Kohler APU's. Anybody Running One?

In 8000 hours on my TriPac I have had 6 different alternators, and each one has been a new and improved/changed design. The last time, I specifically asked to get one of these bigger output arctic package alternators, but was told it was not available.

 

Kohler also makes a wide range of small industrial engines. Traditionally, the company manufactured gasoline engines, however after purchasing Lombardini company (Italy), it extended its range and now offers diesel engines up to 65HP. In 2007, Kohler created a joint venture in China called Kohler-YinXiang Ltd., based in Chongquing, China, to manufacture small gasoline engines, and intends to begin importing more of their engines, rather than building them in the USA.[1][2]
Kohler engines power a range of devices from water pumps to off-road vehicles. The Global Power group manufactures generators ranging in size from 8,500 watt to 2.8 megawatts. Kohler was the first company to offer residential back-up generators to consumers, starting in 1920.[3]

 

For your needs an all electric unit would be perfect, check out http://www.climacab.com/ or http://www.idlefreesystems.com/ . There are others as well. Mesilla Valley is a very progressive company and they use Climacab. When I researched electric APUs some cost less than half of what a Tripac or similar unit cost, weigh less, require almost no maintenance and are much more simple in design without using an ounce of fuel. The only shortcoming I could see was they weren't a viable solution for long layovers. Also I found a lot of negative reports on the NITE system so I discounted that as an option. Merry Christmas!

 

My quote for a ClimaCab installed was $7400.00... not in MY lifetime!

I don't think Idle Free has ever actually gotten up and running.... they have been signing up dealers for two years but never have any listed. My emails have gone unanswered, too.

 

Kohler has a pretty large network of generator rental locations that will sell/service the APU. I am sure their website can list them.

If you really want to have some fun, go to one of the larger truck shows, like Mid America in March in Louisville and start asking the 30 or so vendors hawking APU and engine off climate control cab systems some hard questions and watch them squirm.

The bottom line is no one has a totally effective/ cost efficient unit. They all have drawbacks of some kind. Almost always the AC side is way to small to keep the cab cool. Keeping it warm is easy, my Webasto has been doing it for 20 years for me on 3 different trucks. no apu needed

 

boy i hope you didnt buy a kohler apu . what am i saying you couldnt have bought one because no dealers have them . they were italian made and very few were ever made . i call them the unicorn of apus . and yes i have one . i got mine from a dealer 3 years ago that was fed up with kohler and getting out of the buisness . the problem was that he would get orders from truck companies for them and kohler would say ok thanks for the order we will let you know when we can get them . ( which was nearly never ) . i got mine for 3k and he threw in the special tools to install it . i installed it myself , and like all apus , have had constant troubles with it ever since . and as far as a dealer "network" goes , try calling some of them and ask for parts or service then sit back and enjoy the silence ..

 

There's a Kohler gen that uses a 3 cylinder Kubota at 1800 rpm. That beats a Tri-Pac in my book.

You pick any a/c and heat you want if you just buy a gen.

 

the 2500 watt inverter i have runs my 110 equipment without straining the alternator it just maintains the batteries then