Does Having An APU/EPU Really Matter?

Mikey, I’ve been running a lot in NY state with anti idling laws. They hand out tickets for violations.

So yes, I believe there is much less idling now than 5 years ago. Would you agree?

Mikey, I’ve been running a lot in NY state with anti idling laws. They hand out tickets for violations.

So yes, I believe there is much less idling now than 5 years ago. Would you agree?

Less idling by truckers sleeping in their trucks? No, I do not agree. Less street maintenance and FedEx, Amazon and ups delivery trucks? Maybe. When I had a no APU truck my first two years, especially in the heat, if it would idle I was idling it. I don't know anyone ever given an idling ticket when it was 90° outside and they were trying to sleep.

Let's see a show of hands, does the threat of a fine keep you from idling in hot or cold environments?

My vote is no. Not dying from baking to death in a truck in the summertime trumps your right to clean air.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Mikey, I’ve been running a lot in NY state with anti idling laws. They hand out tickets for violations.

So yes, I believe there is much less idling now than 5 years ago. Would you agree?

I’ve idled my truck everywhere across the US, especially NY and CA. Those laws aren’t enforced and usually only apply for certain trucks from my understanding. I’ve idled plenty of times with police around, no problems.

I saw no-idling signs at truck stops in NJ, but this is one of the worst states, plus most drivers were idling anyway. My truck has a diesel heater, so I don't have to idle to keep myself warm. In summer it is different, I idle and run AC when it is too hot to sleep. If there is a fine, my company will pay.

I saw no-idling signs at truck stops in NJ, but this is one of the worst states, plus most drivers were idling anyway. My truck has a diesel heater, so I don't have to idle to keep myself warm. In summer it is different, I idle and run AC when it is too hot to sleep. If there is a fine, my company will pay.

Anyone know if this is still a 'thing?' NYC Pays Idling Snitches

~ Anne ~

Ok, my point was that idling is not as necessary as It was. If I had a truck that had to idle to keep me warm or cool, l’d do it in a heartbeat. Fortunately, I have a truck with an APU so I don’t have to idle. If someone has an older truck not thusly equipped, obviously they have to idle it. My answer to the OP was not about driver comfort, but about the trend in the industry to modernize their fleets so idling becomes less common.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Something else to take into account which has only really come into play in the last 5 years. Both Paccar and Cummins have an algorithm which translates idle hours into miles. A truck with high idle hours can be considered out of the mileage warranty as determined by the manufacturer. Kivi had no initial intention to put APU’s on their trucks until they had to pay for 5 engines due to high idle hours and that algorithm being used. After that, they tried to crack down on high idle times.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.