Description
The Thermo King TriPac Evolution is a diesel auxiliary power unit: a small, self-contained engine that cools, heats and powers a sleeper cab so the tractor’s main engine can stay switched off. Thermo King markets the TriPac as its industry-leading APU, and the Evolution generation added Tier IV EPA compliance along with patented efficiency and diagnostics technology. Listed at $7,500.
TriPac Evolution Specifications
- Type: diesel auxiliary power unit for sleeper tractors
- Engine: two cylinder, Tier IV final compliant diesel
- Cooling: 13,000 BTU air conditioning system with compressor, evaporator and controller
- Refrigerant: R-134a (charged at installation)
- Heating: 7,500 BTU fuel-fired heater
- Electrical: battery charging with automatic voltage sensing
- Operation: automatic start/stop for fuel efficiency
- Claimed fuel saving: up to 2,500 gallons per truck per year
- Condition: inspected used units, engine hours confirmed
- Price: $7,500
The Economics of Not Idling
A Class 8 tractor idling to run cab climate control burns roughly a gallon an hour and accumulates engine hours at the same rate as if it were pulling a load. That idle time shortens overhaul intervals, depresses residual value at trade-in, and produces emissions that a growing number of states restrict outright. An APU does the same job on a fraction of the fuel, and Thermo King’s own figure of up to 2,500 gallons a year is what makes the unit cash-flow positive from the first months of ownership.
Driver Retention
The other argument is harder to put on a spreadsheet and matters more. Drivers spend their nights in the cab, and a sleeper with unlimited cooling, real heat and enough power to run a microwave and charge devices is a materially better place to rest. Fleets that fit APUs cite them in recruitment for a reason — drivers ask for TriPac by name.
Installation
The APU mounts to the frame rail behind the cab, with the evaporator and controls run into the sleeper. Refrigerant charging is done at installation by a Thermo King dealer. Budget for professional fitting; the electrical integration with the tractor’s charging system is not a driveway job.
Freight
Ships palletised by flatbed or enclosed van; freight is quoted to your delivery ZIP code. Contact us for hours, photographs and availability.
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