Thermo King TriPac APUs
Auxiliary power units
Reduce idling and increase driver comfort with the Thermo King TriPac APU, available in diesel or electric models.
Two TriPac models.
A diesel TriPac with its own engine, and the all-electric TriPac Envidia, which runs on batteries. Certified Pre-Owned TriPac units come in two tiers: basic or premium.
3rd Generation TriPacDieselThermo King's newest diesel TriPac APU, with the same comfort and performance TriPac is known for, plus enhancements to reduce emissions, monitor unit performance and increase profitability.13,000 BTU/hr air conditioning capacityExplore the 3rd Generation TriPac
TriPac EnvidiaAll-electricWith no diesel engine, the TriPac Envidia runs clean and emission-free and is significantly quieter than engine-based APU systems.8,000 BTU/hr air conditioning capacity, on battery powerExplore the TriPac Envidia
What is an APU?
An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a product that provides cooling, heating, and electrical power for hotel loads in the truck cab when the tractor main engine is off. It also maintains the tractor battery charge level and can be integrated into the tractor engine coolant system to improve starting capability in low ambient environments.
Diesel or all-electric.
There is a diverse range of APU solutions on the market, including high-efficiency diesel units and all-electric battery-powered systems. This variety provides options for fleet operators to select the optimal technology to meet their unique operational requirements, routes, and sustainability objectives.
Diesel
3rd Generation TriPac
- Delivering comfort and performance for fleets that demand the most in a diesel APU
- A best-in-class 13,000 BTU/hr of cooling capacity, ensuring a comfortable cab environment, even in extreme summer heat
- A powerful 7,500 BTU/hr fuel-powered heater for year-round climate control, with a high-output 13,600 BTU/hr version available for moving freight in the coldest climates
Worth knowing
- It burns diesel and uses approximately 75% less fuel per hour than idling the tractor engine, based on actual customer experiences.
- Its own 120-amp alternator charges the truck batteries and powers in-cab devices.
- The standard model is a 49-state solution; California needs the ATD model.
- Oil changes every 2,000 hours with a Thermo King filter and CK-4 or better oil (500 hours with other filters and CI-4 oil), per its operator's manual.
All-electric
TriPac Envidia
- For fleets prioritizing zero-emission performance and quiet operation, the 2nd generation TriPac Envidia APU improves upon the industry standard
- Running with less noise than any engine-based APU to provide an environment conducive to lasting rest
- It is expertly designed to meet nationwide anti-idle and zero-emission regulations, including current CARB requirements.
Worth knowing
- It needs a tractor alternator of at least 270 amps.
- Air conditioning is 8,000 BTU/hr, against 13,000 BTU/hr on the diesel TriPac.
- Heat is an option: fuel-fired heaters of 7,500 or 13,600 BTU/hr.
- Its batteries recharge while you drive (4 to 8 hours expected) or on optional shore power.
- Don't use it to pull down a hot cab: pre-cool with the truck's air conditioner.
Compare the TriPac APUs
Both models side by side.
| Specification | 3rd Generation TriPac | TriPac Envidia |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ||
| Power source | EPA Tier 4 compliant two-cylinder diesel engine | All-electric, battery-based (NXT batteries) |
| Alternator | 14.5 V, 120 amp, on the APU | Tractor alternator, 270 amp minimum |
| Inverter option | 2,000 W pure sine wave | 1,000 W pure sine |
| Shore power | Optional shore power converter; charges truck and APU batteries at once | |
| Run time | ||
| Run time | Competitive electric runtime without tractor startup | |
| Recharge | 4 to 8 hours expected, depending on depth of discharge, traffic, driving profile and alternator size | |
| Fuel | ||
| Fuel use | Approximately 75% less fuel per hour than idling the tractor engine; about 2,500 gallons a year, based on actual customer experiences | 0 gph cooling; 0.06 gph heating, in a savings example |
| Comfort | ||
| Air conditioning | 13,000 BTU/hr (3,810 Watts) | 8,000 BTU/hr (2,342 Watts) |
| Heating | 7,500 BTU/hr (2,200 Watts) standard; 13,600 BTU/hr (3,986 Watts) optional | Optional heater, 7,500 BTU/hr (2,200 Watts); optional high-output heater, 13,600 BTU/hr (3,986 Watts) |
| Evaporator airflow | 250 ft³/min | 230 ft³/min |
| Refrigerant | HFC R-134a | HFC R-134a |
| Controls | Color-enhanced digital display with tactile pushbuttons and plain language readouts | Simple three-knob HMI controller |
| Emissions and idle rules | ||
| Compliance | Standard model: 49-state EPA Tier 4, for aftermarket installs. ATD model: 50-state, CARB and EPA Tier 4, for new OEM or aftermarket installs | Designed to meet nationwide anti-idle and zero-emission regulations, including CARB requirements |
| Connectivity | ||
| Telematics | TracKing standard, complimentary for the first 24 months | |
| Weight (approx.) | ||
| System weight | Standard model 363 lbs (165 kg); ATD model 402 lbs (182 kg); HVAC system 70 lbs (32 kg) | Battery box with cables 470 lbs (213 kg); evaporator 66 lbs (29.9 kg); condenser with drier 26 lbs (11.7 kg) |
| Warranty | ||
| Standard warranty | Major components four years; bumper-to-bumper two years. See warranty documentation for full details. | Terms of the Thermo King Limited Express Warranty are available upon request. |
| Extended Warranty | Full unit or major component | Several Extended Warranty options are available for your TriPac system. |
| Models | ||
| Models | TriPac Standard Model; TriPac with Aftertreatment Device Model | 2nd Generation TriPac Envidia Model 905181M |
For your TriPac
- APU installation and PMsOn TKSE's service menu.
- Extended WarrantyFull unit or major component coverage for the 3rd Generation TriPac Diesel APU. Hour limitations don't apply for APUs.
- APU Air TowerImproves air circulation above the bunk and reduces APU run time by up to 22%.
- TriPac Backflow Preventer KitCloses the OEM HVAC air inlet while the APU runs, so the APU can generate 100% airflow.
- 2,000-watt inverterPure sine wave power for the TriPac, with a 4,000-watt peak surge.
- ThermoLite solarRoof-mounted panels trickle-charge the batteries and can cut TriPac engine run time by up to 30% compared with the prior model.
Keep it running.
The service, parts and plans behind every TriPac.
Service Factory-trained technicians at seven shops, and mobile service trucks that come to the unit.
Parts Every TKSE shop has a parts department with genuine Thermo King parts.
Guaranteed Maintenance Thermo King's fixed-cost agreement for planned and unscheduled maintenance and breakdown repairs. Your shop sets it up.
Questions
What is an APU?
A product that provides cooling, heating and electrical power for hotel loads in the truck cab when the tractor main engine is off. It also maintains the tractor battery charge and can be integrated into the engine coolant system to improve cold-weather starting.
Where does an APU mount, and how does it work?
It's typically installed on the exterior frame rails, behind the passenger side fuel tank. It runs independently of the main engine to supply electricity and climate control to the cab, so drivers can run heating, air conditioning, electronics and microwaves without idling.
Does an APU charge the truck's batteries?
Yes. Thermo King APU models can charge the truck's batteries while supplying auxiliary power.
Diesel or electric: which one?
The 3rd Generation TriPac is for fleets that demand the most in a diesel APU: 13,000 BTU/hr of cooling, and a 50-state ATD model. The TriPac Envidia is for fleets prioritizing zero-emission performance and quiet operation; it needs a tractor alternator of at least 270 amps and cools at 8,000 BTU/hr.
How much fuel does a TriPac save?
The diesel TriPac uses approximately 75% less fuel per hour than idling the tractor engine. That's about 2,500 gallons a year, based on actual customer experiences; individual results may vary. The Envidia's air conditioning runs on batteries; its optional heaters burn a little fuel.
Can I run an APU in California?
Yes, with the right model. The 3rd Generation TriPac's ATD model is a 50-state solution for CARB and EPA Tier 4 (the standard model is 49-state). Thermo King designed the TriPac Envidia to meet nationwide anti-idle and zero-emission regulations, including CARB requirements.
Can I run the truck and the APU at the same time?
It isn't recommended. The APU is designed to operate when the main engine is off, and running both may lead to unnecessary wear and technical issues.
Who installs and services TriPac APUs?
TKSE's factory-trained technicians. APU installation and preventive maintenance are on TKSE's service menu. See APU service.
Ask TKSE about a TriPac.
APU installation and preventive maintenance are on TKSE's service menu.