It is exhausting for truck drivers to travel long distances while transporting goods and supplies. Though it isn’t possible to bring along the comforts of home on such outings, you can try out a few ways to stay relaxed and focused while driving your vehicle. One of these is installing an auxiliary power unit (APU) in your truck. These compact units provide your vehicle with the power it needs to run HVAC systems, appliances, and devices, even when your engine is off. APUs control the temperature inside your truck cab to keep you comfortable and happy.

As your local truck dealer, we at Utility Trailer of Washington have created this guide to offer you an overview of auxiliary power units. If you have more questions, connect with our team to get them addressed. We’re in Auburn, Mt. Vernon, and Richland, WA, and we have a mobile location for our friends in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Basics

Before we tell you about the types of APUs available on the market, we’d like for you to understand how an APU works.

An auxiliary power unit is a compact motor that produces power even when your truck’s engine is turned off. You can install it on the side of your vehicle behind the sleeper cab. These pieces of equipment are also known as onboard generators, and they are ideal options to keep you comfortable without the need to idle your main engine.

The Different Types of APUs for Trucks

Typically, there are two types of auxiliary power units for trucks that you’ll need to choose from—combustion and electric APUs.

Combustion APUs are powered by diesel, propane, or natural gas. These are perfect for the long haul, which explains why they are more robust than electric models. Also, they are ideal for powering multiple appliances at once. You can use a diesel APU to heat up or cool down your semi-truck and at the same time also run a microwave and power up your TV.

If you need a less complex design and low-maintenance APU for your truck, you’ll want to go with an electric model. These are usually for regional haulers who need a system to power up their air conditioning for the night. Electric APUs are a perfect fit for smaller sleeper trucks or day cabs that don’t require a massive amount of heating and cooling to keep the interior comfortable.

Auxiliary Power Unit Maintenance

Your maintenance tasks may vary depending on your choice to go with a diesel-powered APU or an electric model.

A few preventive checks that you’ll want to perform on your diesel model include inspecting and replacing your fuel filters, oil, and oil filter, and checking your clamps, valves, and hoses for cracks or leakage. With an electric APU, you’ll only need to ensure that your electrical connection is working and that your battery is at its original capacity.

We hope this guide helps you understand the perks you can enjoy by installing an auxiliary power unit in your semi-truck. If you have more questions or need help selecting the perfect model for your vehicle, come down to Utility Trailer of Washington. Our knowledgeable staff can address your concerns and help you pick the highest quality equipment on the market. We’re in Auburn, St. Vernon, and Richland, WA, and we have multiple mobile locations throughout Washington and Anchorage, Alaska.