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Auxiliary Power Unit Maintenance Tips

Sep. 15 2023 Maintenance By Utility Trailer of Washington

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Auxiliary power units, while pricey, are incredibly helpful pieces of equipment to have on hand. However, auxiliary power units (or APUs), can take on a lot of wear and tear in very little time—especially because they don’t sit safely inside the cab or hood of a semi-truck. As a result, it’s incredibly important to stay on top of your APU’s maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as it should. For tips on how to care for and maintain your auxiliary power unit, check out our article below.

Inspect Your Unit

Auxiliary power units are most commonly located behind the fuel tank and in front of the first axle of a semi-truck. As a result, APUs are more likely to be affected by things such as flying debris, inclement weather, and a build-up of dirt and grime. To keep your APU in top shape, we recommend cleaning your unit regularly with quality automotive soap. Once your power unit is as clean as a whistle, take a moment to thoroughly inspect your model. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion and no cracks or breaks on any of the mounts, radiator, connectors, or seals. 

Know When to Service Your Unit

Unlike semi-trucks, which are usually serviced based on mileage, auxiliary power units need to be maintained based on working hours. Unfortunately, this can cause problems for drivers, as APU maintenance doesn’t typically line up with the semi-truck’s service schedule. However, to ensure your unit lasts as long as possible, be sure to have your model examined by a professional technician every 500 to 2000 hours of use. At the 500 mark, your APU should receive a general tune-up, while the 2000 mark will require a more comprehensive inspection. 

Having trouble finding an experienced technician to care for your auxiliary power unit? Then visit us here at  Utility Trailer of Washington and take advantage of our amazing on-site service center. Our experienced mechanics will have no trouble caring for all of your APU’s various maintenance needs, and we offer a number of locations across the states of Washington and Alaska, including the cities of Auburn, Mt. Vernon, and Richland, WA, as well as Anchorage, AK.