APU maintence

When you first start up the unit it will display the total engine hours. You should service it every 1000 hours if you are using ThermoKing filters, or 500 for other brands. When your bunk heater starts, if it smokes like crazy, you should probably get the ignitor, fuel screen and fuel filter replaced. Some guys do that once a year, others wait longer.
You can buy the parts and do yourself if so inclined/able, or pay top dollar for any ThermoKing shop to do it for you. Buying the filters over the counter, and then going to either a truckstop or Speedco would save yopu money.

 

When you turn the master power on, it just displays the "TriPac" message then the set temp. Next, turn on the apu and the mileage will flash by in two displays, the tens of thousands first. For example 25,840 hours (about what mine has on it now) will first show "25" then "840" then the set temp.

The last time I did mine, I picked up a service kit from the TK dealer in Ocala, FL for $199. You get an oil, air, primary and secondary fuel filters, and a new cabin filter (fits in the evap housing under the bunk) all in one box. Pick up one gallon of whatever brand name diesel motor oil is cheapest at Walmart and you're good to go.

About as hard as changing the oil on a lawn mower. Just remember to fill the spin on fuel filter with clean diesel before installing it. When you first start it after service, there may be enough air in the fuel lines to make it not start on that first try. It may trip the reset switch on the control panel, usually located in a side box. Reset it and try again. Worst case it may take two tries before the engine catches and runs.

It's also a good idea to remove the cover and check the oil once in a while. On an unknown unit, I'd check it more frequently at first to get an idea of whether it's using oil or not. Also, the bunk heater maintenance is basically taking it out of the truck, pulling it apart, cleaning everything, and re-assembling and re-installing it. When you're buying your filter kit, ask for a glow pin screen kit for the heater. It will come with a special socket to use for removing and replacing the glow pin, as well as a plastic tool to install the new screen at the right depth. Don't just buy a glow pin, as they usually aren't bad and cost over $100. If you do this service, pay attention to an air passage near the top of the hole the glow pin fits in. It will build up gunk and cause the unit to hard start (sometimes not start) and smoke when it's running. Simply scrape it out with a pocket knife.

 

Here's a manual with a maintenance schedule on page 49.

https://cdnmedia.endeavorsuite.com/...91d/TriPac53035_01162012.pdf?v=20120116154124

 

You really don't need the exact manual. They all work pretty much the same. There are three manuals, a user guide (what condo linked), a service manual, and an installer manual. You can find all three online for free. If you go to a TK dealer, they might supply those in electronic form if you ask nice. While you're in there, get a dealer directory. Nice to have on hand when something made by them breaks and you need parts or service on the road.

 

Click on my name and click threads started by Richter.....i have 3 threads since i recently got my used tripack and users had given me some decent info.

 

TK's inverter is essentially the Xantrex 1800w model.



Here's the manual. That'll be 1 cup of coffee.......

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Po...verters/975-0263-01-01_Rev-C(artwork) (1).pdf

 

FWIW, Ingersoll Rand bought out TK from Westinghouse years ago. Some of their products are outsourced and provided by other companies (Like Xantrex) and re branded with the IR namesake on them.