Portable generator instead of APU

Look in the forum search history
Left lane Danny the trucker and Hurst have all done this

 

I choose a APU. If you are going to run a engine have one purpose built. You will be happy. A portable is nice but prone to fire, theft etc.

 

I have the Honda EU3000iS and in over 2 yrs that I have been using it, I have not experienced any of this. Its paid for itself over and over from not idling. It costs less to replace the Honda than it would to service most APU and their less than stellar reputation for reliability. The only down side to a generator is the gasoline side.

The Honda are hush hush quiet, reliable ( Over 2 yrs problem free with mine). More affordable, simple, and endless options in how you set them up to perform what ever is needed.

APU have their place. But given how I operate and if my next truck does not come with an APU already installed,.. I will go the generator route again. The initial cost savings versus an APU and annual savings make a generator a no brainer.

APU's are fairly loud,.. I compare it to listening to a reefer running all night,.. I've had some park next to me that are so obnoxious with their incessant 'putt putt putt' that I had moved to a different spot and rather listen to someone idling all night. At least the idling was a constant familiar drone that I have grown comfortable with.

Hurst

 

Fair enough.

I always appreciate it when you defend a point of order about something that I would raise. You did a good job.

one more question.

You think they will make gennies out of desiel because it's literally a one rpm type operating most of the time and you can scoop fuel from the tractor with less risk of a kaboom.

 

Everything Hurst said is correct except in my case I have a champion 4000 with remote electric start that only powers my ac unit in the summer and this winter it will power my block and oil heater in extreme cold ( have an espar heater ).
Some knock the champion and yes its not as quite as a Honda or even close but for those on a budget the champion 4000 can't be beat for the price and love the remote electric start as I can cycle it like a reefer without getting out of the truck .
With my 5000 btu ac and a fan going it will run 15 hours on 3.8 gals of gas in 100 plus heat ( cover Windows).
I meticulously maintain it and have had 0 problems with it .
When home a couple weeks ago I pulled it off the truck at 670 hrs for a good cleaning and valve adjustment and valves within specs , spark plug worn a little so put a new one in , generater brushes looked like new .
I run synthetic oil in it and change it on time and it's been a great unit for the price .
Next unit will be a champion also unless I find something I can run longer drain intervals on that has remote start for the same price .

 

Fire ? As for theft mine has a cable thru the generator frame that goes around the truck frame so if they're that determined they can have it . Lol

 

I have split system AC installed earlier this year and diesel 4.5 KWt generator with remote start. Generator connected to the truck fuel tanks. 2.5 gallons in 12 hours in summer. No trips for the gas. Not so quiet as Honda but quieter then reefer. And $200 price hard to resist.

 

What did that do to your tare weight?

Also compromising the sleeper body?

What about winter leakage of cold air perhaps via the body of that unit? How are you going to cover it then? Tarp it and then tarp strap it tight?

What about that sliding 5th wheel? If there is one? And finally noses of the trailers eh?