Finding a reliable diesel APU (auxiliary power unit) for trucks can reduce idle time, save fuel, and improve comfort on long hauls. This guide highlights five top products designed for semi trucks, APUs, and bunk heater fuel lines. Each option emphasizes easy installation, compatibility, and durable construction. Read on to compare features and decide which pickup tubes and pumps best fit your truck setup, whether you’re upgrading an existing system or adding a new fuel transfer solution.
| Product | Brand | Key Lengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Pickup Pipe For Semi Truck Tank Breather APU | Sonda | 24″ total length | Mounts through breather opening; no drilling |
| 3/8″ OD Fuel Pickup Tube APU (20.95″ Length) | Fuel Tank Accessories | 20.95″ | Versatile semi truck compatibility |
| Czomoizc 12V Fuel Pump (Various Part Numbers) | Czomoizc | — | Compatible with Thermo King Tripac and more |
| NipponAsia 11408 Diesel Installation Kit | nipponAsia | — | Hoses and hardware included |
| 3/8″ OD Fuel Pickup Tube (11.89″ Length) | Fuel Tank Accessories | 11.89″ | Compact option for tight spaces |
The products below are ordered to help you compare installation ease, compatibility, and overall value. Each entry includes a concise overview of features drawn from product listings to support an informed purchasing decision for American truck operators and fleet managers.
Fuel Pickup Pipe For Semi Truck Tank Breather APU
The Sonda pickup pipe is designed to use the breather opening to supply fuel to an APU and bunk heater without drilling a new hole. It features a 3/4″ thread and a total length of 28″ when including the top diameter, providing a straightforward install for many trucks. This solution is ideal for adding a fuel pickup route directly from the tank breather, reducing modification work while maintaining a robust fuel flow pathway.
Key considerations: compatibility with standard breather openings, 24″ long tubes, and a mounting approach that minimizes tank modifications. The setup can improve reliability of fuel supply to APUs while preserving tank integrity.
3/8″ OD Fuel Pickup Tube For Semi Trucks (20.95″ Length)
Designed for semi trucks, APUs, and various fuel tanks, this pickup tube emphasizes versatile compatibility and secure connections. It uses a 0.500-14 NPTF exterior thread and 0.375-81 NPTF interior thread, with Vibra Seal for reliability. The tube measures 5/16″ interior diameter and 3/8″ exterior diameter to support consistent fuel flow to an APU or bunk heater. This option is suitable when you need a mid-range length with broad compatibility and a sturdy threading profile.
Czomoizc 12V Fuel Pump For APU And More
Part Name: Fuel Pump; Part Number includes 6558398 and related codes. This model is listed as compatible with 3.5-5 PSI Thermo King Tripac APUs, RV Rigmaster units, and other truck-related equipment. The listing emphasizes broad compatibility with common APU/fuel systems, making it a viable option for fleets that require a dependable pump to feed diesel into a transfer or main tank. Installation should consider fitment with your specific APU pressure range and tubing configuration.
NipponAsia 11408 Diesel Installation Kit
Installation Kit includes hoses and hardware necessary to feed diesel directly into a truck’s fuel tank from a bed transfer tank. The kit is designed to integrate with a 3/8″ female pipe thread drain fitting and supports direct fuel transfer workflows. It’s a practical choice for fleets adding a transfer setup or upgrading an existing diesel transfer line, with included components that help streamline installation and reliability.
3/8″ OD Fuel Pickup Tube (11.89″ Length)
Another compact option from Fuel Tank Accessories, this 11.89″ pickup tube offers versatile compatibility with semi trucks and APUs while retaining the same threading standards for secure connections. Its smaller footprint makes it suitable for tighter installations or when space around the tank breather is limited. The design supports efficient fuel transfer with a focus on reliability within a condensed tube length.
3/8″ OD Fuel Pickup Tube (11.89″ Length) Variant
This variant from Fuel Tank Accessories maintains the standard 0.500-14 NPTF exterior thread and 0.375-81 NPTF interior thread, ensuring broad compatibility with semi truck fuel systems. The 5/16″ interior diameter and 3/8″ exterior diameter tubing support adequate fuel flow for APUs and other diesel-powered components, while offering flexibility in installation layouts.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help ensure you choose the right diesel APU fuel pickup and related components:
- Compatibility: Confirm thread sizes, exterior and interior diameters, and overall tubing length fit your truck model, APU, and bunk heater setup.
- Installation ease: Look for products designed to mount without drilling or with straightforward breather-mount configurations to minimize downtime.
- Durability: Select corrosion-resistant materials and robust fittings to withstand engine vibrations and diesel exposure over time.
- Flow capacity: Ensure the chosen tubes support your APU’s fuel demand without causing pressure drops or inadequate feed during operation.
- Kit contents: If choosing a kit (like NipponAsia), verify hoses, clamps, and hardware are included for a complete installation.
- Space constraints: Shorter tubes or compact designs are preferable on tighter truck layouts, while longer lengths suit remote or larger tanks.
- Maintenance: Consider ease of teardown for inspection, cleaning, and replacement of fittings to maintain reliability.
- Brand support: Favor products from brands with clear compatibility notes and responsive customer service for fleet reliability.
In practice, selecting a combination that balances tube length, thread compatibility, and the ability to mount via the breather opening can streamline upgrades for diesel APUs and bunk heaters. Fleet managers should map out each truck’s fuel system and plan for spare parts availability to reduce downtime during servicing.