Reefer (Unit Only) For Sale

About Semitrailer Reefer Units

Unmounted trailer refrigeration units—generally called “reefers” and sometimes “TRUs”—include new and used models ready to attach to suitable reefer trailers. These heat-exchanging air conditioners are crucial for the distribution of temperature-sensitive goods and chilled and frozen foods to a broad consumer audience. Reefer units that can run on electric shore power are also ideal for stationary, cold-storage trailers that can maintain shipments at the proper temperature. Carrier Transicold and Thermo King are the primary manufacturers of semitrailer reefer units in North America.

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Carrier X4 7500 Reefer Unit

Types Of Reefer Units

Reefer units’ cooling capacity is expressed in British Thermal Units, such as 68,000 BTUs. A model that can cool a trailer faster than another is said to have a shorter pull-down time. Some specialized reefer units have deep-freeze capabilities and can reach very, very low temperatures to transport vaccines, other pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and more. Some trailer units can also heat the contents of a trailer, such as to keep flowers, paint, or produce from freezing in the dead of winter. For example, Thermo King’s Heat King provides up to 50,000 BTUs of freeze protection.

Refrigeration units are available for single- or multi-temperature trailers. The latter supports multiple temperature zones in one trailer using internal compartments, chutes (air ducts), and temperature sensors. Most reefers mount on the front end of a trailer, but some are undermount models that attach under the floor of the trailer. If you’re considering buying a used reefer unit, check its operating hours and service records.

Efficiency & Emissions

Like air conditioners, refrigerator appliances, and deep freezers, trailer reefer units use an evaporator and a compressor to convey heat from an enclosed space to the surrounding environment. The compressor can be powered by a small diesel engine, an electric motor, or both in a hybrid configuration.

Modern reefer units use scroll compressors and other efficiency-enhancing components. You may see diesel models’ fuel efficiency expressed in BTUs per gallon of fuel. Diesel-powered reefers use various emissions controls to meet regulatory requirements in different areas. For instance, some reefer units are CARB (California Air Resources Board)-compliant to meet the state’s more stringent emissions laws. CARB-compliant reefers are limited to a seven-year service life in California unless they include special equipment. A CARB Evergreen certification means the engine’s exhaust aftertreatment system does not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Current reefer units also use the latest refrigerant such as R452A, which has a lower carbon footprint than previous materials.

Hybrid diesel/electric units such as Thermo King’s Precedent S-750i and Carrier Transicold’s Vector can use either a diesel engine or an electric motor according to the situation. Many can plug into a shore power outlet for electric standby operation. An example of an all-electric reefer unit is Carrier Transicold’s Vector eCool, which the manufacturer pairs with a ConMet PreSet Plus eHub system to capture regenerative energy from the wheels of the trailer to recharge its battery.

Technologies

Late-model reefer units have memory storage for detailed digital records of the trailer’s internal temperature over the course of each shipment. Many offer a USB port for easy downloading to a thumb drive or portable hard drive. Recent reefer units also support telematics systems that can remotely alert users to problems such as temperature changes, fuel loss, open doors, and more.

Find The Right Reefer Unit

You’ll find a variety of new and used semitrailer reefer units for sale on TruckPaper.com. Leading brands include Carrier,  Thermo King, and Utility.