APU's VS. Do It Yourself

I was going to use computers for an analogy, but the VCR thing works just as well. Let's see.... a Tandy 1000 computer in 1986 with a floppy disk, 8mhz cpu, 4.6 mhz moutherboard, 32MB hard drive and monitor - about $1500. A brand new laptop, 320GB hard drive, 2.8 ghz cpu, LCD display - less than $1500. The comparison is a current APU - $8000 and a small nuclear reactor in 20 years for the same price.

I would agree that as demand grows and other OEM's jump on the APU bandwagon, prices will become more competetive. Oh... there is no mandate that would keep prices high. No one has to get an APU. The only "mandate" in some places is to not idle. So the insurance analogy is like apples to oranges. And there are other cheaper alternatives that do just as well. Example, I can put on a rooftop AC unit ($700 - one of the benefits of a midroof sleeper - less cooling, less heating, more flexibility, better resale), use a CARB compliant portable generator ($1000), and have an Espar heater installed ($1200). As effecient as any APU but at less than half the price, maybe even 1/3 the price depending on comparisons. Easier to maintain, 1/3 the weight, and faster ROI. The generator will power my oil pan heater and fuel tank heaters in the winter and keep my batteries charged. I may give up a little in convenience, but not much. Now when full blown APU's get down around $3000, brand new, and weigh in at under 200 lb, I'll consider one.

 

hmmm getting an education about apus ,,,,,,,,hmmmmmmm

 

not sure how you come up with the $1000.00. a good gas gen will run you about 800.00 to 1000.00. pluse the brackets or box to mount it in. if you use a box i would guess nmin $300.00. roof top air $1200.00 mpluse 300.00 to 400.00 to mount. then you still have to get a heat sorce. espar nabout 1200.00 pluse install. plus down time to do aqll of this. and caring gas. all adds up to cash. if i do the work that is time away from my home time and that is worth more than what i pay someone to work on my stuff.
plus i like i said earlyer w/grant money an apu built for a truck is no more costly an one you build at home. i haqve friends that have over 25000 hrs on there apu. just do 1/2 maintance ever 500 hrs and spend aqbout 35.00 for filters.

 

put a little pride in your ride.

 

Ok I guess I will put my idea out here and see what people think.

Why not get a honda 4cyl car engine they are compact light weight can get parts at any parts house and has the alt and a/c compressor already mounted.Throw a belt no problem head to the auto parts store,lose a alt easy fix head to the auto parts store,oil filter and fuel filter again same thing,etc.... .They are extremely quiet and use little fuel and would not scream all night.Build a nice engine compartment for it run the exhaust out with a quite or stock style muffler and then mount a 5gal alm. fuel tank for gas and you have something that CARB can not ##### about.



And for the a/c and heat thats the easy part this cost less than $400 for the kit and will work with the honda a/c compressor.All the controls are electric so there is no running cables all over the sleeper.


Southern Air Maxi Kooler I. Heat, Air, Defrost and Floor Heat or Cool.NOW ALL ELECTRIC! Unit only with all controls and vents, etc. All electronic. Measurements are 10 1/2" x 8" x 19".

And this is the fuel tank they come in 3 1/2 to 5 gallons and run between $250-300.



Just an idea let me know what you think.

 

wow im at a lost of words lol

 

I was thinking of a VW diesel 4cyl out of a Rabbit, But am now considering a 2 or 3 cyl diesel out of a tractor or one out of a old reefer unit.

 

I found 2 generic versions of that Honda generator on Northern Tool's website. One for around $300 that runs a little louder and one for $700 that looks exactely like the Honda, same specs and everything but it's just camo in color instead of red.

 

Is that in a good way or bad?
Enlighten me

 

Yeah, I was thinking of a vw diesel as well im just running ideas in my head.