A trucker’s cabin is their home away from home. Many long-distance truckers travel an average of 300 days and nights per year.
So, having enough power to run the heat, air conditioning and appliances stopped at night is critical. However, truckers can run into problems when leaving their engine on overnight to power these essential amenities.
Truckers looking for an alternative may wonder, “What is APU?” Keep reading to find out more.
How Does APU Work?
An auxiliary power unit, or APU, is like an onboard generator that powers key comfort features inside the cabin when the truck is not in motion. Drivers do not need to leave their engines running at night to power heating, cooling and other interior amenities.
Instead, the APU turns off the main engine and uses its auxiliary power to operate air conditioning, heating, lighting, appliances and other equipment.
Does APU Run Off of Fuel?
Some APUs run off fuel, whereas other APUs are battery-powered. Most fuel-powered APUs use diesel; however, some rely on propane or natural gas. While diesel is used to power the APU, it needs significantly less fuel than is necessary to run a truck’s engine.
Conversely, all-electric APUs draw their power from batteries that charge while the truck is running. Battery-powered APUs do not run off fuel.
How Does Using an APU Save Money?
Using a heavy-duty truck engine to run the cab’s amenities wastes fuel, produces unnecessary emissions and causes more wear and tear on the engine. According to the EPA, the average long-haul truck idles between five and eight hours each night for over 300 nights each year.
Since every hour of idling uses approximately 0.8 gallons of fuel, truckers may unnecessarily waste between 1,200 and 1,920 gallons every year. And with diesel prices hovering around $5 per gallon, running the engine at night can be costly.
While APUs are not cheap, they can be well worth the investment. Since an APU uses little to no fuel, you will end up saving money.
An APU keeps you from idling the engine at night, meaning there will be less wear that takes place in regard to the engine. In addition, you can avoid costly idling fines imposed by cities and states when using an APU.
What Are the Idling Laws For Truckers?
Truck operators may be inclined to leave their trucks idling at night to regulate their sleeping quarters’ internal temperature. Many cabins have televisions and appliances that often draw their power from the truck’s battery. If the engine isn’t running, truckers risk depleting their battery.
Many states have passed laws to prevent truckers from idling their engines to reduce emissions and noise. Idling laws may vary by state, county and city. Truckers who do not comply could face fines ranging from $25 to $25,000.
Types of APUS for Truckers
When it comes to long-haul trucks, there are two types of APUs available on the market today.
Combustion APUS
Combustion APUs are typically powered by diesel fuel. When they have sufficient fuel, combustion-powered APUs may seem to produce limitless power when operating a truck’s cooling and heating systems and running household appliances, such as coffee pots and microwaves.
A combustible APU is a good fit for drivers who travel long distances. While combustible APUs have sufficient power to keep the truck’s cabin comfortable, frequent maintenance is required. Since a combustible APU works like your engine, you should expect to change the oil, air filters, fuel filters and belts on a regular basis.
Electric APUS
All-electric APUs come with a house battery that receives its charge from the engine’s alternator while the truck is running. A house battery is separate from the truck’s starter battery. When the engine is turned off, the power stored in the house battery kicks in to run the cab’s air, heat and appliances.
All-electric APUs are better for the environment and keep your fuel costs lower since they do not use diesel to operate. Since these APUs draw their power from a battery, not a combustion engine, you’ll avoid having to perform routine maintenance, such as oil and filter changes.
Their biggest drawback, however, is the limited supply of power. All-electric APUs need at least six to 12 hours to sufficiently charge the battery. All-electric APUs typically generate between 10 to 12 hours of battery power, but this can be diminished based on the type and number of amenities used.
Cost of APUs in Transportation
APUs are expensive, with costs ranging from $8,500 to $12,500. Since truck frames vary, you need to make sure that the APU you buy fits to avoid the additional cost of moving other equipment.
While installing an APU may seem expensive, you can save fuel costs and avoid idling fines. To evaluate which APU for trucks can meet your needs, you should consider the distance and locations you typically travel.
Some states may ban combustion APUs fueled by diesel. However, an all-electric APU may not have sufficient power to run your cabin’s amenities.
Advantages of APU
Truckers have plenty of reasons to install a carrier APU in their trucks:
- Makes it easy to save on fuel costs
- Helps truckers avoid idling fines
- Minimizes wear and tear on the engine
There are also advantages for each type of APU. All-electric APUs are better for the environment and require less maintenance. Combustion APUs generate more power.
Disadvantages of APU
There are a few drawbacks truckers should consider before investing in an APU:
- Expensive
- May incur additional costs
- Might not fit the truck’s frame
Combustion APUs require ongoing maintenance and may not be allowed in every state. All-electric APUs need time to charge and may not produce sufficient power to run all your cabin’s amenities.
Stay Comfortable By Installing an APU
Truckers need a comfortable place to relax and sleep after a long ride. An APU produces enough power to run your cab’s amenities so that you can shut off the engine at night.
An APU requires a substantial upfront investment. But the added cost may be well worth it as you save on fuel costs, prolong the life of your truck’s engine and avoid costly idling fines.
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