The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is one of the most important pieces of equipment on a semi-truck. In this blog, we will discuss what to look for in an APU, so you can enjoy many worry-free miles as you head down the open road.
What is an Auxillary Power Unit (APU)?
Simply put, an APU is a tractor trailer’s power plant when the driver is off the road and enjoying some much deserved rest. Powered by a highly efficient small diesel engine, an Auxillary Power Unit not only supplies a driver with heat, A/C and all the electricity that they need, but some can also monitor the truck’s battery and preheat its engine for easy startups, no matter what the weather is outside.
APU’s are also very environmentally friendly, as they eliminate the need for a truck driver to idle their engine all night in order to power the truck’s living area.
What to Look for when Choosing an Auxillary Power Unit
Choosing the right APU for your truck is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Let’s take a look at some of the major factors to consider when making an investment in an Auxillary Power Unit.
Dependability
When it’s minus 5 degrees on a dark winter night or a blazing 120 degrees in the middle of summer, you need to be able to count on your APU to operate at top performance. The unit you purchase for your rig has to have a record of dependability, even under the toughest conditions. When you buy your next APU, you need to be confident that it won’t let you down.
Comfort
There is a direct relationship between how much energy an APU can produce and the level of comfort you enjoy when off the road. One of the main purposes of an APU is to provide truck drivers with all of the comforts of home, including heat, air conditioning and enough electric power to run the TV, crockpot, microwave, and other appliances in the sleeper area.
Fuel Savings
Many APU’s run on diesel fuel and burn only a fraction of the fuel that idling your truck for many hours does. Over time, you can save a significant amount of money in wasted fuel costs, as well as a considerable amount of wear and tear on your engine.
Parts Availability
Another major consideration as you decide which APU to purchase is the availability of replacement parts should they be needed. How easy will it be to get simple components like V-belts anywhere around the country? Will the APU you choose need special parts that only can be ordered from the manufacturer? Knowing this in advance will save many hours of frustration and down time of your equipment.
The Green APU Difference
With over a decade of experience and thousands of trouble free hours out on the road, the Green APU is the best Auxillary Power Unit available in the marketplace. Because APU’s are all we build, we are 100% focused on industry leading quality.
Our 5th generation Star Edition is powered by a highly reliable 3 cylinder, Kubota diesel engine, which makes it the most powerful APU in the industry. In addition, our pre-heat and battery monitoring technology will ensure that your truck starts every time, regardless of the weather.
Our unit only burns ¼ of a gallon of fuel per hour, which will save you thousands of dollars in fuel and regeneration costs each year. Our APU’s are built in the Chicago area, utilizing an all-aluminum casing and a single, self-adjusting serpentine belt that is 3X stronger than a traditional V-belt.
The Star Edition uses all off-the-shelf components, so replacement parts are available at any auto parts stores around the country or through our nationally recognized repair centers.
We are so confident about our product that we offer a 2 year, 3,000 hour warranty, which is double that of our competition.
Last but not least, the Green APU is less expensive than any other comparable unit in the marketplace.
So when the time comes for you to consider an Auxillary Power Unit for your truck, look no further than Green APU! We have you covered. Want to learn more about us? Contact us today for more information. Let us help you work smarter not harder out on the open road.
