I just located a 12 volt water pump and the correct capacitor for my unit. They should be here Wed. morning.
So far I have replaced:
1.The single cyl diesel engine (when the people who built it did the machine work for the coolant temp, oil drain, and coolant level holes, they left metal shavings in the crank case and it plugged up the oil spray nozzle for the crank bearings).10 hrs on it.
2.The starter shook apart, and the solenoid self destructed.25 hrs on it.
3.Fuel pump burned out with 30 hrs on it.
4.Capacitor burned out with 40 hrs on it.
5.Water pump stopped working because the capacitor burned out. So I changed it from a 110 volt pump to a 12 volt pump. 40 hrs on it.
6.I fabricated an idler pulley bracket to make belt changed more efficient.
7.I fabricated a new base plate with better rubber isolators to handle the vibration better.

Now this unit is a Dog House Express APU I'ma start selling these things online :wink:

That's just it Doghouse, their selling these APU's for ridiculously high prices, then they fall apart. I'd rather take a chance on something like the rev's generator and a roof top unit than pay these crooks 8-10 grand for something that "might" hold up for 2 or 3 months before it starts failing.

On another note:

I've got a friend who has a Rigmaster and just LOVES it. But, he was talking about how with fuel being as high as it is, buying an Espar bunk heater to keep from having to run the Rigmaster this winter. He thinks the fuel savings from NOT running the Rigmaster will pay for the Espar. AND NOW, we have Steve about to install a rooftop a/c on his truck because the Rigmaster isn't doing the job in the summer. What does that make the APU's out to be?

A set-up like rev's ( although I would go with the rooftop) coupled with an Espar (or similiar) bunk heater is the way to go in my opinion.

Arky

I agree, when I put my system together I planned on useing a rooftop, from years of RVing, I knew hot hard it was to cool a vehicle.
I paid $3,500 for my APU and it's just a diesel genset, nothing else. My mistake was not going with a better company. I chose A-Trans (they are out of business now also), they had a great web-site and great testimonials, 2 locations that did the work. I opted to do the work myself. The day it arrived I tried to return it. It looked like a 10th grade shop project gone all wrong. My mistake,...no return policy, so I'm stuck with it. I made the best of it, and if it doesn't work after this,...it's going into the bay.

For heat I chose a catalytic propane heater made for RV's also. I'm not kidding when I say I spent no more than $170.00 on propane from December to the end of March. I used it all but 10 nights (I idles 3 nights the whole time and the propane also powered my stove and hot water tank. It kept the sleeper at 68 degrees even in the coldest Missoula Montana nights.

I was going to put in an espar just in case I ran out of propane, but there are so many place to fill tanks,...I'll probably stick with the propane this winter as well.

Ok, since I've already got the rev's thread hijacked 8) I might as well finish up with my thoughts on the APU's.

If you consider breaking your idle time down into 3 parts of the year.

1/3 of the year you'll need a/c
1/3 of the year you can probably get by with nothing.
1/3 of the year you'll need heat.

Of course this may vary depending on what part of the country your in. But, if you accept those numbers and think about it. You can stop the idling for heat with a $1200-$1500 Espar heater (installed price from what I understand). Now with only 1/3 of the year left where your having to idle...how much is it worth to reduce that idling. Can you afford the cost of any of these APU's for 1/3 of the year? That's why I think an economical set-up like the rev's is the way to go for an a/c. Take it off and let it sit in the garage for 2/3 of the year.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have something for idle reduction. I'm just not gonna pay these exaggerated prices for an APU (that may or may not hold up) when there are alternatives.

I plan to have an Espar installed by winter. I MAY have something for a/c next year...maybe not. I'll have to see something I like a whole lot better than I'm seeing now though...performance AND price.

Ok rev...I think you can have your thread back....till midnight anyways :P

lol...I better quit, I'll be here all night talking APU's. LOL

Your doing what everyone else is Doghouse....the best you can. Idling costs are tough and everyone just has to do what they think is best. Nobody can be blamed for trying to save money.

I'll just be glad to see a reliable AND affordable system some day.

Rev, I did say 8:00 right? :lol:

It's been a very eventful day. :?

I went to Peterbilt and had them run fuel lines for me. We tried starting it, but the fuel pump on the genny wouldn't suck fuel from the tanks. I went next door to ThermoKing, and bought a 12V fuel pump for a TriPac - $219. Total cost for running the fuel lines - $354. :x

After that I went home and ran a power line with a switch to operate the fuel pump. After priming the system, it was up and running.

My first observation was - this thing is LOUD. Even with the box closed, it was far too loud. Much of the noise was coming from the exhaust, so I made a plan to head to the auto parts store tomorrow to pick up a car muffler (lol).

I figured I'd like to see how it worked, so I was going to spend the night in the truck. I hooked back onto my trailer, and fired up the generator. Inside the truck, I could tolerate the noise, but it was far too loud outside. If I were parked next to me, I'd slash my tires for the noise this generator was putting out.

After I had it running my AC for about a half hour, I went out and checked the temps. It was running about 170 degrees when I shot the engine, which seems like a decent temp.

Then all hell broke loose.

The wire I had the fuel pump hooked up with had a connector about halfway up. With the vibration, that connector hit the generator head. It immediately arced, and started on fire.

Yes, you heard me right. I started my truck on fire.

The fire spread quickly, and pretty soon that entire wire was in flames. I sprinted for my fire extinguisher, and managed to put it out. After some very cautious handiwork, I got the burnt wire (which was still live, mind you) off the generator.

It was a stupid oversight on my part that caused it.

It appears as if everything is still okay, except of course, my nerves are shot. I will try again tomorrow, and I will make sure I do it properly this time. I honestly don't know if running another muffler will quiet it up enough.

Flame away (pun intended). I deserve it.

Mine has 17,000 plus yes 17,000 hours. One water pump, fan belt ,radiator, mounts and the most expensive a new brushless generator end $1500. It has served thru 1,100,000 miles and should last years longer.

Give it to me to put on my truck. I'm scared of my generator now. :lol:

Q for you Rev,

How did the sound deadening material handle the fire - go up real quick or not? Something to think about.

I would also stop in the local Pete shop and get some split loom and wrap everything you can in it. Plastic but should prevent any arcing issues in the future.

Glad to hear the pump from TK works but will the system hold prime after shutting the unit off? Does the pump have a check valve to keep the fuel up in the system - something to consider if the pump is takes its lubrication from the fuel itself.

I can't comment on the muffler as I don't know enough about the unit. I would also check out mufflers for other gen-sets. I have a Honda generator that I use hunting - so quiet you really can't hear it running 10 feet away. It runs smooth and the electricty is so clean you can run a computer off it no problem. Perhaps something could be rigged with that exhaust. Don't know if it runs diesel or not but Honda gen-sets are QUIET - I am sure you could find one to fit.

You are not a real truck owner, It caught on fire and YOU put it out, I know several people that would have paid to be parked next to a truck on fire :D