Best APU To Buy That Does It All ?

I just wanted to mention this has been one of the best apu threads in recent memory. Fact is: there is no "best" solution. Every buyer has a value point where cost, convenience, service, and customization come together. It's not the same for everyone.

Just throwing this out there, not a user or promoting necessarily. But I did see some interesting products at MATS in the Dometic booth while looking at the refrigerators. Basically the HVAC part of what most of the generator-based apus probably use some semblance of:

http://www.dometic.com/USA/MS-9629-Trucking/PG-10094-Air-Conditioning

That is, a built in version of the roof-top style units. I'd also recommend the dealer (also at the show, who I bought a cooler from) AAP, Inc. in Milford, VA. Both the men I spoke to at the show were very knowledgeable about the products and struck me as good folks to do business with. They don't have a flashy, modern e-commerce website, so probably better to call them. http://www.aap.com/ Just do your pricing due diligence online before negotiating.

 

We have been using the HP2000 on 10 trucks..
When they work,there great.
Been ok,seems that some of the bugs they had have been worked out.
The reversing valve seems to have caused alot of the problems.
The 2nd Gen controller is alot better then the original.

They are in the process of installing 5 of these to try.
http://www.gogreenapu.com/

Time will tell.

 

thanks for the tip, I think one of the dometic underbunk A/C's will be a perfect solution for me. I know Martin always pointed out that there is an inherent efficiency to a roofmount AC, but that is just not an option for me.

 

Just my opinon, but the only downside to the under bunk units is that they live in a dirty environment and don't get much attention. Never getting filters changed or cleaned out == fail. Pretty much true of factory, runs from the truck under bunk hvac as well. The ones in my KW require removing the mattress plus a bunch of screws to lift the sheet metal to get at the evap housings. A real pita in a T600 that's small quarters to begin with. Much easier in a Freightliner with a liftable bunk. Just don't let out of sight equal out of mind. My TK doesn't throw enough cool to freeze meat (guessing it's a 7k btu cooler), but it does fine in Texas heat since I keep it clean and the airflow is good.

 

Here may be another budget option. http://www.climaterightair.com/products/climateright-models/climateright-5000-btu-a-c-heater.html

you have to put two holes in the truck, and unless you build some type of enclosure probably set it up each time and then pack it away. But it says can be powered by 2000W generator. That could be a huge plus for some as Honda and Yamaha both make great little 2000W gen's which are much more portable than the 3000W gens for typical roofmounts. I mean, this thing for $549 and a new Honda EU2000i @ $1000 would be a pretty budget friendly setup, 55lbs for HVAC, 46lbs for gen.

 

At 5000btu I don't think it's nearly enough for a truck.

 

it says 1200 cu. ft., What's a truck cab and sleeper ? 15' x 8' x 7' ? that's 840. The roofmount I had was 13,500 btu and it was total overkill, could have cooled 5 trucks, which was great. I kind of like that this one sits outside the truck, I doubt it would freeze you out of there on a 100 degree day, but it has to lower the temp of the truck, right ?

 

danny it may work, mine heat / ac unit is a dometic , although I have it in a sidebox. I bet boomer could answer that for you , search for boomer diesel

 

I'm sure it will lower the temp some, but how much is anyone's best guess. Personally I think BTU's are the only thing you should worry about, square feet would make sense if we were talking about 2×4 framed houses with adequate insulation, trucks are not insulated like houses, if at all.

 

In your experience with truck AC's, what is the minimum btu rating you would suggest ?