Category Archives: Blog

There’s an adage in business that if you keep employees happy, they will keep your customers happy. This is certainly true in the ultra-competitive trucking industry.

The truckers who drive for you are brand ambassadors – the face of your company. They are the people that customers see every day. It makes good business sense to help your team enjoy their careers, so they will do their best to make your company successful.

One of the most critical elements of job satisfaction for over-the-road truckers is comfort and convenience during off hours. While working, they also want reliable equipment that will perform well day after day.

When you invest in a Green APU for your trucks, you’ll be making your employees’ jobs easier, and certainly more comfortable, mile after mile.

Let’s look at 6 great reasons why your team will appreciate you for having Green APUs in their rigs.

Comfort & Convenience
Everyone knows it’s not easy being an over-the-road trucker. When your employees’ shifts are done for the day, they deserve some quality relaxation. The Green APU provides your drivers with everything they need to enjoy the comforts of home, including plenty of power for heat, air conditioning, and indoor lighting.

Whether they are using the microwave to heat a meal, watching TV, charging a cell phone, using a laptop, or doing all these things at the same time, the Green APU will generate all the electric power they want to enjoy their off hours.

Making Their Job Easier   
In addition to the creature comforts of home Green APU provides, it can also make your drivers’ jobs a little easier. Our built-in engine preheat will ensure easy start-ups on cold winter mornings.

Green APU’s battery monitoring function also keeps the truck’s batteries at full charge, so your drivers never have to worry about a dead, or undercharged battery when it’s time to hit the road.

Authorized Distribution Centers
On the road, convenience is everything. We have authorized Distribution Centers across the nation that can help your drivers with any sales, service, or parts they need to keep their Green APUs running strong 24/7.

Parts Available Everywhere
If they can’t get to a Distribution Center right away, your drivers will love that nearly all components for their Green APU are available nationwide at any auto parts store.  

Lifetime 24/7 Technical Support
Green APU offers lifetime, 24/7 technical support. Should your drivers need to ask a question, or require assistance to resolve an issue, our team is ready to help day or night!

New Quieter Exhaust System    
Green APU’s newly designed, expanded air filter and exhaust extension reduces noise levels by an average of 30%, and will appear on all new Green APU units. An easy-to-install, bolt-on upgrade kit is available for units already in service.

Green APU – A Win-Win for Everyone!   
We know every good trucking company wants to treat their drivers well, as they are the backbone of the business. As an owner, Green APU brings so many benefits to your company, including substantial fuel savings.

Your drivers will appreciate that you care enough about their comfort and convenience to invest in a Green APU. To learn more about how you can keep your drivers happy as they haul freight down the highways, contact us today!

April 22^nd is Earth Day. Started in 1970, the annual celebration brings millions of people from 193 nations together to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

Everyone at Green APU is committed to making the world a cleaner place for us all to enjoy. In this blog, let’s look at four distinct ways Green APU has had a positive impact on the environment.

 

Fuel Savings

When it comes to fuel savings, Green APU leads the industry in being Earth-friendly. Historically, truck drivers have idled their diesel engines during off time to power the cab’s heat, cooling, and electricity.

According to the EPA, the typical diesel truck burns over a gallon of fuel for every hour the vehicle idles. That’s 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week, and 2,000 hours annually.

The Green APU on the other hand, consumes just over ¼ of a gallon per hour. Not only is this 75% decrease in consumption significant in fuel cost savings, but also in the reduction of emissions being released into the atmosphere.

 

Extending the Life of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Every diesel truck manufactured since 2007 has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), designed to reduce the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere.

As more fuel is consumed, the DPF must work harder to trap pollutants. Eventually, DPFs must be replaced, as they get clogged and lose their effectiveness.

Green APU will extend the use of your DPF by reducing the number of pollutants it must trap over its service life. Longer-lasting DPFs reduce the number of replacement units that must be manufactured, which cuts down on scrap, waste, and landfill usage during the production process.

 

Battery Service Life

A truck’s batteries are critical to its operation. In extremely hot or wintry weather, batteries can wear down, decreasing their service life. Keeping a truck’s batteries charged will not only optimize their performance, but also extend longevity.

In addition to powering the heat, A/C, and electricity for your truck while not on the road, the Green APU also keeps your batteries fully charged. This will do wonders for getting more years of reliable service from them.

 

Celebrating Earth Day – The Green APU Way

From our first day in business, we have been committed to manufacturing the best APU the industry has to offer. We take great pride that thousands of our fuel-efficient, reliable, and tough-as-nails APUs are in service each day across the U.S. and North America.

As another Earth Day approaches, every driver with a Green APU on board their truck can feel proud they are doing their part to make the world a little greener.

 

Happy Earth Day!

Every trucker who has spent time on the road knows it’s not an easy job. Making life as comfortable as possible is the key to success. One of the greatest developments in the trucking industry over the past few decades has been the widespread use of Auxiliary Power Units or APUs. Because today’s APUs are complicated machines and involve a considerable financial investment, it’s critical you choose the right one for your specific needs. In this blog, let’s take a look at 6 key factors for you to consider when choosing an Auxiliary Power Unit for your truck. Product Quality One of the most important factors to think about when choosing an APU is product quality. You’ll need to depend on your APU all year long, including during the blistering heat of summer, and the frigid temperatures of winter. For truckers, an APU failure is not an option. Make sure the unit you purchase is made from top-quality parts and assembled in a modern production facility. When it comes to investing in an APU, quality is everything. Dependability Before you decide on an APU, read up on the product’s dependability record. Does the unit you’re considering have a good history of being reliable? What do reviews say about it? Learn all you can about what other truckers think of the unit. For after all, what good is an APU if you can’t trust it to be dependable? Do your homework! Parts Availability Even the best APU units will need replacement parts from time to time. As you look for your next APU, find out how easy it is to get parts for it, should you need them. Are parts available nationwide, or do they need to be ordered and shipped? There’s great peace of mind knowing that parts for your APU are available pretty much anywhere. Fuel Efficiency One of the many benefits of having an APU on board your rig is fuel savings. APUs provide all the electricity you need when not driving, so you don’t have to idle your engine all night. But when it comes to fuel economy, not all APUs are the same. Some units are known for their frugal, fuel-sipping ways, while others not so much. Before you decide on a unit, be sure to check on how good it is at conserving fuel.

Fuel economy is only part of the equation. See how much a semi-truck APU costs to weigh purchase price against what you save.

Warranty An APU is only as good as the company that stands behind it. As you take a look at different units in the marketplace, find out what kind of warranty is offered with them. This will be important information should you have any issues in the future. Service Ease In addition, how easy will it be to get your APU serviced? If you are an OTR trucker who drives coast to coast, this will be especially critical. Make life easier for yourself, not harder by picking an APU with a great warranty, and service network. Green APU is the ONLY Choice! When it comes to looking at product quality, dependability, parts availability, fuel efficiency, warranty, and ease of service for your next APU, Green APU is a no-brainer! With over a decade of experience and thousands of trouble-free hours out on the road, our APU is the best unit available anywhere. 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 burns only 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 around 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, put the stress of purchasing a new APU aside and join the Green APU family! We guarantee it will be the best decision you ever made! Learn more about Green APU here.

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, unlimited 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.