09 Jan

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Thermo King APU

 

The Thermo King APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a crucial component of your truck, providing power for your heating, cooling, and electrical systems when the engine is off. Given its importance and the role it plays in keeping your vehicle in top shape, it’s crucial to keep it well-maintained and functioning optimally. Here, we’ll explore practical tips to help you maximize the lifespan of your Thermo King APU. 

Scheduling Your Thermo King APU Inspections

Your Thermo King APU benefits immensely from regular inspections. This regular health-check conducted by experts helps nip potential issues in the bud before they blossom into bigger, more costly problems. An in-depth inspection should encompass a comprehensive check of various components of your APU, including the belts, hoses, alternator, refrigeration system, battery, and control system. The golden rule is to arrange for an inspection at least twice yearly or after your APU has clocked 1,000 hours of operation. However, you should listen to your APU as well. Any unusual noise or noticeable drop in performance is a clear sign that your Thermo King APU could use an inspection. Being proactive in scheduling these inspectionssemi truck can go a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your APU and ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

Importance of Using Genuine Thermo King Parts

When it comes to safeguarding your Thermo King APU‘s longevity, using genuine Thermo King parts is an essential factor. These original parts are meticulously designed and rigorously tested to meet the stringent quality and durability standards set by Thermo King. As a result, they ensure your APU functions optimally and maintains peak performance levels. Conversely, while non-genuine parts might appear to be a cost-effective solution, they can prove to be a double-edged sword. Often, these parts do not match Thermo King’s high-quality standards, which could lead to underperformance, frequent downtime, and even severe damage to your APU. The risk is further magnified as the usage of non-genuine parts could potentially nullify your Thermo King warranty, leaving you unprotected in the face of unforeseen APU issues. Think of your APU as an orchestra, where every part needs to work in perfect harmony. Genuine parts act as the fine-tuned instruments that make this harmony possible. They have been carefully engineered to work in sync with your Thermo King APU, ensuring it always delivers a stellar performance. In a nutshell, choosing genuine Thermo King parts is like choosing a health insurance policy for your APU. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an investment in the long-term health, efficiency, and productivity of your Thermo King APU. So, always opt for the genuine parts to ensure your APU performs to its maximum potential and serves you reliably for years to come.

Keeping the Air Filter Clean and Functioning

A high-performance APU demands a clean and efficient air filter, a vital piece in the grand puzzle of your Thermo King APU’s functioning. By effectively filtering airborne particles, a pristine air filter significantly enhances your APU’s performance and fuel economy. On the flip side, an overlooked and dirty filter is a doorway to potential engine damage. Thermo King has a clear recommendation in this regard – a check-up for your air filter every 500 hours and a full replacement after a span of 1,000 hours. Nonetheless, if you’re often hitting the road in environments with high dust levels, it’s wise to tune up the frequency of your air filter maintenance. This routine task not only adds to the longevity of your APU but also saves you from the financial burden of major repairs. Develop a routine, be it a quick glance during a pit stop or a dedicated time in your schedule, to ensure your filter is in its prime condition. This might seem like a small task, but it carries a significant impact on your APU’s lifespan. Just like a well-oiled machine, your Thermo King APU craves this kind of meticulous attention. After all, prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to the heart of your vehicle – your Thermo King APU.

Learning to Identify Common APU Problems

 Recognizing common issues with your Thermo King APU can be instrumental in its long-term maintenance. Gaining knowledge about potential problems allows you to catch any hiccup in its infancy, thereby preventing minor glitches from morphing into major repairs. Watch out for warning signs such as unexpected noises or excessive shaking. A noticeable dip in heating or cooling performance can also point towards a potential issue. Increased fuel consumption is another red flag that something might be amiss with your Thermo King APU. If any of these signs manifest, don’t hesitate to seek an expert’s opinion. Swiftly addressing these issues not only rectifies the immediate problem but also contributes to the longevity of your APU. In essence, understanding common APU problems acts as a first line of defense, helping you take preventive measures and ensuring your Thermo King APU continues to operate at peak performance for years.

 

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14 May

Going the Distance: Dynasys APUs and the Future of Trucking

 

Dynasys is revolutionizing the way trucks transport goods across the country. Their advanced APUs (auxiliary power units) have been at the forefront of trucking technology for over a decade, providing unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of Dynasys APUs and how they are helping to shape the future of trucking.

 

The Origins of Dynasyssemi truck

Dynasys is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing auxiliary power units (APUs) for the transportation industry. APUs are devices that are mounted on the outside of trucks to provide heating, air conditioning, and electrical power to the cab without having to run the truck’s engine. This reduces fuel consumption, engine wear and tear, and harmful emissions.

The idea of an APU for trucks goes back decades, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that the technology became practical and affordable enough to make widespread use possible. Dynasys was founded in 1996 in Canton, Ohio, by a team of engineers who saw an opportunity to revolutionize the trucking industry with their innovative APU designs.

The early years of Dynasys were focused on research and development, with the company experimenting with different engine types, power output levels, and cooling systems to create the most efficient and reliable APUs possible. They worked closely with truck manufacturers and operators to gather feedback and refine their designs to meet the specific needs of the industry.

One of the key breakthroughs for Dynasys came in 2005 when they introduced their first all-in-one APU, the Dynasys 1100. This compact unit provided both heating and air conditioning for the cab, as well as electrical power, and was much more cost-effective and space-efficient than previous models.

Today, Dynasys is a leading provider of APUs for the trucking industry, with a range of models that can fit almost any type of truck. Their products are used by trucking fleets and owner-operators across North America and beyond, and are recognized for their reliability, durability, and fuel savings.

 

The Future of Trucking with Dynasys

Dynasys has revolutionized the way the trucking industry operates with its efficient and cost-effective APUs. The future of trucking with Dynasys looks promising, as the company continues to innovate and improve its products to meet the changing needs of the industry.

One major advantage of Dynasys APUs is that they help truckers save fuel, which is a significant expense for any trucking company. This is achieved by reducing the amount of time the engine needs to run when the truck is parked, as the APU powers the truck’s electrical system and keeps the cab comfortable for the driver. As the industry moves towards more fuel-efficient practices, Dynasys APUs are an essential part of this transition. Another benefit of Dynasys APUs is their low maintenance requirements, which further helps reduce costs. With a simple design and easy-to-replace components, these APUs require minimal attention and upkeep, making them an attractive option for companies looking to minimize downtime and expenses. As the trucking industry evolves, Dynasys is adapting its products to meet new challenges and opportunities. For example, the company has developed new models of its APUs that can power hybrid and electric trucks, which are becoming more popular as the industry shifts towards cleaner energy sources.

Overall, Dynasys APUs are an essential component of the modern trucking industry and will continue to play a significant role in its future. With their innovative design, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability, Dynasys APUs are poised to help trucking companies navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry and stay competitive for years to come.

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22 Apr

How Do APU’s Work?

With gas prices skyrocketing you may have noticed a significant increase in your
monthly bills both personally and in your fleet. It is no surprise that the high gas prices have put
a strain on truck drivers. Luckily, APUs act as a secondary energy source for semi-trucks. This
secondary energy source allows for the heating and cooling of the interior of the truck cab. In
fact, anti-idling laws have even made it illegal for trucks to sit idling. This would mean that a
truck driver would be forced to turn off all power to their cab and be without heat, air, or any
electricity. This would mean that truck drivers could not survive out on the road – at least not
within their own cabs. This would increase hotel stays and overall expenses for fleet
management to unmanageable levels.
APUs can be powered by a few different sources. First, an APU for sale can be powered
by electricity. These APUs work by operating through cell batteries. They can vary by the size of
the vehicle and how often they need to be changed really varies dependent upon how often
the APU is used. Electric APUs require little to no annual maintenance. Auxiliary power units
can also be powered by combustion provided that fuel is available. This type of APU does
require annual maintenance. A diesel powered APU for sale can last a significant distance but
does require fuel. However, you will get more out of the diesel powered engine than what you
put into it.
Of course the biggest advantage to consider with an APU is the environmental benefits.
APUs help to save the planet by reducing emissions into the environment. Idling for even a
short period of time releases harmful emission into the air that we all breathe.gas

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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.idling

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05 May

Caring for your Tires

Your tires are one of the main elements of your vehicle as they are what allows you to reach each destination. When it comes to maintaining your tires, here are a few tips that will help you to stay safe on the road. 

 

Have the right tires: Although it may sound basic, with so many different tires on the market, having the right one will make all the difference. Considering the load carry capacity, size, elements that may occur along the routes, etc are all factors that should be considered. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections assist in keeping high performance and safety.

 

Watch your speed: When you have found the right tire for your truck, make sure to have a clear understanding of the maximum speed rating. This is the number that drivers should go by, not necessarily what the highway speed limits are. Tire related accidents and dangers to the public can be avoided by drivers watching their speed, especially when sharing the road with other drivers. 

 

Tire Inspection: Drivers need to be hands on with every part of their truck and understand as much of it as possible. Tires need to be inspected for cuts, cracks, flat spotting and more. Although it may take time, doing this routinely will help keep you and others safe on the road.

 

Cold Inflation: Maintaining an even weight distribution can be difficult during changing weather conditions. Since tires change with cold and hot weather, they need to be checked during temperature fluctuations. Without the right inflation, tires can experience heavy tread damage which can only cause further problems. Experts say that cold inflation pressure is most accurately measured when tires have been parked for a minimum of three hours which gives the tires a chance to adjust resulting in the most accurate reading. 

 

Making sure that your truck is running at peak efficiency is what we do best. We offer new and refurbished APU’s both online and at our storefront which saves you time and money while on the road. We also carry evolution parts in our extensive inventory.

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02 Apr

Staying Safe on the Road

 

Driving always presents risk and when you are driving a 18 wheel semi truck or other large vehicle, it becomes even more important. Here are some of our top tips for drivers of any age and experience level that will hopefully help keep you safe on the road.

 

The Buffer Zone- As truck drivers we have the advantage of being significantly higher in the air in comparison to the average vehicle. The height is an advantage in being able to see what is ahead on the road. What you want to see in front of you is absolutely nothing, you want to leave plenty of space in front of your rig which may mean that you are only going 50 mph, but being patient is what will keep you out of trouble. Having space means you have room to break and avoid joining any accidents that may occur in front of you. 

 

Delivery Check- Prior to making a delivery in an unfamiliar area, find a space to park outside of the location and walk around it first. This allows you to take in any potential obstacle that may be unexpected including fire hydrants, ditches, light posts etc. You know your truck the best and will be able to determine what is the best way to get in and out of the area. 

 

Rain, Snow, Hail, Sun-  Driving is not only about being aware of the other cars on the road, it also applies to knowing the weather. Not only does it give you an idea of what the roads might be like, but it also allows you to mentally prepare for the road ahead. Different conditions may require you to pull to the side sooner than you expected for your own safety and that of your cargo. 

Being safe on the road is the number one goal for truck drivers. When it comes to saving money, there is no better way to cut down on fuel costs than through using an APU. Stop on by our shop and have your APU installed or serviced by one of our experienced technicians. We have a large selection of Thermo King parts and can also ship parts across the country.

 

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09 Mar

3 of the Longest Trucking Routes in the USA

Being a trucker comes with its own set of responsibilities and requirements but those that do long haul trucking are in their own category. These folks operate and take care of heavy trucks and also live life on the road. Here we are looking at several of the longest routes that long haul truckers take in the USA.

 

Interstate 90 has the unique characteristic of being the longest interstate freeway in the United States. Starting in Seattle, Washington, this route crosses into states like Montana, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania before ending in Boston, Massachusetts. Of course, you can always go the other way and start in Boston. To complete this route, drivers travel a total of about 3,020 mile. Along the way drivers will cross 2 famous floating bridges, the Homer Hadley Memorial Bridge and the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge in Washington.

 

Also ending or starting in Boston is the “Big Daddy” of roads. At a total of 3,365 miles, Boston to Newport, Oregon has a lot to see during the drive on Route 20. Along with beautiful views of nature, this coast to coast road is the longest highway in the nation. It is a road that is not only taken by truckers but also by those folks that love a hardcore road trip.

Living life on the road can be an isolating experience but the road on Route 50 has been labeled “the loneliest route in America,” and was given the title in 1986. Not much has changed since then and the route has long stretches of little to no people living in the areas that drivers cross. From Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California, the roughly 3,010 miles is scenic for those that appreciate silence and peacefulness of the road.

However long you spend on the road, having the right APU can make a difference. We carry brands like Dynasys and Thermo King APUs to serve you while you are on the road. Stop idling and start saving time and money with the right APU for your truck.

 

 

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18 Feb

Diesel vs Electric APUs

When it comes to choosing the right APU for your truck, there are a variety of factors to consider. You have already made the most important choice of installing an APU into your truck, which will save you time and money on the road. Determining if you are going to use a diesel or electric APU is the next step in the process. Here is a brief breakdown of both types so that you have a better understanding and can make the most informed decision depending on the type of trucking you do.

 

Diesel APUs are ideal for drivers who spend the majority of their time in either areas that are very cold or areas that are very hot. They are run by a small diesel engine that runs with the rest of your truck. They have more power than their electric counterparts and can therefore generally last longer than 10 hours, allowing for maximum rest time for drivers. More power also means that more electric parts can run while the truck is powered down without the fear of the APU running out of steam. On the downside, they require more preventative maintenance and more specific knowledge. The maintenance for a diesel APU needs to be kept up to avoid nasty consequences. They also need belt and oil changes to run at maximum efficiency.

 

On the other hand, electric APUs were designed for a different driver in mind. A driver who only spends a few nights in a row on the road may prefer an electric APU. This form was designed for moderate temperatures and for drivers who have the ability and time to recharge their APUs at home. While they may not require much additional maintenance, they still need batteries and an understanding of energy efficiency to make the most out of each charge.

 

Regardless of which type of APU you choose, just having one will make your job easier. Less idle time is not only better on fuel costs, but also on taking care of the truck in the long run. We carry parts for Thermo King APUs as part of our commitment to keeping you safe on the road.

 

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15 Nov

What are the Tax Deductions for Owner Operator Truck Drivers?

Filing taxes is never a pleasant event, but it is necessary. Most owner operators have a variety of expenses they incur during the course of their business that they can deduct. Taking these deductions means that you as an owner/operator could end up paying less income tax. Let’s look at some common deductions for truck drivers

 

First, you will be able to depreciate the value of your truck over the course of several years. The amount you can take depends on the purchase price of the equipment. If you sell a truck or trailer during the year you should know that you will have to count that as income because you have already taken some of the depreciation on the equipment. You should also be able to deduct the interest you pay on your truck payments and trailer payments. However, you aren’t allowed to deduct the actual payments.

 

Next, there are the tolls and fees for scales that truck drivers have to pay along their routes. These fees can be deducted as well. Make sure you keep track of what you pay for showers, truck parts, maintenance, and repairs. All of these items are deductible. You don’t need to keep your receipts for meals because the government gives you a per diem rate that you can claim. However, you do need to make sure you keep track of the number of days you are out on the road so that you can figure the deduction.

 

Clothing can’t be deducted unless it is specifically for work related services. For example, you can claim a bright orange vest and a hard hat that are required to be in a construction zone for which you may be delivering materials. However, you can’t claim your jeans, tennis shoes, and shirts because they aren’t considered to be a required uniform for work. You also can’t claim any traffic tickets or attorney fees you have to pay. Often, truck drivers try to deduct these expenses on their tax return. The result is they end up getting a bill from the IRS telling them they owe more money. Fuel is the most common expense that truck drivers incur. Make sure you keep a close eye on those receipts because each one will likely be worth $100 or more. Losing these different receipts can really add up during the course of a year, and that means you will have to pay more income tax.

 

Just be careful that you understand that there is a line between what is necessary vs. what is a luxury. Also, consult a tax professional if you have any doubts as to what you can deduct. If you are seeking a way to make your trips more fuel efficient, consider an auxiliary power unit. We sell these fuel saving devices and specialize in auxiliary power unit maintenance.

 

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02 Oct

Hybrid Semi Trucks

As the cost of fuel often fluctuates, things can become difficult for most drivers. If you own a trucking company or you are an owner operator, you feel the hit at the pumps more than anyone due to the amount of fuel that semi trucks need to operate. Therefore the idea of hybrid semi trucks has been in the works for quite some time as one way to offset high fuel prices for truck drivers and to reduce their impact on the environment.
Some of the first tests with hybrid trucks were done using vehicles from the United States military. Peterbilt is considered to be a quality brand of semi truck, and was the first to introduce hybrid semi truck models. They were first available for viewing in 2008 at various truck shows. Kenworth is another very reputable brand of semi truck, and they have also developed hybrid semi truck models of their own. They presented some of their models at truck shows as early as 2007.
It is estimated that over-the-road hybrid semi trucks can save the driver or the company at least $10,000 annually. This is quite a significant amount of additional profit for any owner operator. For those trucking companies with thousands of trucks, these savings can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars on annual fuel costs.
Some people remain skeptical about the use of hybrid semi trucks, but for the most part the trucking industry is excited about these vehicles. This particular type of semi truck significantly impacts the trucking industry as we know it today. While these hybrid semi trucks cost more than regular trucks, the amount of money that can be saved on fuel costs make them a great investment.
With so many semi trucks on the road, the positive impact that hybrid semi trucks will have on the environment are very encouraging as well. If you are interested in learning more about the future of hybrid semi trucks, you can visit the Peterbilt or the Kenworth websites. In the meantime, another way to increase fuel efficiency if you do not own a hybrid semi is by using an auxiliary power unit.

We sell APUs and specialize in auxiliary power maintenance.

 

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