ProHeat, Espar, Webasco.... ugh

I installed the arctic breeze about 6 years ago and it was well worth the investment.Cost was around $5000 back then but was money well spent.It worked trouble free .

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrC_C3SQuJbkXUA0HMXFwx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBybGY3bmpvBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMyBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1541583699/RO=10/RU=http://www.arcticbreeze-truckac.com//RK=2/RS=EdRTd4WUeqdueEIATUjMYn9.RxI-

 

Here is my $0.05c, as I just bought a brand new truck, and wanted this to be sorted out day 1.

I've had every make of heater and APU unit there is, battery and diesel. My favorite APU is Carrier, my favorite Engine Heater is Espar, my favorite bunk heater is either Espar or Webasto (My Volvo came with a Webasto).

So what I ended up doing, is getting the Carrier Comfort Pro APU (Integrated into the trucks cooling system) and the Truck Already had a Webasto Bunk heater (I bought it off the lot).

If its not that cold out, I just run the bunk heater, and set the APU to start up and warm up the engine before I get up. If its really cold, I fire up the apu as soon as I park and set the heat.

As for AC, its been awesome! I do a lot of Laredo/El Paso Texas, Casa Mesa AZ etc etc. I can Deliver, go park, set the AC on high, reset 36-48 hours without starting the truck, and I MIGHT use 4-5 gallons of fuel. *(going by my un-scientific method of filling up, parking, then filling up when my reset is over). Carrier Claims the APU on high, will only consume .008 of a gallon per hours (VS 2.5-3.5 gallons per hour idling plus DEF). So far I have 550hrs on my APU, no issues. Some Quick math, 550hrs X 3.0 gallons per hour X $3.50 US per gallon = $5775.00USD in fuel saved! in 4 months

Now, as far as getting it installed in Alberta, DON'T. I had mine done with Eskimo in Calgary, and it was a nightmare. Volvo ended up eating 25 hours of shop time to get it sorted, after the mess they made. Then Central Transport Refrigeration in Winnipeg took about 8 hours (that Carrier Warranty Paid for) to go through and repair ever more stuff. Carrier told me not to use any Eskimo in Alberta for APU service or installs.

My recommendation, is to go to CTR in Winnipeg, they are amazing, and if you show them your cab card, you don't have to pay PST.

My APU cost $16 400 installed tax in, with options and extended warranty to 10 000 hours. On a 2019 Volvo VNL 760 that did not have the APU prep package.

 

Opinions on different brands may differ. But stay with major brands and you'll be fine.
I have a Tri Pac for 6 years now with more than 6000 hrs on the engine.
The total repairs so far:
-Bunk heater harness replaced under warranty
-Fried alternator due to operators fault
-A/C cooler leaked refrigerant after 4 years due to corrosion.
-Fuel filter bracket broke due to vibration after 6 years.
The annual maintenance expenses are around 100 Loonies if you are able to do your own service.

I would never go without a diesel powered APU anymore. As long as you have liquid fuel in the tanks, you have power, heat and A/C power without idling your engine.

 

I use to go to these guys when I lived in a Edmonton. They always treated me right.
Polar Mobility Research Ltd.