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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Why should I have an APU on my truck?
A. An APU is a money saving alternative to running the truck’s main engine to cool and heat the sleeper and cab of the truck. Running an APU will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while extending the life of the main engine by approximately 100,000 miles.
Many cities and states have adopted anti-idle laws. An APU is an alternative to idling. The PowerPac APU complies with all current EPA, CARB and state regulations.
Q. How much money will an APU save me?
A. A typical over the road truck idles 2500 hours a year and burns approximately 1.2 gallons per hour idling under load. At a fuel cost of 2.50 per gallon, running the main engine will cost approximately 7500.00.
The PowerPac APU burns approximately .2 gallons per hour at 75% load. Using the APU for heating and cooling for the same 2500 hours will cost only 1250.00.
The fuel savings alone amount to estimated 6250.00 annually. Additional savings will be gained with longer engine overhaul intervals.
Q. How quickly will I start seeing cost savings?
A. Immediately. Even when financing the APU the monthly fuel cost savings usually will be more than the monthly payments.
Q. Will the PowerPac APU affect my truck cooling or Air Conditioning systems?
A. The PowerPac Apu idle reduction system is a true stand alone system. It does not connect to the truck air conditioning or engine cooling system.
Q. Does the PowerPac have a generator to produce AC power?
A. Yes The PowerPac APU has a 7000-watt generator used to produce 5000 watts of prime 120 volt AC power for running the Heat/AC system and extra power for block heating, standard electrical powered equipment and appliances such as microwaves, TVs, and tools.
Q. Will the PowerPac charge my truck batteries?
A. Yes. A 60-amp 12volt Dc alternator charges the truck batteries and provides power for running 12 volt Dc accessories and appliances.
Q. How does the PowerPac install in my truck?
A. The APU unit clamps to the frame rail requiring no holes to be drilled in the frame. The battery cables are connected to the truck batteries. The fuel pick up is installed in the tank and fuel hoses connected. The AC power cord is routed into the sleeper compartment to power the under bunk heat and Ac unit. The operator’s panel is installed in the sleeper for easy access.
Q. How much frame rail space is needed for the PowerPac?
A. The PowerPac only needs 20 inches of frame rail for mounting. This is less than almost all other APUs.
Q. What about freon?
A. The air conditioning system is available as either a self contained unit ready to run or as a split system with an externally mounted condenser. All systems including the hoses are precharged with freon eliminating the need to vacume and charge the system. This saves not only installation time but money as well by eliminating the need to purchase freon.
Q. How does the PowerPac heat the truck engine block to aid in starting the main engine?
A. The 120-volt receptacle on the APU can be used for powering the main engine block heater, aftermarket fuel and oil heaters.
This eliminates potential warranty issues and failure concerns with systems that connect to the main engines cooling and oil systems.
Q. How quiet is the PowerPac?
A. The PowerPac is as quiet or quieter than other APU’s. It has sound deadening insulation as well as a quality muffler system. The main engine idling or a reefer unit running produce considerably more noise than the PowerPac.
Q. Why should I buy a PowerPac APU instead of another?
A. The PowerPac is manufactured by Power Technology Southeast Inc. Power tech has been building generators for Mobile, Commercial, Military and Rv applications since 1989.
PowerTech management has experience in the Trucking industry as well as APU experience dating back to 1980. Apu’s are a very important part of our business but they are not our only business. Our experience and manufacturing capability insures that we will be around for a long time after other APU only manufacturers are gone. The APU customer deserves a quality product backed up by a well-established manufacturer and a qualified dealer service network.
Q. What is the warranty?
A. The Warranty period is 3 years or 3000 hours. The drive belt is warranted for as long as you own the PowerPac unit.
Q. Will a PowerPac APU on my truck void my truck warranty?
A. No. The Stand Alone design of the PowerPac does not affect any systems on the truck.
Q. Where can I get a PowerPac installed?
A. At this time we have over 25 sales and install centers. Check the dealer listing on our website to locate a dealer in your area.
Q. How long can I expect my truck to be down for installation?
A. Installations vary depending on several factors however installation can normally be completed in one day.
Q. Can I run the PowerPac and the main truck engine at the same time?
A. Yes. Since the PowerPac does not affect any of the truck systems you can run the unit as needed to power appliances or to charge truck batteries in the case of main alternator failure.
Q. Is there a factory customer support phone number I can call?
A. Yes Factory service technicians are available during normal business hours to assist you by phone with any problems you may encounter. They may be reached at 800-760-0027
Q. What options are available for the PowerPac?
A. The PowerPac is available with several options to customize the unit to a particular customers needs. Several air conditioning systems, remote start, thermostat controlled start up, ignition lock out, polished stainless enclosure, and a choice of engine power are a few. Check with any dealer or the factory sales department for the latest options available.
Q. Are replacement filters readily available and easy to locate?
A. Yes. The PowerPac air filter is a standard filter not a custom hard to find and expensive filter. All service dealers carry filters in stock. Replacements can also be found at larger auto parts outlets.
Q. Will the PowerPac start automatically if my batteries get low?
A. Yes. The PowerPac controller is equipped with a low battery voltage monitor. If the battery voltage drops to 12.2 volts for a period of 1 minute the PowerPac will start and the 60-amp alternator will charge the truck batteries for a period of one hour.
Q. Will my truck’s low voltage disconnect effect the PowerPac’s operation?
A. Disconnecting the trucks low voltage disconnect is the best solution. If this is not possible we can program the PowerPac to start up before the trucks low voltage disconnect kicks in.
Q. Will the PowerPac start if the sleeper temperature gets too hot or too cold?
A. A thermostat is available to start and stop the PowerPac unit to keep the sleeper temperature within a temperature range selected by the operator.
Q. What type of sleeper air conditioning and heating system does the PowerPac use?
A. The PowerPac system utilizes a proven heating and air conditioning system developed specifically for trucks buy the Dometic Corporation. The system uses 120-volt power from the generator and does not affect any of the truck systems.
Q. Can I run the heating and air conditioning with AC power from a shore power source?
A. Yes Unlike many other APU systems 120-volt shore power can be used to power the heat and AC systems. The ability to use shore power where available allows you to heat and cool the truck and not have to run the APU. Many systems do not have this option.
Q. Does the generator drive belt require tensioning and maintance?
A. The generator drive belt is a unique design that never requires any maintance or tensioning. This allows us to warranty the drive belt for as long as you own the unit. |
