Blog | APU Center | News and Blog Section

10 Mar

The History of Thermo King Corporation

Thermo King Parts are now synonymous in the world of APU’s as one of the top carriers
and quality parts. But how did they come to be? Thermo King Corporation is an American
Manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for trucks, trailers, and shipboard
containers. They now develop TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature
management systems for truck cabs. This is likely how you know of them today. Headquartered
in Minneapolis they are a proud American company.
In the beginning Joe Numero partnered with engineer Fredrick Jones and formed what is
now Thermo King. They developed a cooling unit for trucks that were carrying perishable food.
They were able to patent this development in 1940. After that was established, they were then
challenged to create a refrigerated truck and Thermo King was born. Refrigerated transport
changed the way the entire food industry operated. Thermo King’s most recent invention is the
development of the TriPac hybrid auxiliary idle reduction and temperature management system
which eliminates the need for a truck engine to idle while still providing heating and cooling to
the truck cab.
Just like refrigerated trucks forever changed the food industry, the TriPac hybrid apu auxillary idle reduction and temperature management system forever changed the trucking
industry. If you are in need of Thermo King Parts, our APU Center would be happy to help you
find exactly what it is you are looking for. We can help guide you to new products as well as
help you restore any problematic existing parts that you may already have.

17 Feb

How Harmful Is Idling?

There are now 29 states with active idling law regulations in place. These laws are in
place for good reason, as idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than
restarting your engine does! Over time and with an excessive number of vehicles on the road,
these emissions can wreak havoc on the environment. Running vehicles emit significant CO2
which is a colorless and odorless gas. What happens to the environment when more and more
CO2 is emitted is that heat becomes trapped. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Over time this can dramatically alter the earth’s climate.
Vehicles also produce volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and oxides of
nitrogen. All of these gases are toxic and when produced in abundance are extremely harmful
to the environment. Something to consider when running a fleet of vehicles that may be idling
is the health of the drivers. The drivers have direct exposure to all of these harmful chemical
day after day while on the job. This can cause long-term health problems and increase costs for
your business, not to mention you want to protect your drivers at all cost.
Luckily, APU Center has an abundance of solutions that will not only save the health of
your drivers, but it will help save your bottom line as well. If you need assistance on selecting
the right APU for your fleet of vehicles we are happy to help. We have cost-saving solution tools
that will help you realize your total cost savings by making the switch. The best benefit to APU
usage is the health of the environment and the health of your drivers. It can be an initial
investment to your company upfront but will save you significantly long-term and the payback
happens quickly.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units apu, apu center, APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance, auxiliary power units, defensive driving, Dynasys, fleets, Thermo King, truck driving, truckers Comments Off

18 Jan

Rigmaster Models

Since 1993 Rigmaster has been offering anti-idling solutions. They offer
several different models depending on the needs of your fleet. If you are researching
Rigmaster models and have any questions, we would be happy to help. We
understand what a large investment the Rigmaster is in the future of your fleet and
want you to feel good about your selection. The complete stand-alone generator can
run all night on what an idling engine would run in just two hours. We even offer
cost-savings calculators that will allow you to see the long-term benefits of
purchasing a new Rigmaster.
The Generator Model is a self contained stand-alone model with an EPA
approved Kohler engine. This model has multiple auto start features and an
alternator with 60 amps for battery charging. The Invertor model is also a
completely self-contained stand-alone unit with an EPA approved Kohler engine
with multiple auto start features. However the alternator has 70 amps for battery
charging. Both of these models have the same heating and cooling capabilities with
24,000 BTU for air conditioning and 13,500 BTU for heating. The generator model
dimensions are 25D x 25W x 28.5H. The invertor model dimensions are 25D x 21W
x 28H. The generator model is able to fit on short wheel base trucks.
Rigmaster also offers custom auxiliary power packs that allow for cab
heating and cooling as well as charging. Air conditioning is also available in these
models. Smart alternators and generators are also available as well as special
requests can be made. If you are curious about the right fit for your fleet our team of
trained professionals here at the APU center would be happy to help. We are well
versed in the Rigmaster product and even know how to help maintain and repair
your units as well.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units apu, apu center, APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance Comments Off

10 Dec

What Are Idling Laws?

Idling laws are necessary for the better good of the environment. There are
now 29 states that have adopted idling laws. What is idling exactly? Idling is the
process in which you run your engine while the vehicle is stationary. Idling actually
accounts for over 6 billion gallons of fuel into the air every year! This is an
incredible amount of waste. Our environment across the globe would benefit greatly
from a reduction in idling emissions not to mention the fuel cost savings. Enter the
evolution of the APU, the auxiliary power unit! This specialty device is created with
idling emissions in mind!
The increase in exhaust into the environment can lead to asthma, cancer,
cardiac disease, and various other health concerns. Lowering idling emissions
through the use of an APU is beneficial on so many levels. In fact, as many as three
times as many people die from air pollution related illnesses than car accidents
every year. Everyday consumers idle without even realizing it, for example in the
school car pick up line or in the drive through line as well. Truck drivers idle on a
more necessary basis for regulating the cabin temperature or charging important
devices. Idling laws typically limit idling for 3-5 minutes for most states. This is
where the APU becomes necessary for truck drivers. The use of an APU allows truck
drivers the ability to still use their main cabin without idling.
Many states are offering grants, loans, and even tax credits for adopting idle
reduction technologies like APUs. We are happy to help make sure that you find the
appropriate APU for your vehicle and can help maintain and manage all APUs for
your entire fleet if necessary. We look forward to helping you save money and
reduce idling emissions into the environment.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units apu, apu center, APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance, auxiliary power units Comments Off

05 Nov

Maintaining Your APU

The Thermo King APU price averages about $8,000 dollars. While this initial
investment may sound overwhelming when you are purchasing several units for a
large fleet, the return on your investment is nearly immediate. You are paying for
the value of low maintenance and long-term durability in a quality product. Not only
will the product itself withstand the test of time it will provide numerous cost saving
benefits along the way. APUs are battery based power systems that can operate your
fleets systems without running the engine. This allows the drivers all the heating,
cooling, and technology comforts of home without the wear and tear on the vehicle’s
engine.
APU’s require no fuel consumption, no idling, and give off zero noise. There is
also the added environment benefit of no related engine emissions due to idling. The
maintenance required on an APU is very minimal particularly when compared to the
maintenance required on an engine. There are no oil changes or expensive
replacements. The biggest maintenance that you will want to be aware of is that the
battery will need to be changed out roughly every 24-36 months depending on
usage. When referring to a vehicle it is quite common to refer to everything in
mileage. However, when referring to usage of an APU it is referred to in terms of
hours of usage. For example, every 2,000 hours you will want to change the fluids,
hoses, clamps and valves. This can cost around $800. This is still significantly less
than any engine maintenance.
If we can help you determine a fair Thermo King APU price or maintain your
existing APU we would be happy to help. Our team of trained professionals are here
to help advise you on the right decision for your fleet. We also encourage you to visit
our cost savings calculator to determine your long-term benefits.

By Team TwoTall Auxiliary Power Units Comments Off

18 Oct

The Evolution of the APU

Auxiliary Power Units have been around for quite a long time, but it has taken hundreds of years to get to the APU for sale that you see today! You can’t beat the luxuries that APU’s are able to offer drivers and cost-savings they offer fleet management. But where did it all begin? During WWI, the British Coastal class blimps carried a 1.75 horsepower auxiliary engine. This engine powered a generator for a radio transmitter. The auxiliary engine could power the air blower in an emergency as well. One of the first military fixed-wing aircrafts to use an APU was the British aircraft named Supermarine Nighthawk.

During WWII many American military aircrafts were now carrying APUs. These units became known as “putt-putts.” The putt-putt provided power for starting the main engines and was used until the aircraft reached 10,000 feet in the air. The putt-putt was also restarted when the plane prepared to descend for a safe landing. The first German jet engines in WWII used an APU starting system. This system was designed by Norber Riedel and had a 10 horsepower, 2-stroke flat engine hidden in the intake diverter. This was an excellent example of future auxiliary power units for starting a jet engine.

The Boeing 727 in 1963 was the first jetliner to feature a gas turbine APU which allowed the aircraft to operate out of a smaller airport. It is important not to take for granted the increased technology we have readily available at our fingertips today. We have many options when it comes to an APU for sale that will save thousands in dollars as well as improve the comfort of every driver on the road. If you have any questions about our APUs for sale we would be happy to help.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance, auxiliary power units, defensive driving Comments Off

01 Sep

Welcome to The APU Center

Welcome to the APU Center where we care just as much about your drivers and fleet of vehicles are you do! We specialize in all things related to driver comfort while idling or on the road. We understand the struggle to maintain current idling laws while resisting excessive wear and tear on your fleet. While idling laws are regularly changing, the current law states that drivers must have 10 hours of rest for every 11 hours of driving. During this rest time drivers do just that – rest! However, drivers need to do more than just rest during their downtime. Drivers need the ability to eat, charge their phones, possibly use a computer, and take care of regular every day tasks. This is where the APU Center is here to help.

Here are the APU Center we specialize in the service, repair, sales and purchasing of new, used, and refurbished APUs and their parts. We also sell and repair generators and inverters as well as other trucking comfort items. We understand how difficult it can be for drivers to be on the road long hours and we want to bring as many comforts of home with them as possible. This can help retain good employees and improve overall job satisfaction. However, this can put excess strain on your fleet as well by having all the comforts of home out on the road. Our top of the line APUs allow truckers to idle for hours without placing extra strain on the engine which saves countless hours of wear and tear on the engine and overall vehicle.

Your drivers will no longer need to worry about how long they are idling whether it be to use the heat in the winter, the air conditioning in the summer or simply to charge their cell phones to call their family’s our APUs are here to save the day. If you need help finding the best new or used APU for your fleet give us a call and we would be happy to help.

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04 Aug

A New Evolution in Auxiliary Power Units

The newest TriPac APU is taking auxiliary power units to the next level. There are increased benefits like never before with this new and improved, enhanced technology on board. The TriPac auxiliary power unit has unrivaled performance and meets Tier IV EPA final regulations. This unit is also able to respond to and anticipate evolving customer needs. The techonology on board these units is truly unprecedented and the benefits are seemingly endless. Below outlines a few of the most prevalent TriPac APU features.

Maximum Driver Comfort: Sustaining maximum driver comfort is essential to having a well-rested and safe driver. Drivers are often away from home for prolonged periods of time and allowing them the utmost comfort will not only improve employee retention but also help keep our roads as safe as possible! The TriPac APU allows virtually unlimited heating and cooling as well as the ability to run appliances. These features allow drivers all the comforts of home while on the road.

Fuel Savings: The TriPac APU can reduce fuel costs by up to 2,500 gallons a year. See our cost savings calculator for specific fuel cost savings.

Reduced Idling: Running the engine idle to provide cab power for the drivers’ comfort causes excess wear and tear on the engine. This can cause unnecessary damage and increase maintenance costs significantly. This new and improved APU allows for no idling and improved cab function.

If you have any questions regarding the TriPac APU or any other auxiliary power unit we would be happy to help. Our full-service location is able to repair and replace existing APUs as well as offer you the latest and greatest in new technologies. Not sure which is the best fit for your fleet? Just give us a call – we’re here to help!

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units Comments Off

19 Jul

Standalone Truck Mounted APU

The RigMaster APU is the ultimate stand-alone generator. There are many benefits to using a RigMaster APU for your commercial lines. You will not regret using this top of the line unit. Luckily we have a cost savings calculator on our website that will point out the specific savings that your company will receive when using a RigMaster APU. Below are a few specific benefits to the RigMaster APU Generator.

Length of Use: The RigMaster has the ability to stay running for 12+ hours in comparison to what a standard truck engine would burn in only two hours time. For this reason alone your company will save significantly on fuel and operating costs. Again, you can see the specifics for your situation using our Cost Savings Calculator.
Climate Control: The RigMaster also has the ability to automatically control the cab climate. There are also controls within the cab that make this function easy to use.
Environmentally Friendly: RigMaster is committed to providing a product that is beneficial to the environment. You can rest assured that you are not only reducing your costs but also reducing pollution and helping to protect the environment.

APU Center is skilled and trained in not only selling you the best APU for your company but repairing APU’s as they wear down over time as well. If you need help selecting the best option for your company please feel free to reach out to our team at any time to discuss what would be the best fit. If you also are curious if your current APU can be repaired and refurbished we would be happy to take a look. We’re often able to offer discounts off of our RigMaster APU’s and other models as well. Check back on our website regularly for updated products and pricing.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units apu center, APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance, Dynasys, Thermo King, truckers Comments Off

02 Jun

Cost Saving Specialists

Both of our top producing models of both Dynasys and Carrier APU products are designed to savie you money every time they are in use. If you have been curious exactly how much money they will save you please visit our uniquely designed cost savings calculator here, https://apucenter.com/fleet-savings/. Here you can find the exact breakdown of how and where you will exactly save a certain dollar amount. We are proud to offer new, used as well as refurbished Dynasys and Carrier APU products.

Both brands have similar benefits in that they are intelligently designed and energy efficient – saving you even more money! If you need help selecting the right model for your team please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our skilled team of experts would be happy to help you find the perfect match. All of our models are also easy to maintain and offer fuel savings benefits in the long term.

Not sure where to start? We recommend browsing the makes and models on our website that are updated daily. We are constantly reviewing and maintaining our inventory to be as up-to-date as possible for our customers both new and repeat. We are here to help you through the lifetime of owning your APU as we offer ongoing maintenance and repair services as well. If you find you need any kind of service repairs please just return to us for updates. Our technicians are experts at bringing your APU’s back to life in most any condition you may have.

Give us a call today to discuss what options and services might be the best for your unique situation. We’re always happy to help.

By APU APU Auxiliary Power Units apu, apu center, APU maintenance and care, auxiliary power maintenance, defensive driving, truckers Comments Off