Category Archives: Blog

For anyone who says the life of a truck driver is easy, they clearly haven’t done it. Truckers keep this country running every day, from coast to coast. While it’s true there’s no place like home, today’s truck drivers have a variety of electronic gadgets available to them to make day-to-day life out on the highway a little more comfortable.

In this blog, let’s take a look at 6 electronic devices that can help make a trucker’s quality of life a lot better.

Tablet or Lap Top

When you’re done after a long day of driving, having a tablet or laptop available is a good way to unwind, and catch up with the world. Whether you want to check email, watch some TV, or surf the web, there’s always plenty of entertainment to be found on an iPad or laptop.

Wireless Hotspot Device

If you’re going to spend some of your hard-earned downtime on a tablet or laptop, you’ll need to be connected to the internet. A wireless hotspot device can provide web access to your computer or iPad, no matter where you are parked for the night.

Many major cell phone companies offer affordable monthly packages, all priced on the amount of data you want to use. For a truck driver, having reliable internet service in your rig is worth its weight in gold!

Dash Cam

If your company doesn’t already provide one, investing in a good quality dash cam is a great idea. A lot of things can happen out on the road, and having a dash cam recording of what happens on the other side of your windshield can help protect you both legally and financially should an incident occur.

GPS Unit for Trucks

Several GPS manufacturers sell units that are specifically designed for truckers. Loaded with special software, truck GPS units provide a great amount of information not available on passenger car devices.

Load in specific details about your tractor/trailer, and receive specialized data such as route and sharp curve warnings, bridge heights, weight limits, service and food locations, as well as other great information. A semi GPS unit can go a long way in making your job as a trucker a whole lot easier.

Power Strip for Charging

When it comes to being comfortable on the road, convenience is the name of the game. Like most people today, many truckers have cell phones, tablets, lap tops and other devices on board their rigs that all need to stay charged.

A power strip with multiple USB ports is a great way to keep all of your electronic gadgetry charged up so everything will be ready to go when you get off the road. It is also an easy way to keep your charging wires organized and in one place.

Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum

It doesn’t take long for the inside of your rig to start looking a bit nasty as dirt and debris build up from driving each day.

Keep your truck looking sharp with a small wet/dry vacuum that you can store away when not in use. Not only will it help clean up dry dirt and dust, but also wet stuff like spills or mud. You’ll be surprised how much more pleasant your cab’s interior will be when it’s nice and tidy.

The Convenience, Reliability & Comfort of Green APU

We’re always super proud when customers tell us how much they love the Green APU in their rigs.

With over a decade of experience and thousands of trouble-free hours out on the road, the Green APU is the best Auxiliary Power Unit available in the marketplace.

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.

The Green APU only burns ¼ of a gallon of fuel per hour, which will save you thousands of dollars in fuel and regeneration costs each year. The Star Edition uses all off-the-shelf components, so replacement parts are available at auto parts stores across the country, or through our nationally recognized distribution centers.

We are so confident about our product that we offer a 2-year, 3,000-hour warranty.

So, get out there trucker, and grab some electronic gadgets to enjoy out on the road! We will keep them powered up, guaranteed!

Learn more about Green APU here.

Who says you can’t eat good out on the open road? When you have a Green APU on board your rig, the comforts of home are right at your fingertips.

For many truckers, eating healthfully can be a challenge, especially when time in between loads is limited. But with a little planning and the right equipment, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals anytime.

In another blog, we reviewed several appliances that are available to over the road truckers that can be used to prepare meals. Whether you choose a crock pot, an electric skillet, a microwave, an air popper, or all of the above, you can cook practically anything you want in no time.

Let’s take a look at 8 great recipes you can easily prepare in your truck with one of these great products.

 

Crock Pot

If you are into “set it and forget it” cooking a crock pot is the perfect solution. It’s almost impossible to name all the delicious dishes you can make with one.

 

Chili

Who doesn’t love a hot, delicious bowl of chili after a long day? Try this one next time you get a taste for some comfort food.

https://www.thecookierookie.com/crockpot-chili-recipe/

 

Mac & Cheese

There are few more perfect foods than mac and cheese! Creamy, cheesy and delicious, this classic dish is a winner every time. It’s super easy to make mac and cheese in your truck’s crock pot.

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-mac-and-cheese-in-the-slow-cooker-226813

 

Electric Skillet

Having an electric skillet is like having a stove and oven in your truck. The meal possibilities are virtually endless.

Southwest Breakfast Wrap 

https://www.bhg.com/recipe/southwest-breakfast-wrap/

 

 

Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken

https://www.bhg.com/recipe/lemon-thyme-roasted-chicken-with-fingerlings/

Microwave Oven

Since its introduction back in the 1970’s, microwave ovens have changed the game when it comes to cooking. Today’s compact microwaves are perfect for trucks, and whether you prepare food or buy it packaged, a microwave does a great job heating up your favorite dishes.

 

Corn on the Cob

Delicious corn on the cob is a treat all year long. Corn goes with just about any meat, including steak, chicken, and pork. Add a little butter and salt to the corn, and you will have yourself a wining meal every time.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_easiest_way_to_microwave_corn_on_the_cob/

 

Bacon  

Try and find someone who doesn’t love bacon! Bacon goes with everything. Whether you want it with your eggs in the morning, or a BLT sandwich at lunch, microwave bacon is fantastic.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_easiest_way_to_microwave_corn_on_the_cob/

 

Air Fryers

Air fryers make cooking a wide variety of foods easy, and more healthful than other traditional ways of preparing meals. Food made with an air fryer often contains fewer calories and fat, since oil and other additives are not used.

 

French Fries

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/appliances/air-fryer-french-fries

 

Smores

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/best-way-to-make-smores

 

Green APU Makes Your Truck a Home Away from Home

Every day, the team at Green APU has one goal in mind – to help our customers out on the road get the job done in comfort. If you want an APU that will make your life easier, and better, and save money, you can count on Green APU. Let’s get cooking!

When you have a Green APU on board your rig, it becomes a home away from home. When you are off the road getting some much-needed downtime, your APU powers your electricity, heat, A/C, and anything else you might need.

One thing we all love to do is eat! There’s nothing like a great meal to enjoy while you are resting between trips. There are a number of ways you can cook delicious, quick, and healthy meals in your truck.

Let’s look at 4 cooking appliances that will keep the great meals coming as you travel down the open road.

 

Slow Cooker  

A slow cooker, often referred to as a crock pot is one of the most versatile ways to cook healthy and delicious meals in your truck.

From stews to soups, and pretty much everything else in between, a slow cooker is easy to use, as it does all the work for you. Just put the ingredients for your favorite recipe in the pot, and put the cover on. In no time, you will have a wonderful meal ready to eat at your convenience. Best of all, the clean up is really easy with a slow cooker.

Get some great Crock Pot recipes here.

 

Electric Skillet

Whether it be a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, a steak with vegetables, or beautifully seasoned chicken, the eating possibilities are endless with an electric skillet. You can roast, fry, grill, stew, or bake a wide variety of meats and sides.

If you are feeling ambitious, try your hand at a few casseroles too! The key to good eating in your truck is ease of use, convenience, and easy clean up. A non-stick electric skillet does all of this and more!

Check out these great electric skillet recipes.

 

 Microwave

No rig would be complete without a microwave oven. Since the 1970s, microwaves have changed the way we all cook. There’s no limit to the food options you can enjoy with a microwave.

Whether you have a taste for chili on a brisk fall day, a delicious plate of pasta, some spicy chicken wings, or want to heat up a piece of apple pie to go with some ice cream, a microwave is a trucker’s best friend.

If you don’t want to take the time to prepare ingredients to cook, there are many packaged meals that you can keep in your mini-fridge, or on the shelf that would be great in the microwave.

Get lots of great microwave recipes here.

 

Small Air Fryer

Want to cook up some tender steak, your favorite flavor of wings, or some french fries? A small air fryer is your go-to product!

Free of any oil and messy clean-ups, air fryers use a heating element to produce intense heat, while a fan circulates it around. The rapid movement of heated air cooks food evenly, without burning or undercooking.

Air frying can produce many healthy meals because it does not require fatty oils to cook your food. In addition, many meals cooked in an air fryer are lower in fat and calories.

Want to get air frying? Check out these great recipes!

 

Keep Cooking Down the Road with Green APU

The team at Green APU has the greatest respect for our truck driver customers. You keep our nation going with all the loads you deliver each day.

We are proud of the reputation our APU has earned over the years for its rugged dependability and unmatched quality. Our team wants you to enjoy your off time to the fullest extent possible. Put a Green APU on your rig, and you’ll feel like you never left home!

Learn more about Green APU here. See you down the road!

Ask Patrick Series

“What Goes On After a Race?” 

 

One thing we know for sure, Rally racing is not for the faint of heart. To be successful, it takes an entire team to work together toward a single goal – winning.  In this edition, we caught up with Green APU Rally USA Racing driver Patrick Gruszka to discuss what goes on at the end of a typical Rally race.

 

How long is a typical race?

Patrick: “For us, the actual race really starts about a week before, with all of our preparation. We start by doing a lot of testing, and then move onto “Recce” (scouting the roads of competition before the event). Then after all that, it is time to run the actual race.  We will do about 300 miles, with half of those being the race itself”.

 

How do you feel after a race? Exhausted? Full of energy?

 Patrick: ”As a team, we go through a lot of training in order to minimize the recovery time after an event. Regardless of those efforts, everyone is pretty tired after a race.”

 

What happens immediately after a race? Does the car have to be inspected? 

Patrick: “After a race, the car goes back to our shop, so our team can do a comprehensive inspection, and repair or replace anything that is needed.”  

 

What do you learn after looking at the car when a race is finished?

Patrick: “I think about a lot of things. The first thing I do is reflect on how well I drove, and whether there was anything I could have done better. As far as the car goes, we look at its overall condition, and determine what parts will need fixing or replacing for the next run.”

 

What parts need replacing on the car after a race?

Patrick: “We will fix or replace anything that needs attention. Usually, the parts that need repair or replacement the most are the ones that get worn during a race, such as the suspension etc.”

 

What other activities go on after a race? 

Patrick: “The minute a race is over, we start prepping for the next one. During this time, we also start working on the post event videos that we put out for fans.”

 

Tell us about packing up after a race.

 Patrick: “As you can imagine, we have a lot of equipment and gear with us for a race. After we pack up our tools, tires, and other pieces of equipment, the last thing to go in the trailer is the car itself.”

 

How long does it take to get home?

 Patrick: “Races take place in many locations, so it ranges from just a few hours in some cases, to over a week.”

 

What is done to the car to prepare for the next race?

 Patrick: “Anything and everything that is needed. We inspect the car very carefully to make sure we are 100% ready to compete again.”

 

The difference between a comfortable driving experience and one you’d rather forget often includes the addition or lack of an auxiliary power unit (APU). The APU, also known as an APU heater, or truck heater, does much more than heat the cab. Learn how an APU heater can keep you warm this winter (and cool in summer) for miles of comfort.  

How Does an Auxiliary Power Unit Work?

An APU is like a small power generator for 18-wheelers. The APU heater works by combustion fuel, including natural gas, propane, or diesel. Combustion APUs have unlimited power as long as you have fuel. Run out of fuel, and you’ll run out of power. Combustion APUs are ideal for truckers whose 18-wheelers are practically their second home. An APU will automatically charge the main battery and keep the engine and coolants at an optimal temperature.

Electric or battery-powered APUs are other options. They are generally quieter and require less maintenance than a diesel APU. Electric APUs have a limited running time. If batteries need to be recharged, it will require running the truck engine or sourcing an electrical outlet. Batteries can take 6- 12 hours to charge.

What Does the APU Power?

Home is where the comfort is, and for truckers, that usually means a sleeper cab. Many sleeper cabs include a bed with options of a single or space enough for two. There are cabs with bunk bed styles too. You may find cabs with a desk, storage options, appliances, USB and 12-volt charging ports, and outlets. Ceiling lights and ambient lighting are also available. Essentially a sleeper cab can offer all the comforts of home, and those comforts need to run on some type of energy.   

The APU will supply energy for the heater, air conditioner, TV, microwave ovens, mini fridge, video game system, appliances, and lighting. An APU heater can maintain the cabin temperature the way you like it throughout the seasons.

Is an APU Environmentally Friendly?

With no need for idling through the night to power cooling, heating, and appliances, the APU is a green alternative over battery APUs. Even the noise level of an APU generator will produce very low levels of sound, making it ideal when stopping at crowded rest stops or truck plazas. 

Another great advantage of the APU is the cost savings of fuel. According to the US Department of Energy, an idling truck can waste 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour. A truck will waste even more carrying a full load. A year’s worth of idling will quickly cut into a trucker’s bottom line.

Currently, many states have enacted legislation to minimize vehicle idling in the US. In some cases, idling can only occur for three to five minutes at a time and hefty fines for those who exceed the limit. For a look at laws and regulations for each state, The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has a handy foldable cab card for easy reference. With an APU heater, there’s no need for idling, and it’s easy to comply with regulations.

The APU can offer an affordable, environmentally friendly solution that saves money and gives truckers a more comfortable living experience. A restful living experience means truckers wake up refreshed and ready for the road ahead.

Green APU Delivers Comfort, Safety, and Savings

Green APU can offer an affordable, environmentally friendly solution that saves money and gives truckers a more comfortable living experience. No need to idle your truck to keep warm or wonder if the battery-operated APU will stop in the middle of the freezing night.

With a Green APU system, you’ll get a good night’s sleep so you can get back on the road feeling your best. A diesel APU will be an investment, but for a cleaner, safer, quieter, idle-free system that supports driver comfort, it really can’t be beat. Contact us today for questions on service and support, or financing options.

 

Providing comfort, quality and reliability have always been the foundation of everything we do at Green APU. Like the rest of our company, the engines that power our Auxiliary Power Units have evolved over time.  

Let’s take a look at the history of the Green APU, and provide some basic information about each one.

Green APU Star Edition (5^th Generation) – The Unit We Sell Today!

Our Star Edition 5^th Generation APU is the most advanced product we have ever offered and is the only APU that is sold by us today. We carry parts for our older generations of engines, but only now sell the Green APU Star Edition.

Built and assembled in the U.S.A. from our Chicago area location, the Star Edition is powered by the road-proven 3 cylinder Kubota engine, making it the most powerful APU in the industry.

Weighing just over 350 pounds, the unit features a non-rusting, all-aluminum casing and a single, self-adjusting serpentine belt that is three times stronger than a traditional V-belt set up.

We put the Green in the APU industry. Our unit burns just a little more than a ¼ gallon of fuel each hour, saving more than $8,000 in diesel fuel costs and regeneration expenses each year.

 In addition, our engine pre-heat and battery monitoring technology will make sure that your rig starts back up every time, no matter how hot or cold it is outside.

We are so confident in our STAR Edition APU that we offer a 2 Year, 3,000 hour warranty and lifetime 24/7 Technical Support! In addition, this unit only needs preventive maintenance performed every 1,000 working hours.

Older Generations of Engines – We Have Your Parts!

Our older generations of APU’s were powered by a number of top quality engine manufactures, such as Perkins, (2 & 3 cylinders), Caterpillar, Yanmar (3 cylinder) and Kubota (3 cylinder).

Need Parts?  We’ve got you covered by selling all the parts you need for these older APU’s! However, if you are looking for a new APU from us, the 5^th Generation Star Edition is what we sell today.  

 Green APU’s Preventive Maintenance (PM) Services

Let us keep your Green APU running strong with our comprehensive PM services!

Our current 5^th Generation Star Edition requires PM every 1,000 working hours. Older APU’s need it at 600 working hours.

Our complete PM services include:

• Oil Change (10W-30 or 15W-40)
• Replace Oil Filter
• Replace Fuel Filter
• Replace Air Filter
• Cabin Filter Cleaning
• Belt Inspection / Replacement
• Overall Inspection

For more information about your APU, please see our Operations Manual & Reference Guide.

Helping You Get Down the Road of Success  

Whether you are looking to purchase a new Star Edition 5^th Generation APU from us or need parts for your older model, we are your one stop solution. Contact us today to learn more about our newest APU, available parts or PM services!

 

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.

Learn More About Green APU

Find a Location Near You

Any truck driving company knows that the truck driver turn-over rate is always high. So naturally, fleet owners are always looking for new ways to keep drivers longer. For soure higher pay and great benefits help, but it doesn’t solve one of the key issues of driver comfort, and the peace of mind of a dependable vehicle. A way to help with this is an auxiliary power unit for semi trucks, or APU.

A truck APU offers various benefits:

• Reduced engine wear
• Fuel savings
• Reduced emissions
• Compliance with no idle laws
• Increased driver comfort during rest periods = increased driver retention
• High return on investment

What is an APU?

An APU unit offers electricity (heater, ac etc.) without having to run the vehicle. Some run on diesel, while others are powered by electricity as well and need shore power. They are sometimes available factory-installed (e.g. Navistar, Freightliner, Mack, and Volvo) or can be added after purchase..

A green APU ranges from $8,000 – $10,000, but the return investments are high, and the benefits undeniable. Not only does using a truck APU reduce engine wear and fuel consumption, but it helps reduce driver turn-over by greatly increasing comfort. This saves you from the time and money for recruitment, hiring, and training, and helps you to build a strong loyal team of drivers.

APUs, a great alternative to idling

The term “Idling” for diesel truck engines refers to when the truck is not moving, but it is still running, consuming fuel and giving off emissions. With no-idling laws becoming more commonplace, investing in a truck apu will save you a lot of trouble.

APU units give drivers an alternative to idling without having to sacrifice their comfort, while also combating negative effects of idling, like reducing engine wear, fuel consumption, and emissions. No-idling laws were put in place to cut emissions and reduce noise, and can carry fines from the $50-$500 range, however, penalties can reach $25,000 and one-year in prison! These fines not only affect drivers, but property owners can even be fined for allowing idling on their property. APU units help to avoid all of the fines and stresses involved with idling.

Last but not least, reducing idling with a green APU helps you save money on fuel. Though diesel prices are low now, they are rising and it is not expected that they will drop any time soon. Proactively getting a truck APU helps you save money now, and in the future. As well, fuel savings can help smaller fleets stay afloat in a competitive market.

Learn More About Green APU

Find a Location Near You