Generator Boxes

Search for APU's on the internet. There are tons of them out there already. Nothing new. We have one on our truck. Heat, AC and shore power as well as charging system for the batteries.

 

Here's an idea. Keep them affordable. Most APU's offered are $6000+ Some will run you 10K. Now if this world doesn't want the trucks to Idle, they need to come up with an affordable solution. Most companies and O/O's aren't going to spend that much for Auxiliary power on a truck. Consider the value of the truck, say someone has an older truck, are they going to spend 1/2 the value of the truck for this? These things are pretty much out of reach for most O/O's that are trying to make a living out there and keep their truck up to DOT standards.

Here's the specs on ours, and what we like and don't like about it.


We have a rigmaster.

It generates 3500w power to three receptacles. It is a separate heating and AC system from the truck. So if the truck breaks down, he can use it to stay comfortable. It will charge the batteries to the truck, if they are depleted. And they do sometimes get that way, because we have a dorm fridge hooked to an inverter, for fresh food and cold drinks.

What we dislike about the system, its noisy. And I'm not just talking about the sound of the engine, but the system that heats and cools, when it kicks on and off, makes a clicking noise that sometimes wakes you up. Also, the system is mounted on the outside of the frame, and honestly, it really isn't the greatest idea. Debris from the road, salt, etc. gets in there and will take out a belt, very easily. Even with the winter front on it. I don't think that a mount on the catwalk would be a great solution either, I know hubby wouldn't like trying to work around it. So honestly I don't know what the solution is.

Maintenance is just like any other motor. Change the oil, check filters, etc. The air filter for ours is "special" and very difficult to find. So whoever designed the dang thing, didn't think ahead about that. And hubby gets in some very dusty situations, so it has to be changed fairly often. A permanent filter that can be cleaned would be a cost effective solution for this. AFE makes a cleaning kit for the permanent filters that they produce.

I'd love to hear some of your ideas on a solution for this. As the "anti idle" movement is spreading, and our drivers deserve a viable solution to keep them comfortable while delivering our goods.