Trailer Focus: Refrigerated

Compared to dry-van trailers, refrigerated trailers offer more to consider when spec’ing – the type and density of foam insulation, duct design and UV-resistant roofs, just to name a few. As today’s transportation refrigerated unit manufacturers introduce models with higher operating efficiencies and lower fuel consumption, trailer manufacturers are offering improved insulation and heat isolation on their refrigerated products, resulting in lower TRU operating costs and greater savings for refrigerated carriers.

The following are standard or typical specifications for popular 53-foot refrigerated trailers marketed by leading suppliers.

GREAT DANE — Classic truckload refrigerated

Floor: 1.38-inch medium-duty aluminum duct for maximum air return; flush rear gutter; four drains

Crossmember: Front – 4-inch aluminum I-beam; bay area – 5-inch-deep aluminum I-beam; side area – 4-inch-deep steel I-beam; all on 12-inch centers

Suspension: Hendrickson HKANT40K 49-inch spread tandem slide

Brakes: 16.5-by-7-inch extended service linings