Trucking | Best APU For Your Truck Under $4,000
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- Опубліковано 12 бер 2018
- Home made APU For your semi truck for under $2,000. With a 13,500 BTU rooftop air conditioner
Generator - Yamaha EF3000ISEB
www.yamahamotorsports.com/gen...
Cheaper Version - Harbor Freight 3500 Watt Inverter Generator
www.harborfreight.com/3500-Wa...
RoofTop AC - Penguin II
www.amazon.com/Dometic-640315...
Generator Box - K&W KWGB262033
www.4truck-accessories.com/po...
Battery Charger/Jumper - Noco Genuis G15000
www.amazon.com/NOCO-G15000-Ul...
Radiator Fan - 10" Universal Radiator Fan
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01... - Розваги
Purchased: August 2023 - still works GREAT!I ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxxsUnXhGsSJLim_XnMHyQK0u3XVaW-CGn live in a studio and during the summer it gets scorching hot - really old building with no ac units. I can’t express how EASY it was to install. This unit has been a life savior during the summer and some days during other seasons where it can still be a bit warm at night. In this small place is my friend, a husky, poodle mix and myself. We need AC - lolI don’t use the dehumidifier option - I’m not sure if it will leak in my house, since I did not install the small draining hose that came with it. May look into it late but I don’t worry about much humidity in the apartment. I don’t understand why the negative reviews since all things mentioned, I personally did not find issues with. Definitely worth it!
*Love this unit! Using upstairs in my sons bedroom **Fastly.Cool** and he’s finally able to be comfortable upstairs without me freezing downstairs. Works for more sqft than expected!*
This is just what is needed for partial rv backup. Operates the ac and stuff perfectly. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y is quieter than my rv generator. Only suggestion is that it needs a fuel shutoff valve. So it is easier to store.
Man, glad I found this. I am building something like this and this is a great setup.
I like how u got this set up. Lol dude I was thinking the same idea but I didn't know if it was possible.. and tbh I didn't wanna put a window unit because I feel that it woundint look right.. thanks for showing this video bro.. and be careful out out.. keep on trucking
I got mine Honda Generator for $1000, an external 3 gal. marine reservoir with the quick connect hose for $120, a portable AC unit for $300, and Heater for $40. The whole setup $1460 and I am really happy.
And you can buy that system 10x for what it cost for an APU. 👍🏻 and in my opinion, your setup works way better than a $14,000 APU
@@DrivingByBraille Yes but I am an owner-operator. The APUs were made mainly for company drivers who will not disconnect and attach chains hoses and electrical cables. Their bosses will have to pay for expensive APUs. I understand them, but I don't understand truck owners who are too lazy to do it and are willing to pay the huge amount for APU :).
@@DrivingByBraille Do you still have the Yamaha generator? I had a Yamaha generator 10 years ago but I didn't use it one winter and its carburetor broke down. I didn't know how to winterize it then, as it was my first generator. Now I decided to try the Honda but I use it in winter and summer and so far I have no problems. Just change the oil every week or two and that's it.
Yes. It’s in my garage. Using it as a backup generator for the house. Just run it until the gas runs out. That will winterize it 😁 fill up when needed. I use to be a small engine mechanic. Found that to work the best.
Never realized there are so many scientist disguised as truckers. Good to know!
Now your talking! So glad I found this video! Thanks!
Nice. I found an a/c unit that stays outside and has two tunes that you route into your rv or truck. Thinking about getting everything together to sell and install on trucks for those who want a cheap way to stay cool and heated. You've got the right idea. Purchasing and maintaining a $8000 to $12000 APU is not cost effective. Sure weekly it seems like it's saving you a lot of money but it really isn't. Thanks for sharing. Share the exhaust upgrade when you figure it out.
I have a diesel gen setup for mine, it's a room ac/heater unit still in the process of insulating the box with noise isolation padding. Mine also has a remote starter to, the fuel tank can be filled right along when I'm fueling the truck, this gen runs about 17hrs without a load and 13 with a load, so hopefully this setup will keep me from starting the gen from outside, I appreciate your video I actually got most of my ideal from you and a couple other you tubers.. Hope all is well be safe out there driver.. Com on 10-4
If it’s diesel, tap into your tanks. It would be an easy install!! I would have loved to get a diesel. And I might after my gas generator takes a poop. What generator did you buy? You have a link? My concern was noise. But I could see making a noise damping box. Good idea!
@@DrivingByBraille I haven't figured out what size pump to use to draw from the tank, I don't think a pump from a bunk heater would be big enuff to supply the gen...
Ty Fleshman not sure how a diesel works. But a gas engine,, you would use a vacuum pump and use the vacuum of the engine to suck the fuel into the carburetor.im sure someone on UA-cam has a video about it. Heck if the generator already uses a fuel pump. Disconnect it from the tank and plumb a line from your fuel tank to the generators fuel pump. If it’s gravity fed. Then you would need with electric or vacuum pump. It all depends. Next time your in the shop. Ask one of the mechanics how you could plumb it into your fuel tanks.
@@DrivingByBraille It's a generac xd5000 it's over kill but I got it after my dad passed away they are expensive
You got a good setup. Check it out it's called easy start by micro air. It will save you running a smaller generator probably and it won't make that big compressor thud when the compressor kicks in. Also something you could try a 20,000 BTU propane vent free heater in your truck. I don't know what the dot would say about a bottle or 2 of propane though. I have a sportsman 2200 watt dual fuel propane and gasoline generator I just bought one. Half load on a 20 pound average barbecue tank cylinder they say it will run 18 hours. It smells like a propane forklift, propane is cleaner than diesel. it's a little microprocessor you put on the top of RV air conditioner like you have. They say it's ran a 15,000 BTU ac on a 2000 watt Honda generator will run it. Micro Air Easy start device has like 15 pages of reviews excellent reviews overall.
I used to run a similar setup what the Honda generator. I really like how you mounted it in the Box behind the sleeper mine was it mounted and that caused a lot of problems. Cool design good work
Cash Is king thanks! Before I had it mounted in the box, I had straps and it was also bolted to the cat walk. Someone thought it was just strapped down and cut them to try and steal it. Luckily I had it bolted down also. So yeah, when it’s exposed, thieves like to come out.
How did you bolt it to the cat walk? Is it bolted to the frame itself?
That's right Jeff generators generate household current an APU generation DC current but here's the thing AP use come with inverters either any size you want when you purchase it
Great ideas... but you talk about exhaust,,, its hot, it will float straight up into your ac unit. Definitely run a longer hose - but dont use such a small coiled hose - use 2 inch + smooth hose for exhaust. Long hoses will restrict and bind the genset, and you want smooth - better flow, and less restriction to catch exhaust debris. just get something temp rated as well.
and CO detector is great idea - but if it went off 2 times... that means something def wrong. fix that fast. make sure CO is open, not covered and also low as possible (CO sinks). good luck, jg (dont bend or kink exh hose)
This is genius. I'm doing this.. I'm not paying 12k for a tripac when I already have tandem webasto heaters and a 1800 watt inverter in my truck.
They always rip off the trucker. Good thinking
Could you explain how you did all the wiring to all the different units it looks amazing
Propane gives off higher amounts of carbon monoxide when not properly getting a complete burn as compared to gasoline. If your going that route I suggest a co sensor mounted inside your sleeper
Run to the exhaust right beside the stack even with the top of the stack and put a 90degree elbow on it make sure it is about 2inches higher than the stack then the wind will carry the fumes off just like the stack had mine like that for 15yrs never had any problems all those gens should be piped out the top same as the stacks then u won't get gases out on your way back to the truck
Someone may have already mentioned, but you CO detector should be no higher than 18" above the floor. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and will fill your truck up like pouring water in a glass.
Carbon monoxide doesn't sink or rise. You should probably do a little bit of research on that
Hello from Canada
you have done a great job, i had thermo king apu for last 6years on my pete and i spend more than CAD $28000 on it including all the maintanance it s not worth it it breaks down to many times i am thinking some thing like yours on my 2020 vnl 760 volvo.
The 90 degree elbow is to keep the rain out of the small stack
Good tip bro 👏👏👏🙌
Great idea for less money
Nice set up! I have a predator 3500 inverter generator on mine. I had same problem with the exhaust. I used 3/4 wire conduit metal pipe welded. Got to go behind first axle and blow there, works fine now no alarms going off. Going to do the battery charger thing you did great idea!
Chad Dombrowski. I rode with a friend to see flatbedding vs van that i had been doing and friend own his own trk and trl so he mounted his generator under the trl and initially had 15 amps for a smaller gen but toasted it and got a bigger one then rewired the trk for 30 amps 220v instead going to trk and used a portable style ac unit. He had a battery tender and driving daytime we drove for half a week with a bad alternator and still had no problem. Running gen at night 10-12 hrs a day charged the batteries back up so he didnt notice right away. When got really cold in Wisconsin he just idled the trk but he was set up where could run the block heater and space heater fine at the same time but didnt want to take the chance of a no start. His trk im sure didnt buy new but head gasket on his c15 started leaking around 600k and when top was off they measured the cylinders and still machine spec of a new block. Very low idle hrs im sure helped that
Nice setup
T into your truck exhaust. Wield a piece of pipe the same size as your exhaust on generator, it will blow out high in the air, no chance of carbon monoxide
Did you build that case for the generator or where can i find it? Looks great
Thank you 👍
Could you not run solid pipe over and up beside truck stack
I got a 3500 watt predator along with a 12000 btu pioneer mini split unit on my semi
Constantynopol Swierczewski did you install the mini split yourself or have it installed? I want to do the same how do you like it?
Nice build! For the guys that suggest installing the exhaust in with the truck exhaust, if your truck engine is a regen type engine I wouldn''t suggest tapping into the truck exhaust. The extreme heat from the regen process probably would not do the generator any good. Your plan to route the exhaust pipe down and out the rear part of the truck with some kind of exhaust flap to keep the road dirt and critters would be a good idea. I especially like how you have it all securely mounted in the box to keep it hidden, looking good, and quiet for yourself and the others around you. I have seen several of these setups where the generator is the cheap, noisy, open design meant for the construction jobsite just hanging from the frame rail in the road crap for the rest of the rest area to have to listen to at night. Your Yamaha generators are built quiet to begin with, and secured in the box probably makes it where you have to see it first, in order to find it. Too bad we cannot find a diesel powered version of one of these small generators for a reasonable price. You could plumb the fuel supply into the truck tank and not have to worry about carrying gasoline in the bunk storage.
matt lee I agree. Would have loved to find a small diesel one. Noise was also a big concern so I wouldn’t bother people around me. All the diesel ones I found, were twice the Decibels.
How about running the gen exhaust into the stack. Up n out just like the truck engine does. Use mostly hard pipe and your monoxide problem should be solved. I would run the pipe into the stack angled up so it doesn't have to compete with the diesel if you run both for any reason than braze it in place. Also fashion a curve on the tip of the small pipe inside to keep rain/snow out (open stack). I suppose a trial run first before permanent install just incase its loud or annoying in the stack??
Most roof mounted ac's don't takes in outside air but, I could be mistaken not looking at it. But if you can run the diesel without smell ya should be ok.
Than move the whole starting panel inside like rv motorhomes.👍Stylin.....
Yeah, that way you don't have to get out or open the box. You just turn the unit on from inside
how can you connect your radiator fan to a honda 2000i with a DC plug
Great set up👍, the lock box is not available do u know were else to get one
I put 2 12in fans on mine one pushing in one pulling out
Where'd you get that metal box? Thank you!
I love this ideal what are some things to do to assure the trucks doesnt catch fire or safety steps you know apu are notrouies for fires ?
The generator does have safety features on it. Low oil, over heat and overload and will automatically shut off. Other then that, fire extinguishers?
Nice!!!
Where did you get the box for your generator? Im having a hard time finding one big enough. Thanks.
Where did you buy steel container that holds the generator thanks man...
Where do you store your tire chains for snow/ice conditions? You gotta have them if you get anywhere the "snow belt".
The side box. My Western Star has chain hooks. So when snow chains requirements become mandatory, I just throw a few sets on the chain hooks.
What do you do for ac when it’s gets hot out?
Where'd you get the box for the unit?
Hey boss hope you doing good,where you get this steel box ?
Well I think I read through 98% of all comments before asking this. But the question I have is how do you perform the oil change on the generator with it being in the box? I love the setup and will for sure be doing the same gen and box setup, but will have to go with a portable ac unit in the cab since it will also be on a company truck.
I have a video somewhere showing oil change. But I just sucked it out with a transfer pump. It get pretty much all the oil out. I used this method when I worked on small engines. Never had an issue.
How did you make a generator box?
You didn't say anything about where you got the air conditioner or how many watts it is, or how you hooked it up
Where did you get the box to put it in
Were did you but the box for the gen
What kind of toolbox did you use? Where could it be found?
looks pretty cool, curious about the ac unit stuff, so you have a separate unit, so you dont use the trucks ac.. interesting, never thought about that.
I used the truck AC while I’m driving. This AC was for sleeping.
Can you tell me where you got your generator box from?
Where did y out get the tool box?
Thanks for sharing. Could you please add name and model# for each accessory installed here..considering for similar application. Thanks.
Best and cheapest place to buy the generator even has free shipping.
www.yamahagenerators.com/EF3000iSEB-p/ef3000iseb.html
The rooftop A/C unit is a Dometic Penguin II
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NRDHTVA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522931404&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dometic+penguin+ii&dpPl=1&dpID=31xV9BFexpL&ref=plSrch
Inside control panel / bottom of A/C
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A2THRZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1522931404&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dometic+penguin+ii&dpPl=1&dpID=51bm5ibuLYL&ref=plSrch
Generator box
www.4truck-accessories.com/portable-generator-box
I like this idea. Nice job!! Where did you find the box for the generator?
Link is in the description, not sure if it’s still available. It’s been 5years since I made this.
Where can I buy that storage box for the apu?
run the APU exhaust into the truck's exhaust that gets it up and away from the ac unit and you need to get pipe on it
Great idea
How much did u spend on ur Apu set up
Boy I wish I know a place that would install the same setup for me in southern CA . I hate my thermo king. Half the time it doesn't work
Try and RV body shop. There are a few big ones in San Berdo off the 215 and 10.
@@DrivingByBraille Thanks I will
Where you get the fan please ????
Nice
From where u got the box for generator
Do you have your fan pulling air out or pushing air into the box ? I’m setting up a similar setup and currently have mine pulling air out of the box with an extended run fuel tank and noticed the extra fuel tank swelling a good bit wasn’t sure if this was the cause or not
I had it setup to pull air out of the box. The exhaust was right there, so I wanted to pull as much of the hot exhaust out. If you have a plastic tank it will swell. During summer, it will swell so much that you could add an extra gallon or more gas. Get steel. I liked this one.
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401810706042
Where you get that generator cord from?
Where you got the box?
Thought about building a system similar to this.
Construct a battery pack style charge while you drive APU. And have shore power as well.
And then if freight rates aren't so hot for a day or so. Just use a generator connected to shore power and any other accessories.
and if they're freight rates aren't really that great for a certain time of the year. Just plug in the shore power back at the shop.
Because no man really needs a house. The house is for the woman.
A man needs a Shop.
Not to mention you can also claim the shop on your taxes.
It's a nice set-up you got there. And you have a good day.
Hi friend, I got 07 truck and I do not have a/c and I run the engine all the time. It's costed me lot of money for it. Would you please make a video how to connect all the electric lines with the a/c installation. Thank you!
Don't know what electrical Lines you mean. Bolt the Generator down. Run anything with a plug to it. If your truck has shore power, Connect the generator to the shore power. Just all depends on how neat you want the cords. If you want to tuck them under your cab and drill holes out the bottom of your sleeper to clean up the cords, or if you just want to run them out of your jockey box. It's all on how "Ghetto" of a look you want.
nice box where you purchase it ?
Kool set up can u let me know how much gas a day the generator waists if u ran 7 hrs a day 7 days a week... thanks or let me know how many hrs u run and cost thanks again
It will run over 10hrs running the TV, a small Fan and an 8000 btu A/C over night. This generator has a 1 gallon tank.
Where did you buy the box
Where u get the box
How is the fan powered and operated. Also how did you bolt your box down?
The box is bolted down with pickup truck tie down hooks or bull hooks. I took off the bitten plastic piece the connects to the pickup truck bed, made the bolt longer. That way I could use straps to strap down the generator to make it easier for maintenance.
The fan is a 12volt car radiator cooling fan. 10inch. A 12v battery charger plug comes with the generator. I just cut the clamps off.. and wired the wires from the fan into that. Works great because as the generator ramps up.. so does the fan.
Driving By Braille , really nice ,I'm trying to do the same think can you help me with the link for ac where did u get it ?
Veaceslav Rosca links to all the equipment in the description.
What AC unit did u use on the top ?
Thank you for posting that looks like a sharp set up. I'm looking to do the same thing only I'm taking the "long shortcut". Having said that, does this mean that you can be 80400 lbs gross?
I would think so? I mean the A/C unit weighs maybe 50-60lbs and the generator weighs around 80lbs. Maybe 150lbs for everything? Not sure. I’m usually under 15k in the box. So I never have to worry about weight issues. Maybe Look up the regulations on what the FMCSA defines as a APU.
Driving By Braille Like I said I'm taking the long short cut lol. The company that I drive for now seems to always haul loads that put you really close to 80k. It is disappointing to have to fuel every 200 miles or so. It just depends on the load. For now my plans are to use a window unit through an Idle Air adapter. I bought a diesel powered generator and plumbed it into a fuel tank.
tiorobot
It depends on whether a generator is considered an APU under the APU weight exemption laws. I say it probably is. You can find a list online of the states that follow the APU weight exemption law and how many pounds they will let you be overweight. The list constantly updates.
The Reviewer . Thanks. I'll look for that online
What. Size. Yammaha genarator is. That. Sir
How do you have it connected generater to battery charger battery charger to regular batters regular batterys to inverter
I don’t have an inverter. Everything is plugged into the generator. The reason I have a battery charger is to keep the batteries charged 100%. The trucks alternator can only charge the batteries between 75-80%. If you never fully charge your batteries, they will only charge to what the alternator gives them lowering the life of the batteries. The current batteries I’m using, I’ve had coming up on 3 years. Most truck batteries get replaced on average every year.
you know what i really like is the espar/ webasto heaters.. they are nice. where did you get your alum box to put your generator in ?
Links to everything is in the description. I have a webasto heater that don’t work. Instead of spending 800-1200 for a new one, I just use a $20 space heater. Think it works better anyways.
@@DrivingByBraille ,, so you power your heater with the gene using an inverter ? or do you plug directly into your gene ? thanks
My truck has shore power, so I go from generator to shore power, which supplies power to all my outlets. Since the generator is an inverter generator. No need to run an inverter.
Does the exhaust fan suck the air from inside the box and blow it out or does it suck air from the outside and blow air in?
I had it sucking the hot air out of the box.
I am looking into portable ac
Did you make the box the generator sits in, or if purchased, what model/where?
There is a link for the box in the description
Great video, can you tell me where you obtained your generator box please ?
can you send the link where you get the box
what kind of pipe is that for the exhaust ? i think you said conduit. i used flex pipe and it is rusty
It’s just plain ol conduit. Nothing special. Someone did mention to wrap exhaust tape around it also so it won’t leak. Haven’t tried it yet to see if it works. But, sounds like a good idea.
Hello, what happen if your jenerator keep working and ac you turned off?
Bad A/C?
what do you call the battery charger, to I can find it online
NOCO Genius G15000.
When you jack knife the trailer it doesnt hit your setup?
I don't jack knife the trailer.. You should never have to crank your trailer pass 90 Degrees.
I had mine set up good. But lost it!!! Must beware of the trailer hitting it when making a tight turn. Mine crushed my box. Caught the corner when making a tight u turn at Pepsi.
Sorry to hear that. I have about a 6inch clearance between the box and trailer when turning. That was my first concern and checked the measurements of the box before it was purchased and installed.
Where did you get this exhaust fan? Is it like a radiator fan?
Bingo!!
Nice for us on a budget.
Does any of that affect your weight on the drives?
Gil Rami
Most states have an APU weight exemption and will let you be overweight some 400 pounds over 80k. The list gets updated continuously as more states adopt this exemption or make revisions to it. But, I am not sure if this generator would qualify as an APU. I think it probably does.
Looking for someone to install one on top of my truck. Any idea
Yeah. RV dealers or anyone that does RV body work/installations. I looked into it. Las Vegas, it would be about $2,000-2,500 for labor. That was 2 years ago. And that was just to cut the hole, mount and run the electrical for the A/C. Everything else was up to me.
Wow how long did it take you to figure out that the genset would overheat and or quit for lack of oxygen without an exhaust fan?
Jan Buch one time with the box completely closed up. Took about 5 mins running at full load. If the box was opened, it did fine. I was 90% sure it wouldn’t work without a fan. But the box was made for a generator and to “properly vent” but didn’t take long to find out, that wasn’t true.
curious why not a diesel generator and run a small fuel line to truck tanks, wouldn't have to deal with gas.
Diesel Generators are a lot louder then gas. Trying to find a diesel gen that is in the 50-60 decibel range is hard to find that isn't over $3,000.
I had a cheap gas generator that was at 75-80 Decibels which is what most diesel generators would run at. It worked good, was only $500 but was super loud and trucks next to me would get pissed.
With your fifth wheel slid back, are you ever overweight, on steers or drivers hauling 44-43k in the box?
I had a dedicated route hauling 15-20k in the box when I had this truck. So, I wouldn’t know.
How did you mount the box to the frame
U-Bolts
That conduit isn't releasing much exhaust, the vents below the fan are your exhaust. Should have mounted the fan higher (heat rises) and opposite side of the vents blowing outward, not inward. Also you should have a cover over the fan to protect it from the elements. Won't last being plastic in the rain etc. BUT, good thinking with the carbon monoxide detector and decent build. Had to watch this on 1.5 speed.
How do build that housing thank you
Box is in the description
I have an ef2000 yamaha, I run a 6000 btu window ac with that, but the ac has go in the window every night, I am considering make a hole in the back just for the unit, I am just tired of picking up the ac everyday, You were saying it will cost 2k to 2.5k ? Is that correct ? A 2 hour job ? 1k a hour
creativereinvestor to have someone cut a hole? I’m not sure what it would cost. I would do it myself. But just find a fabricator in your city. Shouldn’t be more then $500-$1000. The 2k was if you took it to an RV place IF they would install a rooftop A/C unit.
Doesn't that a/c unit exceeds your 13'-6" height?
No.
Where did you buy the box that goes inside the app?
Everything is in the description.
Do you think one of those indoor portable ac units at 13,500 btu would produce the cold the way your roof top one does?
I like the batter charger system you have too.
It should. I was going to go that route. But my bunk is already really small. just have to find a way to vent it. The reason I went with a roof top, is one reason, because AZ and NV. 120 Degree heat is not uncommon. Anywhere else, this system might be a little over kill. But, if you like it snowing in your bunk, this is the way to go!
@@DrivingByBraille I run Texas to cali every week I know all about that az heat. I was thinking of eliminating my closet in order to put that indoor portable ac units, and vent the hose thru the pass side window. Idk if I want to cut open my roof but that set up looks good
How is your height still legal @13”6 with the unit on top of the cab? Thx
The Mack I had only sat about 12-12’6
With the A/C it sat right at 13’6 or flush with the trailer.