Best new APU for the money?

The numbers they (the dealers) give are crap when it comes to fuel use.

They say .2 gl per hr..... BS it's real world .4-.5.. my volvo d12 uses .6 so it doesn't save that much. .

 

I would NEVER spend 12K on an APU. I have one because I waited and found a used truck with a "factory" installed APU. Let the OEM take the depreciation hit. I've got an APU and didn't cost me anything OOP. Maintenance is about $1000/year w/13500 hrs. on it CARRIER. BTW when I say it "costs" me $1000/year that's max. and that does not figure the savings from the truck engine not idling.

 

Build a frame and put one of those small generators in there.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-62523.html
Buy a small AC unit and find a way to seal your duct work.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Gree-3-I...oner-115-Volt-6-000-BTU-GRPE06SHR4W/877714087
If you want heat, use a bunk heater or buy a small space heater.

If you have the time and inclination or Youtube/Google, you can rig together a setup for under $1000 that accomplishes the same thing. You can also get the extended warranty on the generator, or worst case scenario, another $500.

There are some drawbacks. You have to use and carry gas. You have to stop for fuel anyway, and they sell gas there also unless you fuel at terminals. But gas is cheaper than diesel, and these generators are extremely efficient.

If you need more power, you can get a larger generator provided you have the space. If you need more cooling, you can get a larger AC unit.

Buy some autosocks instead of chains, and store them wherever you want.

 

Don't do this! These guys take the cheap way and pollute the truck stops with GASOLINE fumes and 10X the noise with their "homemade lawnmower" type apu.

 

In my experience, the diesel APUs tend to smell worse, smoke more, and are louder. The generator I linked is CARB compliant and quiet.

 

Not mine.

 

BTW. Do you ever notice the guys that run the "homemade" APU are Mercer/Landstar O/O from Pa. or RI. with an RGN

 

That's great and all, but the setup that I linked is probably quieter, cleaner, and saves more money. I get that there are people doing the cheaper and louder generators, but that's no reason to say not to take my advice. I'm not saying grab any old generator from your shed and go to town.

I parked next to a Prime truck in Cheyenne a few nights ago with a Tripac that was obnoxiously loud and stunk. What is the significance of that?