Everything You Wanted To Know About My Generator / APU Setup. Also a Little Rant.

[@trucker4trumpamerica172]

Well, I paid in 2018 for my APU, new, $12,000.. It broke in 2020, cost 3200 dollars, they repaired it, and in 2023, it broke again... and now it costs $4,100 to repair it. I'm the owner opereitor. I can't pay that. . I'm planning to do something else.. Honestly, good job, Sr

[@sloth9413]

I bought my Predator 2000 APU based on your last vid. Works great!

[@sergionunez6720]

I have the Same set up my ac is a Toshiba 8000btu I’m currently in Fort Stockton,Tx and it’s over 100 degrees and it works perfect,I just close my my front blinds and the inner ones as well in my Cascadia and 🥶😴

[@prodigals6862]

Great information. I drive a hotshot and seeing your setup just adds to my information. From exhaust (carbon monoxide) to setting up a generator. Good shit. 👍

[@franklinmoultrie7372]

Best part of the video…. It’s my truck and I can do whatever the fuck I want!!

[@SandMan2SS]

Nice setup, When I bought my truck it’s Tri-Pak was set to 68 at the coolest in 80 at the hottest and literally would not cool my black truck at all until I found the software to go in and monitor/edit all the settings now it works great. Changed the low to 55 and the high to 75 and changed temperature fluctuation to 1°, set it to run for one hour after first start mainly to maintain/charge the batteries longer between start ups and shut off after 15 minutes of not being used to give time for the condenser fan to kick back on before shut off. I was also having to manually turn it on from the inside controls so I changed it to key off automatic start on whatever the last setting was

[@BarefootUSA]

My brother and I have been running the 2000w predators for 3-4 years for our trucks, almost zero issues, spark arrester clogs after a bit. Runs 11 hours + with ~5000 btu window a/c' in 90+ degrees. Might want to bolt a cut mud flap over your fan hole that you could put over the quarter fender while running.

[@DrivingByBraille]

That was my only problem. Spark arrest clogged. First thing I remove now. Made a video about it.

[@jesust6101]

Does the thing really last that long? I was told they are good for 1000 to 2000 hrs.

[@keylonwalker]

How did you get it to run for 10 hours on 1 gallon of gas?

[@Frank-sf1wh]

@@keylonwalkera 7 gallon tank will do more than 10 hours

[@cool2180]

Good idea. I might get one of those Onan RV generators. Plus you can get a a/c split ac for the cab.

[@richlymann6451]

APU vs Predator... I’m getting the Portable generator, had the same setup a few years ago Cant beat it small space heater for winter... Good job Sir...

[@safetrucker]

Man that woodgrain is beautiful

[@nevilzamorapages9189]

Wow good job thanks for video 👍👍

[@jayhughes3064]

Nice job ! I’m going to do the same thing ! Have you considered installing a mini split a/c unit ? I’m looking at a Honda generator with a remote control starter .

[@eugenevoropayev3564]

Good job bro im getting this too

[@manuellopez7316]

Thank you for the idea

[@juanthepolitician8361]

I like it I have IT LIKE THAT TOO AND WORK'S PERFECT

[@raso_i]

well said brother, for the past 3y, I invested 2k each year to keep thermo king runing, this year repair quote was 5700$. Said fuck no!! Gonna get me a new gen/portable ac for 1k and done deal. Now that thermo king is just taking up space.

[@Christian_Harlow]

A more stealth way to conceal what’s in the box would be to vent it from the bottom and also run the exhaust through the4 bottom.

[@davidporcell7799]

Good job👍👍

[@modove3034]

Thank you stay safe driver

[@hobo_jesus]

Im with you man I did the same thing the dang apu kept giving me problems last thing it did was cost me 1300$ i said nah remove it and did it just like you

[@jesust6101]

I have the predator with a mini split installed. Great generator

[@jayhughes3064]

I’m planning on doing the same thing . What type of mini split did you install?

[@jesust6101]

@@jayhughes3064 sold that truck, currently have an electric Chinese ac for trucks installed. I run it with truck 4 batteries for about 8 hours without killing batteries.

[@hotshotbythemile2811]

Nice 👍 setup

[@topherwayne4398]

Nice work

[@trevormcwilliams763]

I did the same thing I just purchased the 3500 predator generator. Great setup big homie

[@DrivingByBraille]

Looking at trading up for the bigger unit. Maybe install a mini-split system.

[@thisguy7269]

Great vid I’m going this route instead of the $9k for an apu 👍🏾

[@608trucker4]

Running the same set up love looking at other people's set ups an im getting ready to upgrade to a generator that has remote start for 800 bucks An still cheaper then buying a tk or makes

[@sergk2820]

Heck yea. Gonna do pretty much the same thing. Got a killer deal on a yanmar 7kw diesel generator. 350$ cant beat that.

[@DrivingByBraille]

Wow. Good deal and you can pipe it in directly 👍🏻

[@sergk2820]

@@DrivingByBraille that is the plan . It will eliminate gas cans. The most appealing thing is the savings $$$$$

[@BGM669]

I'm doing the same thing for over 2 years. Never had a problem with the generator or AC. Guess what eventually if i have one ,its under a $1000 to replace generator and AC. The goddamn TriPack APU cost me already over $2000 to maintain and it's only the middle of the summer. By the end of the year I'm sure we'll cost another couple of thousands

[@bennyblanco4054]

I done a couple now, you should insulate the side of the door for noise reduction

[@bennyblanco4054]

I noticed it was winter, those Chinese heater are the way to go.. cheap and reliable.

[@heavydoodie924]

Careful with the chains in that box with the electricity from the gennie (I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but maybe some others aren't thinking about it arching if a plug rattles loose)

[@mrgroosumthasandman8046]

Dude! Everything I said about an APU u said as I was thinkin it! Touche my friend! Look people,...... An APU is a great idea 💡 without a doubt BUT,........ the reality is THEY ARE HORRIBLE! Especially for o/o's! Now if your a company driver, whatever, just get the company to maintain it (if they even will) but most companies out there nowadays won't BECAUSE THEY'RE SO DAMM EXPENSIVE! Had one for 5 month's, took it in for maintenance, got a 3100$ bill and sold that useless anchor ⚓ weight that following week to someone that was more than happy to buy it for 5 grand! My opinion, they're only semi worth it "new" and a brand spankin new apu is like finding a unicorn 🦄! In layman's terms: You now have 2 diesel engines On your rig you have to maintain. One of which you actually need, While the other is a miniature version Of the 1st one and cost almost about as much And does nothing more the 1st one can do idling! But n-e wayz, Long story even longer love the generator man! Your right, it's your fuckin truck! Do what u want! Stay safe out there driver!💯

[@concretecityMov]

this guy funny as hell, nice video body

[@mrmotofy]

Green APU has changed the game. They use kubota diesel motors and other components are mostly automotive parts from any auto store.

[@chipperfluffy]

I used to do that!!

[@erzenkokaj1187]

Great job just so you know you can make tha Generator turn on/off from inside of your truck ore with app from your phone is very easy install.

[@todddenison2110]

Can you explain this a little more? That sounds awesome. What hardware would I need? What phone app? Thanks

[@taylormadetransportationll8297]

PLease more info about the app

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

It's your thing--do what you want to doo!!

[@echohoneybee4793]

Put some motorkote in to the oil and it will be OK.It will run nice and smood!

[@dabittyslaya]

Did the fan come with it? And what type of box should I look for to house the generator

[@CashisKingtrucking]

Great set up. I'm thinking I can copy what you have done with having to buy the box and still be in under $2k

[@DrivingByBraille]

Sure can.. come to Utah.. I have my old generation box I’ll give you.

[@brsbeard6893]

I just purchased a generator and a AC unit at Costco under $1000. I’m going to buy a box off of Amazon for about 300 bucks. This thing will pay for itself in one month. The rest of the time the money you will save on fuel will make your truck payment.

[@bully1676]

3:31 facts 😁

[@westleycrouse3299]

Where did u get the fuelcap for that generator

[@zaidchalabi1599]

for mini split ac. is 2000 enough if u run it with TV or need the 3500 one ?

[@pavontrucking4689]

Lol stop eating truck stop food 🤣 or get a heart attack .good job brother you are McGiver

[@jbanuelos7388]

I’m buying a predator too for a portable ac , I think I’ll pay for it self in a month or less by not idling my truck every night I spend out on the road

[@preparedtrucker6815]

Where do you get the box for the generator to go in

[@millionteam5071]

Great Job 👍 Bro, please Ignore the little brain people

[@Ranchodeluxe888]

looking to do this on a dodge ram 3500 megacab

[@milliondollargoal8522]

Do you have a video of how to install the tool to get more fuel for the generator

[@fozman845]

Jigsaw to cut aluminum easy

[@k.lamareyev4418]

Please explain the fuel set up in detail

[@carlosgarza7878]

No you're not lying everything you say is true

[@MAB-bs3zf]

I just installed a portable ac and 3600 electric generator but my ac is not strong enough I got an 8000 btu but it seems not to be enough. I'm getting a 10000 BTU ac maybe that will do it.

[@bv1782]

Where to but a box like this?

[@robertodelossantos3233]

Where did u get that box?

[@phamanh30926]

Please keep updates us on how many hours does it last

[@DrivingByBraille]

The one I had on my WesternStar, before it was stolen, I had for over a year. Running it an average of 30+ hours a week. Changed the oil every few months. The thing wouldn’t die!! I hope I get as good of life out of this one.

[@Mark-vu8ct]

I have a predator 2000 that i ran 60+ hours a week from may until last week when the pull cord broke. No issues. They replaced it for me and I'm onto the new one.

[@Mark-vu8ct]

@@DrivingByBraille the new predator 2000 they gave me was a dud. It would damn near stall when the compressor kicked on my AC. My AC is have issues shutting off with an ES on the display 🤦. I returned it and upgraded to the 3500. What a difference. Electric start and handles the AC with no issues. I may actually upgrade to a 12,000 BTU for next summer. Do you run the Generator to power a heater in the winter or use an Espar or webasto?

[@DrivingByBraille]

The new bigger AC I bought has a heater too. Last winter, I just used a little space heater that worked really well. Im curious to see what this will do. I think next year I’ll be installing a rooftop AC with a heater pack installed. I loved my rooftop ac when I had one. It would snow in my truck.

[@Mark-vu8ct]

@@DrivingByBraille I have been thinking along the same lines. I drive a 2006 Pete 379 car hauler, my space is limited . The RV and boat industry achieves a lot of creature comforts in a small space. The folks that build trucks for whatever reason have not caught on.

[@Saladon89]

where did ur first inverter generator get stolen? at a truck stop? im planning on setting up an predator inverter generator to power up my mini splitter and few other little electronics in my truck. the mini splitter that i am lookin to getting is a 9000 btu, with 110v, 7 amps, 970 watts. do u think the 3500watt predator would be enough? ill probably only run it while asleep and during my breaks

[@DrivingByBraille]

It was stolen on a side street. One of the terminals I went to in AZ had parking only on the street. 3500 watt should run any small A/C unit.

[@jesusespinoza3735]

Were did u get the fan

[@sahabsahab7805]

hey man can i have that aluminum box"s sizes and brand please?

[@TruckDriver326]

Just buy a good carbon dioxide detector you be good. everyone should always have one in there truck.

[@ltsotrtrucker6178]

I am using the same generator..can u tell me where to get that's gas cap and that whole extended fuel run u got..thanks

[@DrivingByBraille]

Got everything on eBay. Just do a search for extended run fuel tank.

[@tedc6694]

Coleman roughneck good roofto0 a/c?

[@raymondmora2642]

I'm retired cdl . But yes you are right. I would do the same thing. Thanks for showing me.

[@nunyabusiness156]

Where did you get the 7 gal gas tank and the new gas cap?

[@DrivingByBraille]

eBay

[@VicBeatz]

Hey brother, how many sq feet is your portable AC rated for and does it keep the whole truck cool? What would you recommend?

[@DrivingByBraille]

I think it’s 500sqft. Keeps it nice and cold at night. I run the desert. As soon as that sun hits the tin can we call a sleeper. It’s worthless. But even when I had a carrier APU, it couldn’t keep up. Only A/C that could keep up with the desert heat was my 13500 rooftop RV a/c I had on my Mack.

[@VicBeatz]

@@DrivingByBraille I hear ya. I usually drive by day so it shouldn't be an issue. What about for a heater? What do you use? I'm in the process of building a box for my generator and then get that sucker mounted on.

[@DrivingByBraille]

Amazingly a little space heater is more than capable of keeping a truck warm. I ran one with temps as low as 5-10 degrees. But I like it cold in the truck. If you’re expectation to keep the sleeper at 80. Probably won’t keep up. Good thing with a generator in the winter, get a oil pan heater. Easy to stick on and will keep your oil at 100-110 degrees all night even when it’s 10 outside. The heat of the oil also keeps your coolant warm. Around 60 degrees. So no need to run a block heater, which in my opinion is useless. Heating the oil is way more important.

[@VicBeatz]

I'm from Texas, when it gets cold I normally just try to stay in state lol. Usually it's from 30 - 40 the coldest.

[@DrivingByBraille]

Small, $20 space heater will work great.

[@karloz714]

How many BTUs is your portable AC brother? I'm trying to do something similar to this, I'm DONE with APUs!

[@DrivingByBraille]

I think it’s 6000BTUs, it don’t work too well during the day with the sun beating down on the truck. And the morning sun in the summer time in Arizona or Nevada will usually wake me up around 9am from the heat. Think on the truck I just purchased, going back with an RV rooftop unit. That thing would freeze me out!

[@funfactoryracing1183]

nice thing about the predator is the warranty.. every 11 months, you get a new one for $75

[@saidabdulle4592]

Can you do for me if am paying your service

[@hboy407ful]

What's the best portable AC to be use with this setup

[@DrivingByBraille]

High SEER rating. Low amps

[@Freyes2017]

Do you run a ac with the generator? If so, how many btu? Thanks in advance.

[@DrivingByBraille]

4000 BTU SACC old standard 7amp starting Works good at night. When that sun hits the cab though. It’s hard for any portable unit to keep these things cool. When looking for a AC. Get the highest SEER rating you can afford.

[@BGM669]

I'm using the frigidair 5500 BTU. Its only 500 w And it's keep it really cool even in Arizona on 100ﾟ

[@marianmarian1714]

Very smart guy God bless you brother. That’s better than piece of shit APU. Keep wasting money on it.

[@diegotafur3959]

What type of ac unit are you using inside?

[@DrivingByBraille]

Indoor A/C unit, the ones that has a hose to vent out a window. I've never used one like this. This will be the first spring/summer. As it starts warming up. I'll make a video on how well it works.

[@77Aaronw77]

where did u get the fan and gas tank?

[@DrivingByBraille]

eBay or Amazon. They both sell them.

[@bennitovillarreal3992]

Where did u get the exhaust pipe?

[@DrivingByBraille]

You can find them on Amazon. They are not cheap. Generator Exhaust Pipe

[@livo068]

Can you show the exhaust hook up? How do you connect it?

[@DrivingByBraille]

Found it on Amazon. Just do a search for predator or Honda 2000 exhaust. It’s pretty pricey though. But you get the whole kit.

[@DrivingByBraille]

GenExhaust Compatible with Honda EU2200i/EU2000i/EU1000i Generator 1" Steel Exhaust Extension 8 Foot Length. www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9JPCLB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EH2WZ86SGZ4XMQ1PEMXD

[@livo068]

Thanks bro

[@abarca2013]

Do you need to weld this onto the stock muffler ?

[@livo068]

I ordered and it came. The instructions telling us to wield. But I just use hose clamps it’s fine.

[@mrdannyproduction1234]

How long it does last the fuel or how many hours you can run it?

[@DrivingByBraille]

10-12hrs

[@keylonwalker]

How?

[@kencornett4768]

Are you got to do what you got to do Alyssa unless you a multi-millionaire truck you can't afford to go pay entry and $4,000 for a brand new APU and a generator in the box works just as good because all it is is a homemade APU instructors nowadays got to do what they got to do to be comfortable and make money and so I don't blame you for doing what you doing there's nothing wrong with it how you got motorhome it's going down the highway with generators mounted in their belly and there's no difference and the people in the motorhome to use the generator 2000 driving down highway or sitting at a truck stop 38 no difference so there ain't no difference or have yourself a good day until those people to stick it in your ear alright man I get out of here

[@saradaniel9632]

Where do you get the fan please

[@mrmotofy]

Auto parts store, Amazon or Ebay just a 12v fan. 8-10" is fine

[@andrebennett6999]

Where did u get the fan from

[@DrivingByBraille]

Just a 12v radiator fan. Can buy at any auto store.

[@waltersalas9293]

What type of ac unit do you run?

[@DrivingByBraille]

Just a small room A/C. I think it’s like 6000btu. It’s worthless as soon as the sun comes up. But if it’s 100 at night outside, It will keep the cab cool enough to sleep comfortably.

[@osvaldolarios9440]

Where did u get that fuel cap

[@DrivingByBraille]

eBay

[@wileydickerson2511]

Damn how cold do you want the inside to be

[@DrivingByBraille]

68 degrees

[@TrukinSOB]

Hey, I just saw this video and was wondering do you still have this setup and if so, how's it performing?

[@DrivingByBraille]

I have a similar setup on my current truck yes. Run it everyday I’m out. I love it! Would never buy a $12000 APU that cost $500 to do a damn oil change.

[@TrukinSOB]

@Driving By Braille LOL....Thanks,I have an in/op apu on my truck. It will cost me almost the same price to repair it as a new one. So I will be utilizing my generator!! 👍🏿

[@DrivingByBraille]

Think of it this way. You can buy a generator a year for 20 years.. and still have $$$ left over for what it cost for one of them dumb APU

[@Nemciochupqca5256]

Will that power a air conditioner?

[@mrmotofy]

Yes

[@ciaranbrennan16]

There's no carbon monoxide off diesel.

[@erasmoalanis3883]

Can you run it while you are driving?

[@DrivingByBraille]

I wouldn’t see why you couldn’t?

[@MrCLASSICLeonS]

@@DrivingByBraille a lady I no ran it for a week no problem

[@D4LM4R]

I have 2017 Tripac Evo APU and I hate it because it keeps on breaking down all the fucking time and they are extremely expensive to fix it. So I’m just going to go the poor way, I bought generator and portable ac

[@jhonnygarcia7396]

I put 750 in my apu and it took a shit on me months later. Worthless. Rather buy a couple generator

[@Nobluffbuff]

You don't want an APU that requires an after treatment DEF system? Big surprise!!! By the way, stupid regen issues had my ThermoKing in the shop 4 times in 8 months on a new Volvo.

[@DrivingByBraille]

When I bought the truck.. the APU had a DPF. No DEF. Wouldn’t surprise me if the new APUs had a DEF system on them. I removed the DPF when summer came around and the damn thing kept clogging up. $1800 to “bake” the DPF.. or $2000 to completely remove it. I removed it.

[@Nobluffbuff]

@@DrivingByBraille Ouch! What a headache! I worked for an o/o using a poorly suited 6x2 T660 for lowboy work, and we had nothing but hell that year with DEF and EGR issues, on top of countless other problems. I don't know who was more relieved to let it go and walk away between my friend and myself. 😆 That's trucking.

[@prags6558]

To much oil

[@AlexK-bh8mc]

Men this is a stupid setup.