I've linked here, courtesy of JR OTR)

 

We just got a thermo king about a month ago, got a used unit for $6000 installed and was done in 1 day, call the thermo king in Nashville Tn very nice people there. We got to pick out our unit also. Best money we have spent yet.

 

Read what Leftlane has done way lower costs and not a hack up job either

 

Before you buy one figure out the real cost of owning it vs. just idling to keep warm or cool.
The fuel to run it, the maintenance costs to keep it running plus the initial investment.
How many years will it take to pay for itself?
And, will you really have that 2006 truck that far into the future?

I think there is a very good reason many companies don't install them, and that is because they cost more than they are worth within the average lifespan of the truck they are using.

 

Honestly, do to fuel consumption, install cost, and maintenance i feel an APU is not the best option unless your driving where it is supper hot all the time.

A bunk heater by itself cost 1000 or so and will keep you as warm as you want for half a gallon of fuel per night. ($2/10hours)

For Electrical, a 1500 watt inverter will do everything the apu can. Inverter cost around $300 installed for a decent one. This cost 0 fuel since your batts will power most stuff. If you need to run a microwave, you may need to start the truck but only for a few min.

As for cooling, this where the APU shines. There is no real good non apu option for cooling. So, if you run in the hot states all summer buy and APU.. Other wise, buy a bunk heater (wabasco or esbar) and a inverter. I also bought screens for front windows (like 50 buck online). I can leave windows open with a big box fan (plugs into inverter and will run on batts all night.). That keeps me cool enough on all but the very worst days. Last summer i idled 4 nights. This winter I never idled. I do however have synthetic oil, agm batts, and an electric filter preheater.

 

wbasco and espar both sell the heaters for self install or you can go to their website to find a dealer near by. It not hard to install yourself if you have some mechanical skills. The hardest part is drilling through the floor to mount it. I got a wabasco on Flebay for 800 bucks and installed myself. As for inverters, you can pick them up at any truck stop and get it installed at most truck shops. Make sure they use a fuse or breaker on it to prevent fire if i ever shorts. I have a cobra inverter. I went through 3 or them so i cant really recommend them, but this 3rd one has worked for 2years with no problems. (all covered under warranty)

 

Look for a used truck with an apu ... it will have less motor idle hours.. which is important on an EGR year rig, and will be cheaper than a new or used APU install..
Or the bunk heater/ inverter idea is good advice too if your in love with that truck. (Never fall in love with a truck, they don't love you back) That way you will still have enough money left to get a huge target tattooed on your back, cause every local, county, state,federal official will be taking shots at you since your now a rolling atm machine in their eyes.
Most fleets don't install Apu's new because they figure a 5 yr payback and they only keep a tractor 4 years and the drivers comfort is the last consideration from the bean counters in the ivory towers where the climate is always perfect.
I bought a 09 Melton fleet truck with less than 500k miles, 8600 hrs on the motor... 20,000 hrs on the Carrier Apu.. low idle time is essential on a DPF model year setup.
Always remember if it has wheels, teats or balls sooner or later it's going to give you trouble..