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The Ultimate Guide to Truck APUs: Save Fuel and Improve Comfort

Truck Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are revolutionizing how long-haul drivers manage fuel consumption and comfort. By providing power for cab climate control, appliances, and electronics without running the truck’s main engine, APUs reduce idling time — saving fuel and decreasing engine wear.

Idling a diesel engine for extended periods wastes significant fuel and increases maintenance costs. Studies show that a Class 8 truck idles roughly 1,800 hours per year, consuming thousands of gallons of diesel. APUs can cut idling fuel use by up to 90%, leading to savings of $5,000 to $10,000 annually per truck, depending on fuel prices and usage.

There are two main types of APUs: diesel-powered and battery-powered. Diesel APUs are reliable and provide continuous power, while battery APUs offer quieter operation with zero emissions, ideal for urban areas with strict anti-idling laws.

Installing an APU requires considering truck compatibility, electrical system integration, and space for mounting. Professional installation ensures maximum efficiency and warranty compliance.

Beyond fuel savings, APUs improve driver comfort by enabling air conditioning and heating while parked, leading to better rest and increased safety on the road. They also help fleets comply with increasingly common anti-idling regulations, avoiding costly fines.

At APU Center, we provide a wide selection of APUs tailored for Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, and other trucks. Our expert team can help you choose and install the right unit for your fleet’s needs.

Investing in a truck APU is a smart financial and environmental decision that benefits drivers, fleet owners, and the planet alike. Visit apucenter.com to explore our options and start saving today.

How an APU Saves You Thousands in Fuel and Maintenance Costs

In today’s competitive trucking industry, every mile and every dollar count. Long-haul drivers and fleet owners are constantly looking for ways to cut fuel costs, reduce wear on engines, and stay compliant with anti-idling laws. One of the most effective ways to accomplish all of this is by investing in an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) — a game-changer for modern trucking.

What is an Auxiliary Power Unit?

An APU is a small, efficient engine or battery-powered system that provides power for a truck’s heating, cooling, and electrical systems without needing to idle the main engine. Instead of running your costly, fuel-hungry engine overnight or during downtime, an APU powers your cab and accessories with a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.

How Does an APU Save Money?

Idling a Class 8 truck can burn approximately 0.8 to 1 gallon of diesel per hour. If a driver idles for 8 hours per night, that’s 8 gallons wasted every day — and over 2,400 gallons per year. At today’s diesel prices, that adds up to over $9,000 annually in fuel costs alone.

An APU uses only a small fraction of that fuel. Some battery-powered APUs use no fuel at all. Over the course of a year, this can easily translate into $7,000 to $10,000 in savings per truck. Multiply that across a fleet, and the financial impact becomes massive.

Maintenance Savings Add Up

Idling doesn’t just waste fuel — it also accelerates engine wear. Experts estimate that one hour of idling equals 80 miles of driving in terms of engine wear. That extra mileage translates into:
– More frequent oil changes
– Increased downtime for repairs
– Shortened engine lifespan

By letting an APU handle overnight loads, your truck’s primary engine stays in better condition, lowering maintenance costs and extending the truck’s service life.

Legal Compliance and Anti-Idling Laws

Many states and municipalities have passed strict anti-idling regulations. Fines can range from $300 to over $1,000 per incident, especially in states like California and New York. APUs offer a legal and environmentally friendly alternative that allows drivers to rest comfortably while staying compliant with these laws.

Environmental Impact

APUs drastically reduce the carbon footprint of long-haul trucking. A traditional diesel truck emits approximately 22 pounds of CO₂ per gallon of fuel burned. Reducing idling by just one hour per day per truck can prevent thousands of pounds of emissions annually.

By adopting APUs across your fleet, you contribute to cleaner air, lower noise pollution, and a greener supply chain — all while saving money.

Why Choose APU Center?

At APU Center, we specialize in helping truckers and fleet managers maximize fuel efficiency and minimize downtime. We offer:
– New and refurbished diesel and battery APUs
– Trusted brands like Thermo King, Carrier, Green APU, and Dynasys
– Fast nationwide shipping and installation services
– Financing options to make upgrades affordable

Our knowledgeable staff helps match you with the right APU for your truck type, usage level, and budget. Whether you drive a Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, Kenworth, or International — we’ve got an APU solution that fits.

Ready to Save?

Don’t let fuel prices and engine wear eat into your profits. Installing an Auxiliary Power Unit is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your truck or fleet. Visit apucenter.com today to learn more or contact our team for a free consultation.