Problems with trucks - APU/EPU, Collision systems... what are your experiences?

The company trucks that we do have with apu's the bunk heater would melt plastic it got so hot. The apu also would rattle the truck right where I put my head to sleep. Since I switched over the ac blows super cold and heat super hot on the epu I have now. And it's quiet just faint noise on the outside for you to realize it was on. The apu ac had a really loud fan in which I know bothered other drivers. About as loud as a reefer unit. After switching over to a epu it's quiet and I love it. My truck a 2012 prostar also has auto start system in which starts the truck when battery voltage goes low. Once the battery voltage is charged up the truck shuts off and resumes epu settings. Also when my apu on the other truck alternator failed without notice it killed my batteries. Had to jump start twice to get to a terminal for repairs. They do have low costs and some people like them. But for me since switching over to epu I like it much more.

 

Trans Am is one of the Companies that hires directly out of some schools. They took a lot of folks from Ft. Scott Community College which is the place I started in Kansas City, KS. Trans Am is head quarter very near there.

I have driven with the On Guard system and thought it was fine. I also am an ex Eagle driver of the F-15 E so I like all the electronics I can get.

The truck I drive now has an air brake pressure gauge that I think works. No working speedometer, tach, oil pressure, water temp, or any other guages. The Voltmeter seems to work also. It is like being back in the J3 Cub. Driving by the seat of your pants.

 

Only faster.

 

Now I have a question... What is the difference between an APU and an EPU?

 

Apu is engine powered and epu is just battery powered.

My Apu is a dream..I can freeze or burn myself out of the truck. I'm coming into a full year with it and only been down for a couple hours because.of it (wire loom got pinched and frayed a wire). I would hate to be without it.

 

The OnGuard system has always been light years better than the Bendix Vorad System. Vorad alarmed all the time on bridges, road signs etc. Not the OnGuard. It has saved many a driver from bumping the car in front because the radar talks with the engine and the brakes and when it calculates that a crash is inevitable, it will warn the driver to get involved and will brake the vehicle if the driver does not get involved. Very low false alarms.

 

How often does it slam the brakes when there is nothing around you?

 

I've done the apu (excellent) and Opti-Idle. Opti can take some getting used to..... 1st time the engine started in my sleep, I came out of the bunk looking to kill the "truck thief".....

 

Bendix sucks. I quit using cruise control months ago.

 

First 2 trucks I drove OTR had opti-idle. I don't think I ever got a decent night sleep in either, except for when I didn't need heat or A/C.
Current truck has an APU. The A/C needs to be recharged and I've brought it up numerous times, but it never gets fixed, so I just idle when I need A/C.

Current truck also has the Vorad system. That thing used to drive me nuts with false alarms! And the adaptive cruise was cool until I'd be behind a slower truck and not notice the speed....
Vorad is now disabled. My company bought these trucks used, so it was already on it. I haven't told them I disabled it and I doubt they would care. I'll plug it back in if they ever get me into a newer truck.