Idle Free APU for Mack Trucks

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by aTruckersgirl61, Nov 17, 2018.

  1. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Hi, I am looking for an Idle Free APU for my boyfriend's Mack truck for Christmas, any advice?
     
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  3. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Go with him and use your body heat to keep him warm through the night.

    Or buy a diesel powered unit. The battery units don't cool all that well in summer heat. If a.c. is not needed for summer operation then just get a bunk heater for about $1,200 versus a full blown apu for probably $12,000. An apu also weighs 400-500 pounds and not every state recognizes the increase in gross weight due to anti-idling equipment for driver rest periods. Don't believe the pitch about it keeping the coolant circulated and warm, if it's that cold to worry about then better to leave the big engine running. Otherwise just idle a few minutes before moving for cold starts.

    Welcome to the forum.
     
    SixShooterTransport Thanks this.
  4. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Ok. Thanks so much. I do go with him sometimes when Im not working and I love it.
     
  5. SixShooterTransport

    SixShooterTransport Light Load Member

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    I don’t know what your budget is for new vs used APUs, but you should definitely make sure you get one with a warranty. They’re quite expensive to work on and depending on what brand you get the availability of service places may be less than ideal.
     
    PE_T Thanks this.
  6. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 17, 2018
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    Ok thanks so much.
     
  7. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Some questions

    What are you thinking is an APU?
    What do you want this APU to do?
    Are you wanting a factory new unit, or maybe used ?
    Is this truck the unit will be installed in, owned by your boyfriend?
     
  8. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 17, 2018
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    I have no idea, keep him from having to idle his truck during the summer and winter months, used maybe, and yes he is an owner operator.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  9. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Just south of the north 40
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    Auxiliary power units, (APU) can be quite expensive.
    New units start about $8500 for a basic model and can go as high $15,000.00 for top line units. Takes most of a day to properly install one.

    Power source can be a small fuel fired engine or a from a battery bank system.

    Most systems will only provide cabin cooling and some electrical power. Heat is usually from a separate fuel fired heater system.

    Find more info here
     
  10. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 17, 2018
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    Wow, ok, thanks so much for the information.
     
  11. aTruckersgirl61

    aTruckersgirl61 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 17, 2018
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    Thank you all for your tips, advice, and information.:)
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
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