I have been informed that I will be getting a new truck with the APU. I dont know crap about them. I really dont want to look like a complete idiot when they force me to pick up my truck from the shop ( I HATE moving!!)&(I hate breaking in new trucks!!) Can ya'll tell me about these units? Thanks in advance.

 

There really is not much to tell.

In the sleeper there will be a control panel to turn the APU On and Off and a thermostat to set the temp. You also may have one or more 110v outlets in the sleeper that will have power when the APU is running.

On the outside of the truck, typically on the frame just in front of the drives, will be a box that holds the APU. Pretty much all you will need to do is check the oil and coolant level in it from time to time. (Assuming that it is not plumbed into the trucks oil and coolant system. )

Since this is something new to you it would be a good idea to ask the shop about driver maintenance and whether or not the APU needs to be manually shut down before starting the truck. Some do and some don't.

 

Mind if I ask what APU means? Is it some kind of climate control..?

 

Auxilliary (sp?)
Power
Unit

It makes it so you can run the Heat or A/C without the truck running.

 

What company do you drive for?

 

I drive for a small company out of Abilene, Tx. CCC Transportation, which is leased from Corley Westel Freightliner, out of Abilene also.

 

Love my Thermo King Tri Pack, even thought of making a recording of it purrring away under the sleeper for when I am home in bed The Tri Pack is totaly automatic, (It is basicaly a motor driven battery charger. Everything runs off the batteries, inverter, and when it sences they need charging it fires up) shuts off when you turn on the truck, starts up (if need be) when you shut off. The Carrier, and most other units, you have to start them when you need them and shut them back off.
Would never buy another truck without one on.