Truck Component
Carrier ComfortPro APU
Carrier Transicold · Apu · Diesel APU
Class 8
In production
Apu
Manufacturer
Carrier Transicold
Category
Apu
Subtype
Diesel APU
Class
Class 8
What this component does
Carrier ComfortPro is the #2 diesel APU in North America after Thermo King TriPac — approximately 30-35% market share. Same functional design as TriPac: small diesel engine + generator + cabin climate control + bunk heater. Carrier's heritage in TRUs gives them advantage on combined reefer-truck + APU specs (one supplier for both). Common spec on reefer-trailer-pulling tractors.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Carrier Transicold
- Category
- Apu
- Subtype
- Diesel APU
- Truck class
- Class 8
- Production
- 2008–present
- Applications
- Sleeper cab heating/cooling/electrical without idling main engine
Design and engineering
Small diesel engine drives generator. Refrigerant-based cooling + diesel-fired heater. EPA Tier 4 compliant. 12V + 110V outputs.
Generations
- ComfortPro Original (2008–2017)Launch.
- ComfortPro EPA Tier 4 Final (2018–present)Tier 4 emissions compliance.
Reliability and longevity
Comparable to Thermo King TriPac. Carrier's dealer network is a major advantage for combined reefer-truck operations.
Common problems
Same diesel engine + emissions complexity. APU theft risk.
Maintenance schedule
Same as TriPac — oil/filter every 750-1,250 hours.
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✓Carrier dealer network nationwide
- ✓Strong on combined reefer + APU specs
- ✓EPA Tier 4 compliant
Cons
- !Upfront cost $9,000-13,000
- !~400 lb weight
- !Emissions service complexity
Trucks that use this component
Other Apu components
- Espar Airtronic D2 (diesel-fired bunk heater)Espar (Eberspächer)
- Idle Free Electrified APU (battery-powered)Idle Free Systems
- EV-eAUT Battery Electric APU (next-gen)Multiple (Espar, Carrier, Volvo Group)
- RigMaster Power APURigMaster (Hennessy Industries)
- Thermo King TriPac Evolution (diesel APU)Thermo King (Trane Technologies)
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an APU?
APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a small auxiliary engine or battery system mounted on a Class 8 sleeper-cab tractor that provides cab heating, air conditioning, and 110V electrical power without running the truck's main engine. Carrier ComfortPro is the #2 diesel APU in North America after Thermo King TriPac — approximately 30-35% market share. Same functional design as TriPac: small diesel engine + generator + cabin climate control + bunk heater. Carrier's heritage in TRUs gives them advantage on combined reefer-truck + APU specs (one supplier for both). Common spec on
How much does an APU save in fuel?
A diesel main engine consumes 1.5-2.5 gallons per hour at idle. A diesel APU consumes 0.2-0.4 gallons per hour — saving 1.5-2 gal/hour. At \$3.50/gallon diesel and 1,500-2,000 hours of annual idle time, an APU saves $5,250-\$14,000 per year per truck. Payback period: 8-24 months depending on usage. Electric APUs save additional fuel because they consume zero diesel during operation (battery is charged while driving).
Is an APU required by law?
No — APUs are not federally required. However: most US states have anti-idling regulations limiting how long a truck can idle its main engine while parked (typical limit 5-30 minutes depending on state). California, Texas, New York have the strictest rules. APUs provide the cab climate control that anti-idling rules would otherwise eliminate. Many fleets and owner-operators consider APUs essentially mandatory for over-the-road sleeper-cab operations.
How much does an APU cost?
New diesel APU (Thermo King TriPac, Carrier ComfortPro): \$9,000-\$13,000 installed. New battery-electric APU (Idle Free, EV-eAUT factory-fit): \$8,000-\$15,000 — slightly cheaper now that battery costs have come down. Diesel-fired bunk heater (Espar Airtronic D2 — heat only, no A/C): \$1,500-\$2,500. Used APUs (5-year-old): 40-55% of original price. Theft is a recurring fleet problem — APUs are easy to steal from parked trucks and have a strong used market.
How long does an APU last?
Diesel APU service life: 12,000-15,000 operating hours before major overhaul. Battery-electric APU: 5-8 years before battery degradation requires replacement ($3,000-$6,000). At 1,500-2,000 hours per year, diesel APUs last 6-10 years before major service; electric APUs last 5-8 years before battery replacement. Both require regular PM.
Diesel APU vs electric APU?
Diesel APU (TriPac, ComfortPro, RigMaster): Unlimited duration, works in any climate, mature technology. Drawbacks: EPA Tier 4 emissions complexity, \$0.20-0.40/hour diesel cost, ~400 lb weight, theft target. Electric APU (Idle Free Lithium, OEM factory-fit): Zero emissions, zero fuel cost, quieter, lower maintenance. Drawbacks: 8-10 hour duration, cold-weather range limits, battery replacement expensive at end-of-life, requires depot 110V/3-phase for full recharge. California ACT mandates and emissions trends favor electric for long-term fleet planning.