No APU? No Inverter? No Food!

Hey all, So I'm about two days away from finishing my training at Werner. I knew despite their deceptive marketing that only the million safe mile drivers got an APU. However, I didn't think an inverter would be an issue. Come to find out yesterday, they don't even allow inverters!

I've got severe crohns disease so I'm on a pretty restricted diet. Going off that diet leaves me a mess! My trainer has an apu and so he has a cooler unit and a microwave. I was planning on getting the same, just using an inverter. In addition, my medication has to be kept cool. I also didn't see that being a problem. I've messaged safety about the issue and I'm waiting to hear back. Does anyone have a work around to this, since they expect us to live in the dark like cavemen?

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.

Hey all, So I'm about two days away from finishing my training at Werner. I knew despite their deceptive marketing that only the million safe mile drivers got an APU. However, I didn't think an inverter would be an issue. Come to find out yesterday, they don't even allow inverters!

I've got severe crohns disease so I'm on a pretty restricted diet. Going off that diet leaves me a mess! My trainer has an apu and so he has a cooler unit and a microwave. I was planning on getting the same, just using an inverter. In addition, my medication has to be kept cool. I also didn't see that being a problem. I've messaged safety about the issue and I'm waiting to hear back. Does anyone have a work around to this, since they expect us to live in the dark like cavemen?

You can get a 12v cooler. They run from $60-$150. That's the easiest way to keep things cool. The 12v coolers are ice-less so you wont have to buy ice every day. They work good enough to get the job done just keep them well ventilated and away from heat as they stay 40 degrees cooler then the ambient temps.

As for converters, you can get 12v converters. I think the biggest is a 300watt. its not big enough for a microwave of anything super crazy.

If your needing to keep your meds cool, i would see about getting a doc to sign off saying so, may be able to get that to safety and get a truck with at least a converter. Worth a shot.

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.

There are lots of 12v coolers out there, but the Koolatron 29 Voyager is built for heavy use. Another option which is cheaper in the short term would be a Marine Cooler Like this One. The downside is you will have to get Ice for it. Ice lasts much longer in a marine cooler than an ordinary cooler. Going with block Ice will make a big difference in how long the ice lasts. I could see a 7 lb ice block last 3+ days in that cooler.

A gas stove, Like This One Or This One could work for cooking. You would have to cook outside, but that seems to be the recommendation anyway. The propane cylinders could also be used on a Buddy Heater if you wanted a back up heat source. A 12v Crock Pot takes less than 100 watts and could work in your situation as well.

Also, be aware of the "you get what you pay for" line when buying a 12 volt cooler. Spend a little extra to get one you like. I went through 3 Coleman models in a year and a half. They did the job but twice went out on me in the middle of my time out. Sucks to toss out good sandwich meats and cheese!

There are some more expensive coolers where you can set the temperature. I tried to find the website but can't.

Dave

There are some more expensive coolers where you can set the temperature. I tried to find the website but can't.

Dave

The brands for the portable freezer/refridgerators are dometic, Wagan, ARB and Engle. They start around $350. These are very efficient when it comes to energy usage.

There are some more expensive coolers where you can set the temperature. I tried to find the website but can't.

Dave

Yall might think I'm nuts for this but, ARB 4x4 Fridge Freezer. I have the 37qt. I paid 750$ on amazon for it. I swear I'll never buy another Colman, koolatron again. It plugs in to a 12v and uses very little power plus it has a shutoff voltage. I may need to post up a review for it over the weekend...

Worth every penny.