Are APU's worth the money?

Mine cost $9600 5 years ago. I've had one since 1986. As more jurisdictions have anti-idling laws the cost of fines for idling an engine must be figured into the cost of operating a main engine. Also jumps after you run the batteries down using fridge, computer, cell phone charger, etc.

Being warm in the winter and cool in the summer priceless.

 

I never owned one, but wish I had one. I was O/O, and was careful of my Idling, but by god, i wasnt going to be cold or hot. I plan on running local O/O when I get back into it, but I will be buying an APU. Chances are I'll be home every night, but sitting and waiting to load, etc, it would come in handy.

 

Wanted one for a decade and didn't even know how much till I got one. Well worth the money in fuel savings in my opinion, my idle time averages about 2% year round.

 

A good quality APU is definitely worth the money, especially when they have the features that allow the unit to start up and charge the truck batteries when you are at home, you can leave your truck frig plugged in, don't have to worry about extended stays away from the truck, as long as you leave fuel in the truck

 

Yes they are. Do the math of what it takes to idle your engine per hour a day. The fuel savings add up quick. Not to mention the wear and tear your taking off your engine. I have a Carrier brand apu on my FreightLiner Cascadia. Provides heat and A/C of course. But charges my batteries, warms the engine block up, and provides 120 volt household outlet to run anything you like.

 

The only thing I can add is if you are going to keep the truck your in less than a year, wait till you get a newer truck. It takes about a year for the APU to pay for itself and from what I understand its a little on the expensive side to transfer the unit.

 

The APU that I have is a god send. Year round comfort and uses very little fuel.

 

The APU that my last company had installed on my truck was a great addition.

I can't speak to the amount of money it saved my company but for my personal expenses, it saved me $110 a week in food expenses. It allowed me to run a microwave, fridge and crockpot. I went from spending $150 a week in truckstops to $40 a week at walmart. $110 a week x 52 weeks = $5270. Now add up your fuel savings per year and it more then pays for itself in less then a years time.

As to added value at time of trade off, i can't say. It depends on if the trade company and future owner is smart or stupid...