A side mounted storage device is provided for an agricultural applicator having a frame assembly in support of a drive unit or engine configured to drive the agricultural applicator on a plurality of wheel assemblies in a forward direction of travel. The storage device includes a fixed storage compartment and a pivotal storage compartment. The pivotal storage compartment is pivotally attached at the forward end of the fixed storage compartment with respect to the forward direction of travel of the agricultural applicator. From a closed position, the pivotal storage compartment is coupled to swing in a radially outward direction with respect to the frame assembly of the agricultural applicator. In a preferred embodiment, the pivotal storage compartment in the open position provides an operator on the ground with ready access to the engine.

A combination step and storage assembly for engagement with an automotive vehicle body adjacent a cargo bay area and an auxiliary storage compartment of the automotive vehicle body in accordance with the present invention includes at least one door member hingedly mounted to the vehicle body adjacent the cargo bay area. The door member is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The door member encloses the auxiliary storage compartment in the closed position and an inner surface of the door member defines a step in the open position.

A heating and air-conditioning system has an auxiliary engine for heating and cooling of a vehicle while the primary engine of the vehicle is not operating. The vehicle has a sleeper compartment with a sleeper compartment air conditioning unit powered by the main engine. An auxiliary air conditioning system located exterior of the sleeper compartment is powered by the auxiliary engine. An auxiliary supply duct extends into the sleeper compartment and joins the duct of the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit. A valve operated by air pressure blocks air flow from the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit into the auxiliary duct while in the main position. In the auxiliary position, the valve blocks air flow from the auxiliary duct into the sleeper compartment air conditioning unit.

A commercial truck has a cab, a flatbed, and provides a space between the cab and flatbed, wherein an auxiliary fuel tank is mounted on a frame of the truck. A sleeper unit is positioned on, and supported by, the auxiliary fuel tank, the sleeper unit adapted for being accessed directly from the cab. A picker crane is mounted on the frame of the truck behind the auxiliary fuel tank and the sleeper unit and within the space between the cab and the flatbed.

An auxiliary power unit for a motor vehicle includes an auxiliary engine with an output shaft directly connected to a generator. The generator has a field winding and three output windings. A first output winding produces 120 volts AC that is applied to standard electrical outlets in the vehicle. A second output winding produces a low AC voltage that is converted to 12 volts DC and applied to the battery of the truck, thereby charging the battery and powering the vehicle's electrical system when the primary engine of the vehicle is off. An auxiliary winding in which another AC voltage is produced that is used by a controller to excite the field winding. A novel enclosure for the auxiliary power unit also is described.