Trailers with refrigeration units, also referred to as Reefer trailers, are essential for transporting medicine, food, and other temperature-sensitive products that need to be chilled.
Reefer trailers last for an average of 40,000 hours of use, equivalent to roughly eight years. This is based on an average of 4,000 – 5,000 hours of use per year, though keeping your hours under 4,000 annually will extend the lifespan of your trailer.
Besides logging less hours (and especially if that’s not an option) there are other methods to make your Reefer trailer last as long as possible.
How Long A Reefer Trailer Lasts (In Years and Hours)
Reefer trailers operate at maximum efficiency for an average of eight years or roughly 40,000 hours of use. There have been Reefer trailers that last longer than this, either in terms of years or hours of use, but efficiency and effectiveness are reduced.
Essentially, the lifespan of a Reefer trailer depends on how much it’s used, how heavily it’s used, and how well it’s taken care. A trailer that undergoes regular maintenance will last much longer than a trailer that is continually used but never serviced.
Manufacturer and Retailer Warranties
If you buy a Reefer trailer through a manufacturer or verified retailer, the trailer is guaranteed to last through the warranty period.
For example, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company offers a five-year warranty policy for their 3000R and 3000R Multi-temp refrigerated models. Other manufacturers or companies may offer warranties for a certain number of hours. Generally, the most common warranties cover 30,000 or 40,000 hours.
Specific parts may also come with their own warranties, thus extending the lifespan of the Reefer trailer. For example, Utility offers an eight-year warranty for the ConMet Preset Plus premium wheel end system, which includes the iron hub, seals, bearings, spacer, and spindle nut.
Why Reefer Trailers Last So Long
Regular maintenance and care will ensure you get the most use out of your Reefer trailer. In addition to this, keeping your trailer use under 4,000 hours per year and investing in optional durability features will help extend your Reefer’s lifespan.
Reefer trailers are designed with durability in mind and come with a wide variety of features to ensure the trailers last as long as possible.
These features include:
- Corrosion Protection – Reefer trailers have a kingpin section with a rust preventative coating, stainless steel rear case, and barrier tape between dissimilar metals
- Heavy-Duty Kingpin Section – Features such as kingpins that are AAR-rated, approach plates supported by six formed channels, and a kingpin section secured with stainless steel rivets reduce damage and prevent dishing.
- Impact Absorption – Dock impact damage is reduced and the lower rear lights are protected by 13.5” rear gussets, which connect the rear door frame and bottom rail.
- Stainless Steel Rear Door Frame – The stainless steel ensures the frame is corrosion resistant, while the door header’s shallow design allow for increased rear door opening height and decreased load damage.
- Aluminum Corner Posts – Stainless steel corner posts are covered with extruded stainless steel, increasing durability and decreasing maintenance.
- Tensioned Roof Design – A tensioned aluminum roof is designed with diagonal reinforcing plates, anti-snag roof bows, and mechanical crimping around the top rail. These features protect the roof and prevent moisture entry.
- Thick Dock Board Guide Plates – The 5/18” dock board guide plates protect the trailer floor from dock plate damage, providing greater durability and reduced maintenance.
- Ultra Road Shield™ Plus – URS+ is an ASTM-proven, two-coat acrylic system with urethane primer. It provides added corrosion protection, reduces the effects of weather, and protects the overall look of the trailer.
- Steel ICC Bumper – The 7” horizontal steel bumper meets all U.S. and Canadian safety standards and provides superior strength and protection.
- Heavy-Duty Wearbands – Choose between fiberglass reinforced plastic or HDPE plastic wearbands to meet your durability requirements.
These features combine to create a durable design. As a result, Reefer trailers can last anywhere from five to more than eight years, depending on annual use and maintenance.
How To Make Your Reefer Trailer Last Longer
Besides performing regular maintenance and logging less than 4,000 hours per year, you can extend the lifespan of your Reefer trailer through additional durability features. These options aren’t included in the basic design, but can be added at the time of purchase.
- Severe Service Kingpin Section – Thicker than the traditional heavy-duty kingpin section, the upgraded kingpin has thicker kingpin and approach plates, minimizing damage during service operations and reducing maintenance.
- Stainless Steel ICC Bumper – Unlike the traditional steel bumper, this 7”, 8-guage vertical stainless steel bumper is corrosion resistant and extends the life of the trailer.
- Stainless Steel Wingplates – Collared holes and embossed ribs combine with the stainless steel to reduce maintenance and protect against road de-icing chemicals.
- Stainless Steel Lock Rods – Electropolished stainless steel is corrosion resistant and reduces maintenance.
- Stainless Steel Side Skin – Similar to the lock rods, stainless steel side skins combine corrosion resistance with decreased maintenance.
- Aluminum Wearbands – For operations that require added durability, upgrade your wearbands to aluminum.
- Aluminum Corner Protectors – Aluminum diamond plate front corner protectors reduce maintenance and repair costs by minimizing the potential for high clearance obstructions.
- Aluminum Rub Rails – Aluminum exterior rub rails protect the side skins from casual damage, reducing maintenance and extending the trailer’s lifespan.
- LED Dome Lights – High output LED lights have a lower current draw and increased lifespan as compared to the traditional dome lights.
Unlike commercial vehicles, these features aren’t intended to add comfort; they directly correlate with added durability and, as a result, a longer lifespan.
Final Thoughts: Lifespan Of A Reefer Trailer
Reefer trailers last approximately eight years or 40,000 hours. The lifespan can be extended through an investment in additional durability features, regular and preventative maintenance, and an operating schedule that includes less than 4,000 hours per year.
How long your Reefer trailer will last will also be affected by what you’re carrying (i.e., the weight load), the degree to which is needs to be refrigerated, and how often you operate the refrigerating unit (i.e., how many hours you log with it).