The APU Advantage: Empowering Truckers with Flexibility and Cost Savings
Table of Contents
An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small engine or generator designed to provide auxiliary power to your truck. The energy produced by the APU means you can heat and cool your cab without the truck idling. It also allows you to power household electronics that make life inside your cab more efficient. In the fast-paced world of trucking, where time is money and costs matter, finding innovative solutions that keep finances in check is crucial.
Your truck is your home away from home and there are a lot of things you might want to power up while you are going about your daily tasks. Can your Thermo King APU keep the mini fridge cold? No problem! Your APU is ready for the job! Charge your cell phone while you sleep? Your new APU has more than enough power to handle that job.
What Does an APU do on a Semi
Keeping costs low is a top priority for over-the-road drivers and the APU helps you reach that goal by significantly reducing fuel consumption during rest periods. Fuel costs are one of your major expenses as a trucker and your APU is one of the many ways to trim your budget. Diesel-powered APUs do require you to purchase fuel, increasing your budget, but the cost is still much lower than allowing your truck to idle. When you pull into your parking spot for the night, you can rest easy knowing your climate-controlled cab isn’t also draining your pocketbook.
But what kind of savings can you expect? Fuel consumption for an APU ranges from .6 gallons to 1.1 gallons per hour. Curtis, a 12-year-over-the-road driver, stated, “I can see a huge difference in fuel savings when using my APU. My Thermo King Tri-Pac burns an average of .6 gallons per hour.” He stated this is a significant savings compared to letting his truck idle in an attempt to maintain temperature control in his cab.
How Much Fuel Does an APU Burn per Hour?
The main advantage of an APU is its ability to enhance fuel efficiency. You’re a small business owner and a huge part of that is ensuring you are making smart choices that lead to a profitable business. Your Thermo King APU can help with this too! Keeping costs low is a top priority for over-the-road drivers and the APU helps you reach that goal by significantly reducing fuel consumption during rest periods. Fuel costs are one of your major expenses as a trucker and your APU is one of the many ways to trim your budget. Diesel-powered APUs do require you to purchase fuel, increasing your budget, but the cost is still much lower than allowing your truck to idle. When you pull into your parking spot for the night, you can rest easy knowing your climate-controlled cab isn’t also draining your pocketbook.
But what kind of savings can you expect? Fuel consumption for an APU ranges from .6 gallons to 1.1 gallons per hour. Curtis, a 12-year-over-the-road driver, stated, “I can see a huge difference in fuel savings when using my APU. My Thermo King Tri-Pac burns an average of .6 gallons per hour.” He stated this is a significant savings compared to letting his truck idle in an attempt to maintain temperature control in his cab.
APUs Reduce Noise Pollution
APUs have much smaller engines that are quiet in comparison to the engine under your truck hood. While they aren’t silent, by any means, the noise reduction is noticeable and appreciated by anyone within earshot. This is especially helpful in overcrowded truck stops where your neighbors need a good night’s rest before they head out on the open road. Your APU ensures you have a climate-controlled cabin without dealing with the noise of an idling engine. Your neighbors will be grateful!
APUs Extend Vehicle Lifespan
Eliminating the need to idle your engine means you are reducing the wear and tear on your truck. The engine is the heart of your truck, and its longevity is crucial for your success as a driver. Using the APU results in a significant reduction in the number of hours your truck’s engine is running.
The same can be said for the truck’s electrical system and AC system. Replacing batteries and alternators can be costly and repairs cut down on the time you can be on the road. By relying on the APU, you can extend the life of these components, have a climate-controlled cab, and keep those semi-wheels turning.
Thermo King Tripac Evolution APU FAQs
What APUs are available on the trucks at Pedigree Truck and Trailer Sales?
Our Freightliner Cascadias are all equipped with the Thermo King TriPac Evolution APU. Thermo King’s goal is to bring the comforts of home to you wherever you are for the night, reduce your fuel consumption, and eliminate tractor engine idling. You can learn more about the Thermo King TriPac Evolutions APU here.
How much fuel can I expect to save with an APU installed?
Thermo King estimates that their Tripac Evolutions APU can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 2,5000 gallons per. Ready to see exactly what that number looks like for you? Head to Thermo King and check out their APU Payback Calculator. The calculator walks you through seven quick questions that can help you see exactly how much savings you can expect based on your driving habits and current fuel rates.
Can I use an APU to power my truck’s electrical appliances and devices while on the road?
Yes! Your APU unit has the power to run appliances and devices. Your APU charges your truck’s batteries and can run small appliances up to 1500 watts. It is up to the driver to ensure they are not overloading the APU and to make responsible decisions on which appliances to run together.
How do I use the Thermo King Tripac Evolution APU?
Truck Expert Tyler is here to teach you the basics in this 3 part series:
How to Use Your APU Part 1
How to Use Your APU Part 2
How to Use Your APU Part 3
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