Apu decision time

My opinion is go with the tri pak, parts avail, naem brand (dependable service and warranty) watch out for some other brands. Remember Rigmaster? They went belly up, now a new company purchased them, but they still had issues. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Here is what I personally do NOT like about the Tripac.
I does not generate AC power, but relies on an inverter and the DC alternator to keep the batteries topped up. I have read more than one thread on various forums regards the alternators going bad, and thus being all but useless.
One thing the Rigmaster had going for it was the built in AC generator.
Just my .02

Martin

 

Well I am not ready to spend $10,000 for new or $7,100 for used on a tripac when I can get a new generator a/c unit and heater for around $3,000 the more I read and talk to people about the honda generator the more I am leaning in that direction

 

I have pretty much picked out the Coleman Roughneck AC unit myself.
Cheapest I found was here, just remember to add the heat strip for @$56 more:
http://www.adventurerv.net/coleman-...air-conditioner-ceiling-assembly-p-29025.html
I am on the fence regards the genset itself. I have looked at some of the 2 cylinder liquid cooled diesel engines, a 1800 RPM generator head and a 45-60amp alternator.
That would be the ideal setup in my world, although the only motors I have found that can be purchased as individual items are @$2k, which is too much IMO.
I honestly wouldn't mind a used Rigmaster unit, and remove the ac compressor etc and just use it as a slow turning diesel that has an alternator and generator built into it.
I spoke to Two Lane a few days ago, and he indeed knows his stuff about the gas generators. The only thing I didnt know after the conversation we had on the fone, was which generator to pick!
I think if I went gas, a used DEF tank, or small GMC topkick fuel tank would be a good choice for holding some gas. Of course, even though each one would hold @25 gallons, I would only ever run 8 gallons at a time in the tank......

Martin

 

Leftlane that ac unit is way to high I was thinking of the portable units for around $500

 

I like my space mate, but to each their own.
There are also $4-500 rooftop ones too, but I like to buy once and leave it alone.
My rig has been paid for, and it is a midroof XT, so ideal for a rooftop ac/heat unit IMO.

Martin

 

Considering whether to APU or generator requires factoring where you run. Me, I am primarily in the Upper Midwest. An APU for AC is not that big of an issue. A rooftop unit would work fine for the few days I need AC. But, when the temps stay below 0F, I do need to run a block heater, oil pan heater, and fuel tank heater, while also keeping batteries up. The little Espar can take care of heating things up inside. So a generator is a better idea for me. Sure, I could just forget the heaters on the equipment, but that just means unnecessary wear and tear on an engine having to fire up after sitting in -20F for 10 hrs. That is stupid. And letting the truck run, is not money wise either. I could also use an Espar coolant heater, but I still have to keep batteries charged up in those cold temps. The Generator would have a quick ROI. Sure, there are APU's that do AC electric to power all this stuff, but when you factor the cost benefit of a full blown APU compared to a generator, it doesn't look so sweet. And factor that the weight of a generator and roof top AC is half or less the weight of a full blown APU. Also, most APU's take up under bunk space for the AC unit. A rooftop unit doesn't.

But that doesn't mean an APU is a bad investment for some. It just means look at your operation, where you primarily run, and what your heat/AC and electrical requirements are. Then go for what will give you the best bang for the buck. Obviously, someone who does the southern tier of the country frequently, would benefit and be able to easily justify an APU. But there are many more that really don't need 400-500 lb of APU system, including the required maintenance, on their truck when something cheaper, smaller, lighter, and easier to maintain is a viable option.

 

Leftlane....what happened to that tripac you had on the hook? I spent some time today looking at a lot of generators....everything is still coming up Honda although I would like to price that Lifeforce system before I decide...and I am now taking a second look at the rooftop unit....decisions decisions

 

I made a final offer of $2500, he said $2800 is the lowest he would go. Not spoken since.
No warranty, and the unit is off the rig so no way of testing etc.
I personally would like the room under my bunk to remain the same as it is now. I eat out of my rig most of the time, and have bottled water on hand for coffee and the pooch. Add t that a couple of small tool boxes, large bag of dog food, and you get the idea....

Martin

 

Martin, that is exactly why I have been considering the generator and roof top unit idea. My under bunk cargo space is valuable. Every APU unit seems to want to steal a lot of that.

A generator that has caught my eye is the Yamaha EF2400iSHC. A tri-fuel version (gas, propane, nat gas) can be had at a pretty good price and even though it is technically a 2400kw generator, it is rated to start most 13,500 btu RV AC units.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx

Can be had as a tri-fuel version for approx $1600. Straight gas version approx $1500. It a little over half the weight of a Honda EU3000 and about $800 cheaper with the same warranty. CARB compliant.

Tri-fuel version http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/ef2400is.htm