The Benefits of Auxiliary Power Units for Trucks

Truck drivers spend long days away from home on the road, which can get pretty exhausting for them. That’s why it’s important to provide them with the resources they need to stay relaxed and comfortable. An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a useful upgrade that helps bring the comforts of home to drivers on the long haul. These compact units provide the power to run HVAC systems, appliances, and devices, which results in improved temperature management inside a truck cab and better driver comfort.

Below we cover the many advantages of APUs for trucks. If you’ve any questions, get in touch with us at Utility Trailer of Washington. We carry some high-quality APUs, which include the Carrier ComfortPro® units. Visit one of our locations in Washington today, and our team will be happy to help you upgrade to one of these add-on power systems.

Significant Cost Savings

Let’s begin with the basics first by understanding how does an APU work. An APU is a compact motor that can independently produce power without having to turn on your truck’s engine. These units are installed on the side of the truck just behind the sleeper cab for easy fueling. A major advantage of these power units is that they require significantly less fuel to operate and power the heating and cooling system, as compared to the truck’s engine.

Fuel costs represent a major portion of your truck fleet operating expenses. An APU, which generally costs in the $8,000 - $10,000 price range, substantially reduces fuel consumption while still powering the amenities and tools drivers and crews need to efficiently perform their transportation jobs.

Avoid Idling Penalties

As anti-idling laws become more stringent, truck fleets are increasingly turning to APUs to operate the heating and air conditioning systems and other accessories without having to idle the main engine. The add-on power units help drivers to not only comply with no-idling regulations but also allow them to tackle the adverse effects of idling by reducing emissions.

Reduced Maintenance

Idling your truck’s engine to provide cab power causes excessive engine wear and tear. This increases the maintenance costs and lowers the resale value of your truck. And don’t forget that idling releases unnecessary emissions into the environment. Installing an APU virtually eliminates engine idling and reduces the need for maintenance so you can spend more time on the road and less time (and money) in the shop.

Ready to take advantage of auxiliary power units to increase the efficiency of your fleet and enhance driver comfort? Visit Utility Trailer of Washington to take a look at our selection of APUs for sale at our multiple locations throughout Washington.