Sleeper A/C hacks. With no idle becoming real.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Deezl Smoke, Aug 12, 2023.

  1. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2011
    Hillsboro Oregon
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    No apologies. I read it all.
    What will it take to modify the custom box for the new style predator? I have the same one. Mine must be the new style as it has that carbon monoxide sensor. I squeezed mine into a Protech steel 24x24x36 box. I took the wheels off and made some wood mounts to bolt it down to the box floor. Like you, I had to do some customization to get air flow and exhaust exit etc. Still not sure how I'm going make changing the oil easier than pulling it from the box each time. I have considered a suction system and just go through the fill tube.
    The prostar has a decent amount of room between the seats. My 567 has like 1/3 more than my 379 did. But the 379 did'nt have the dash cubby that sticks out closer to the grind'm stick like the 567.

    I'm a routine sort as well. Set it up as part of the get ready for bed routine, then it's just muscle memory, no thinking ahead, it just gets done.
     
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  3. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    this is actually my 3rd one. 1st when I was installing the remote start I dropped it off the catwalk and broke the frame. Returned under warranty between install 1 and 2 #1 non co model #2 co no other change other wise.
    #3 they change the oil drain from straight thru
    the bottom to a hose that you pull out from oil check door and now need to tilt it to drain the oil and they moved the pull start to the same side as the oil check side...

    Things to remember a few things about putting in a sidebox. You must have access to the top every 12hrs to refill it. You must have access to the oil check...and vented and a couple hole on the back so you can cable lock it to the frame

    The box I had made had the top open and b-b-que type grill as vent opening a cut out at the oil check door and a hole in the bottom to drain the oil with just enough room the reach the back side to grab the pull start if needed.

    This change would require the generator be rotate 180°. The exhaust facing the trucks fuel tank putting the oil check behind the side skirt...

    BTW you can rerout the exhaust using some 1" flex exhaust pipe (available at most auto parts store's) 2x 1 1/2" radiator clamps and about 12" of plumbed tape (metal about 9/16 wide with holes every 1/2") take the 2 screws out the hold the spark arrestor, remove the spark arrestor, push the 1" flex pipe on then cut a piece of flex tape and using the screw to the muffler bent at a 90° (same on the other side) run it up about 5" now install I band clamp about 3" up. Then fold the tape back down and install the 2nd clamp between the muffler and the 1st clamp
     
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  4. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Also you can store the ac behind the passenger when driving
     
  5. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2011
    Hillsboro Oregon
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    Can you patch up the current windows in the box, and cut new ones that would keep the generator oriented as it is with the exhaust away from the tank?
    I'm much luckier than most. I have my own cnc plasma cutter, and access to an engine lathe next door. I made this adaptor after removing the spark screen. Then I have a piece of that ss diesel bunk heater exhaust hose, and used it.
    Please disregard the crappy cut job on the box panel. It was about the third iteration.
    20230520_095435_resized.jpg 20230520_132228_resized.jpg
     
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  6. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Nope.. if I turn it around so the control panel is forward the oil check door and pull start would be unacceptable as they would be inside the frame rails..

    Nice job on the exhaust
     
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  7. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

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    Hillsboro Oregon
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    Crap! There's gotta be a way. When you get time and think about it, maybe snap a few pics.
     
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  8. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    San Antone
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    Why are y'all putting your ac units in your front windows when you sleep in the back?

    This is my setup, which has been fine tuned since. Slides out and sits flush in the sleeper door. The new generator runs it on less than 2gal for 11+hrs.
     

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  9. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    maybe because this doesn't need to be fine tuning and it faster to setup..
    20230820_202233.jpg
     
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  10. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Just want to add that the generator is facing the wrong way....!!

    As mounted the oil check, oil fill, oil drain are on the other side thus requiring you to remove it and turn it around just to check or change the oil every week...
     
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  11. Tim4563

    Tim4563 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 7, 2015
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    If you are interested- you can buy a used thermoking tripac for under 5k if you are willing to do some work yourself. They are a little noisy but save your engine from the extra idling you have to do now-apu's are cheap-engines are expensive-got a recent overhaul quote for 30k lol
     
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