Truck APU
A truck APU is a device that converts DC to AC power while also providing heat and air to the truck sleeper. According to the US patent office Comfort Master owns the patent for truck APUs. It is unclear at this time how this affects other unlicensed APUs. Truck APUs go by several different names such as Truck Generator Auxiliary Power Unit and Semi-truck APU. We have provided links below to help you sort through some of the various other terms for truck APU.
Truck Generators
Truck Generators are often mistaken or confused with truck APUs. A truck generator is just that - a generator mounted on a truck. Typically, those that offer heating and cooling are nothing more than a secondary HVAC systems plugged into the truck generator. These electrically dependent systems are limited to 15,000 btu's maximum. In order to achieve more than 15,000 btu's a compressor driven system is required. Compressor driven systems are typically true APUs.
Another shortcoming of truck generators is that they lack the intuitiveness of a true truck APU. In order to provide any power or HVAC functions the unit must be running. Making a pot of coffee or watching a movie will require starting the generator. Wheras an APU can, for example, power an oil heater for your trucks engine without running the generator would have to run all night to keep the trucks engine warm.
Truck generators are also suceptable to the elements. the gen head (the part responsible for generating electricity) is very sensitive to dust, dirt, rain and mouisture.
While truck generators may seem more appealing initially due to their low price tag keep in mind you are getting nothing more than a generator with an optional air conditioner and heater. If you are looking for this type of "cheap" option you can purchase a generator, air conditioner and heater from Home Depot for well under $2,000 dollars. The cheap 60 amp battery charger used by most truck generator companies is available to the public for less than $100 dollars.