Increased Milage/APU Idea

Sweet thats a great price. My understanding is the prosine is one of the best on the market... Only problem with reefer link is not everyone is running a reefer.

 

Sheez... Your in there then.. A reefer changes everything... it is an APU in itself. With that being the case you probably would only need 2 AGM's. did you check out DTAC

 

Yes I have. They use a system like the koolrig which depends on an inveter to provide for a 110vac unit. An inverter actually cost you battery amps so a better system is to use a 12v or 24v ac/heat system like the ones available from DTAC. Makes little sense to convert AC to dc back to ac to power a unit if you have another option. The dc systems actually have a higher BTU capacity for the same amp draw. A 9000btu 110vac vs 20,000 btu 12vdc. I'll take the latter and use my inverter for fridge, microwave, pc, etc. that aren't as efficient on dc power.

That is if you want to use a separate AC unit. My design presumes that if a person can idle the truck and recieve sufficient cooling then supplementing the engine driven compressor for a battery driven should supply same comfort levels. Similarly a battery powered heat unit would provide for sufficient heat except in extreme conditions. Making the AGM batteries the most expensive item on the shopping list, which are still less than half the cost of the deisel apu engine alone.


found this amp draw calculator that could come in handy for figureing battery/alt needs.
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/sports-imports/BatterydrainCalc.html

 

The one I plan to use is listed on the first post. company name is there too. If you want to build one using deisel engine then you will need to find something like a yanmar or kubota engine. From there you can install a GM 2200 compressor and ford alternator. run the exhaust through a heatsink to draw heat to a waterline that can then be used for cab heat and block heater. A small electric inline waterpump would circulate the water to the block and heater core. Yeh. I've been looking into this for a while. LOL

 

If you can stay away from the gen-head I would. Your better off using a "stock" (Ford, GM) belt driven alternator since you can get a replacement anywhere on the road. I don't see where it would take up anymore room than a gen-head either. You'll just have to fabricate a bracket and I would add a spring loaded tension pulley or just make it a habit of checking belt tension to your pre-trip.