How To Get Power In Your Semi Truck Using A Generator Custom APU Under 2k No Idle Save Fuel

In this video I will show you how I installed and mounted a WestingHouse igen4500 in a Buyers Tool Box using custom brackets to make a custom APU(auxiliary power unit). This will allow you to use all your electronics and appliances while you are on the road. Also this will allow you to heat or cool your truck without running your trucks engine. Thus bringing down your idle time down and reducing your emissions while saving thousands on fuel. Thermoking or Carrier APU units will run about 14-15k dollars and quite often break down or will leave you and your truck stranded. This setup cost me around 2k. And if the generator needs to be serviced or sent out it can be removed in 10 minutes.

[@artcol22c76]

Good job I did something seminar it works great 👍🏼

[@lawerencecohen8287]

My compliments! First class setup.

[@topherwayne4398]

Very nice work

[@alexsean340]

Such a great set up, probably I’ll do the same instead buying a conventional APU 😂😂😂

[@dgarrido745]

My apu just gives me peoblems man

[@AncientPharaoh]

Thurmoking APU is a leach. Always having issues. Yellow triangle Red triangle.

[@cpuram8883]

Good setup One time I want to install a apu and they told me I had to wait a couple of months and it was going to cost me over ten grand. I did the same thing. The only downside is that you have to go buy fuel everyday. When you had a long they it's a little tiring. Had that for 2 years +. If you do it make sure it's an inverter generator so you won't damage your electronics.

[@latinossobreruedas2363]

Can you give me a favor and provide me the specific stuff you were using for that….. thank you 🙏 Great job 👏🏼

[@vitalekg]

I was gonna do that but than I just decided to throw my Gen on the catwalk two straps and a chain for theifs and that works. I the winters I leave it home and save space

[@bigfoot2941]

I've been thinking a out doing this too.

[@vincebrandt8137]

I've got the same generator 3 years awesome unit ,remote startup. I've got mine mounted up behind the cab in an aluminum box that I made with two radiator fan ,10inch for in take 12 for exhaust with temp probe they turn off and on as needed, I have an Idle free electric APU with air conditioner and A wabasta hydraulic heater that Heats my cab sleeper fuel tanks. An engine. I use the generator to charge batteries when sitting for extended.s of time. Also to run my microwave toaster, oven, coffee pot, And water heater for my shower

[@johnathanfritz2877]

How did you connect your radiator fans to this generator? It doesn’t look like it has any DC outputs. What temp probe did you use? Thanks.

[@vincebrandt8137]

@johnathanfritz2877 i didn't. I connected them to the batteries i charge with generator, then to a daul fan relay you can find at any autoparts store. I have 8 deep cycle AGM batteries that run all my appliances. The generator is to charge them. 55 amp charger with a separator ill only charge 4 at a time, i have an idle free apu that runs off the batteries also it provides AC AND HEATING.

[@3quartersbull4]

Any problem with snow and rain getting into the box through the fan opening or the wire chord hole?

[@kennethives2517]

Why did you mount it away from the frame so far?

[@junior04292009]

What about the exhaust ? Smoke gets stuck inside?

[@brandonjay_gotem]

bor i love it!

[@F8truckin]

What runs the cooling fan? Great info!

[@TruckyourselfDIY]

The generator runs it off the 120v

[@AliceInDeath99]

Can you plug in your block heater?

[@TheBojanBalaban]

Where did u buy that ventilation lid that u can screw?

[@andrebennett6999]

Where did you get the cooling fan from

[@samoandude6838]

Nice setup. Is it ok, DOT wise, to drill holes in the frame or did you use existing holes?

[@TheRoadhammer379]

DOT doesn't give two shits about drilling holes. How do you think you mount steps and sideboxes on truck frames... you drill holes

[@abdallanur9521]

What the box size?

[@sugarcreekcountylover2213]

Where did you buy the box? Pretty good

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You can get identical box at tractor supply

[@adamotak5145]

what ac do u use with that setup

[@horayshyt]

How long have you been running this exact generator? 2, 4, 6 months? What issues have you had?

[@TruckyourselfDIY]

1 year and none

[@robertcaudill3272]

is it mounted in the box? how do you refuel it, just pull it out? is it gas or diesel?

[@TheRoadhammer379]

it is gas power

[@BigMoney23223]

You can not cut into the frame on a CMV, putting holes in the frame is a major no/no. Not sure what they’d do to you if they investigated the mounts. Just what I’ve heard on CMV trucks you absolutely can not touch the frame

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You heard wrong, the dealer drills holes for steps and sideboxes, ffs

[@BigMoney23223]

@@TheRoadhammer379 right; the dealer can cut into the frame. They are authorized to do it in very specific locations. Someone outside a dealer shouldn’t ever do it. If some mobile mechanic tries convincing you otherwise, he’s full of crap and just wants to make a quick buck and you’ll never see him again. Sure you can cut into the frame. But if something ever were to happen, you take 100% liability on yourself. Not to mention you void your warranty on every last part that’s attached to the truck. If you get inspected and an officer checks hacked cuts, you can be put out of service until you fix it. How do you fix a frame in the lot of a weigh station? Once you cut the frame you weaken it, no officer in his right mind can legally let you drive off with hacked up sections of a frame

[@dskains]

Looks like its such a tight fit that you have to remove the generator to refill with gas??

[@TruckyourselfDIY]

Its got about 6” clearance i can fit the gas nozzle no issue

[@howardbutler5204]

​@Truck Yourself what size box did you buy?

[@TheRoadhammer379]

​@howardbutler5204 24x24x30

[@leondeldesierto4650]

what size is the box? thank.

[@TruckyourselfDIY]

30x24x24

[@jovyjanopao6861]

can generator set can charge your battery in your truck??

[@TruckyourselfDIY]

Yes i have it attached to a charger so anytime the generator runs it automatically charges the truck batteries

[@kyvirlogistics4993]

@@TruckyourselfDIY it charges all 3 or 4 batteries? What kind of charger is it?

[@telo712]

What charger do you use for your batteries bro?

[@TheRoadhammer379]

​@@telo712use the NOCO Genius 2x4, it charges all 4 batteries and if one is low and the other 3 are charged, it will automatically switch from charging the other 3 and continue to charge the bad battery. It's a freaking awesome charger