TriPack or Carrier APU?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by The Challenger, May 26, 2009.

  1. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Westville, IN
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    Yeah, when I called, they said IN was not on the govt grant list either. I know TX/LA/OK/AR was on there. The guy said the govt was not going to put the northern states on the list due to us having a mild climate....... which is BS and we also do travel to these areas.
     
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  3. SnakeEyes111

    SnakeEyes111 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 26, 2011
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    I have a Tripac, it's rather noisy, a little bit older of a model tho, i've seen the newest ones and they are alot better built and much more quiet. The Carrier doesn't do as good with heat in the winter, if that is a concern if you are in sub zero temperatures. Even with my tripac when i get into arctic temperatures i still close only the back curtains and set the thermistate quite a bit higher than I normally would. In the Summer, for the extreme heat, i turn down the thermistate to 69 just to cool the whole truck and it works well. I have two vents for cooling and one for heating. It works rather well over all, but like I said it is rather noisey. If you have problems sleeping with noise then you might want to rethink the tri pac. All the guys who run Carriers with my company, all say that they've had problems with theirs, like i have mine in the past. But over they always seem to have an electrical issue or a heating and cooling issue that can't be resolved. So for general operation, I'd go with tripac, if you are a real real real sound sleeper it isn't a problem. If you can't sleep with noise, then the carrier is a better Unit for you likely. The Carrier's are a lot quieter over all, I have been told they don't cool as well tho for the extreme heat, as well for the extreme sub zero temperatures it doesn't do that well, if you are running mid U.S. tho, you'll be fine with it. I run Northern Canada to Southern U.S. every week and couldn't live without my APU, Either way you'll be happy you purchased one. I will never drive a truck without it, or at least something equal to it again.
     
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    Alot complaining about the tripac noise?? It's not bad in my opinion. Then again I pulled a reefer. But the few times I parked beside a driver with a carrier, I hear his over mine. TK reefers are much quieter than Carrier also.
     
  5. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    I am thinking installation, regardless of make, has more to do with how well it heats or cools. When looking at used trucks I looked at one with a Tripak on it. Guy told me it didn't do well in extremes. When looking at the installation I saw two areas I thought could affect how well it performed.

    One was the installer had reduced the duct sizing by 1/3. And the other was sharp 90 Degree bends in ducting placing crimp.

    I have a Carrier. In sub-zero temps this last January I had the heating on low setting and it would bake me out if I let it. On cooling, I am happy but have not had to use it in 120 degree heat. Worst day so far was 90 something with humidity and no complaints.

    Although, in my opinion, my Carrier is much louder than a Tripak. But being in Volvo it doesn't bother me as I don't hear much on the outside.
     
  6. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    I would have to agree. Current models Tripak seems quiter. I know a couple people that have installed different mufflers on Carrier and they purr. Not touching mine. Don't wan't to chance voiding warranty.

    Also, Carrier oil change is MUCH cheaper. I have never paid more than $40 and I use synthetic.
     
  7. gerardo1961

    gerardo1961 Road Train Member

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    Feb 21, 2010
    Miami
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    www.comfortmaster.com apu for 5000,- NEW.I THINK THIS IS A GOOD DEAL AND SOMEBODY HAVE THIS APU AND CAN TELL MY HOW WORKS
     
  8. Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

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    Aug 20, 2009
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    I've got a Comfort Master. Bought it used, and it was WELL used. If I could've gotten a new one for 5K when I bought mine, I would have been all over it. They're nosier than some, but a 3cyl yanmar's gonna make a bit of noise. It's nowhere near obnoxious though. I use mine to keep batteries up to snuff and for cooling. It really shines there. For heat, I've got an Espar that came with the truck.
     
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  9. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Chattanooga, TN
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    The price is great and that engine, while overkill for the application, should last. I would jump at it.
     
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  10. gerardo1961

    gerardo1961 Road Train Member

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    Feb 21, 2010
    Miami
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    finaly the comfortmaster is a good or bad apu ,and will you like buy a other one or not.thanks for you answers
     
  11. truckenut

    truckenut Bobtail Member

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    Oct 6, 2011
    Miami,Florida
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    I brought 2 APU Unit's brand new in 07'. Thermo King TriPac, And Carrier Comfort Pro. Comparing the APU'S are just Like comparing the refer unit's. The Thermo King is super Quite, Easy to get part's for, anyone will work on them, No problem's, And work's exccellent! Will literally freeze you out on the hottest day. And will give you an heat stroke on the coldest day in the winter. Carrier, Alway's a problem! Nobody want's to work on them but the dealer! And there s alway's a wait. Loud as their Refer Unit's! Find yourself considering mounting a portable A/C in the summer. And in the winter the heat is ok if it isnt that cold. Plus that noisey thing has to run for as long as u want the little heat that it does provide.
     
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