Common Issues and Essential Maintenance for Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers)

von Rechel

Do You Want to Keep Your Cold Cargo Safe?

When you move food, ice cream, or medicine, you need a Kühlwagen. These trucks are also called reefers. They carry schälbare Güter. If your truck breaks down, your cargo can spoil. This can cost a lot. Do you want to know how to stop that from happening?

Bei CLW-GRUPPE, we have a simple message: Regular Wartung and knowing common issues save time, money, and cargo.

What Makes a Reefer Truck Work?

A refrigerated truck has a few big parts:

  • Compressor
  • Condenser
  • Evaporator
  • Thermostat
  • Reefer unit (cooling system)
  • Electrical system
  • Fuel system
  • Fan motors
  • Airflow (fans and blowers)
  • Filters, belts, hoses

Most common trucks use a diesel reefer unit. Some can use elektrisch oder Kryogenisch units.

Common Issues with Refrigerated Trucks

1. Temperature Control Problems

  • Sometimes, the Beginnen Sie frühzeitig mit dem kühlen Luftstrom. Der gesamte Wagen erreicht die richtige gets too hot or too cold. Your unit may have inconsistent temperature or big fluctuations.
  • Die Ist es vollgetankt? Ist die may not cool down at all. This is called a failed refrigeration unit.
  • If the setpoint is not reached, your goods may spoil.
  • The truck may short cycle (turning on/off too fast).

2. Mechanical Issues

  • Refrigerant leaks are a big problem. Low refrigerant means it cannot keep things cold.
  • Compressor failure oder evaporator/condenser issues can cause a unit not to work.
  • Sometimes, fans stop spinning. This can make the air stop moving and cause unit not cooling.
  • Belts und hoses can break or crack.
  • Drivers may hear unusual noises or feel vibrations.

3. Electrical System Problems

  • Issues with Akkus, wiring, oder Sensoren can stop a truck from cooling.
  • Sometimes control panels show error codes.

4. Fuel System Problems

  • Dirty or clogged fuel filters
  • Issues with the fuel pump oder fuel lines
  • Extra fuel being used by the truck

5. Structural/Body Problems

  • Broken 2. Türdichtungen (Dichtungen) let warm air inside.
  • Walls or truck body may have damaged Isolierung.
  • Floor drains can get blocked.

6. Operator and Loading Problems

  • If the Auftauzyklus does not run, ice can build up.
  • If you don't let the reefer cool before loading (Vor-Kühlung), goods can be lost.
  • If cargo is loaded wrong, Luftzirkulation stops. This can spoil the load.

Why Do You Need Maintenance?

If trucks are not checked often, problems can cost a lot. Just look at the table below:

ProblemCost or LossTatsache
Unscheduled Repair$3,000 – $10,000+A broken compressor or controller is very expensive
Truck Downtime$100 – $300/hourLost money from waiting, late loads, driver salary
Spoilage (reefer failure)Up to 20% of shipmentsMessed up shipments can mean thousands lost per load
Fines (not meeting rules)$100s – $1,000sYou must follow DOT und FSMA (food safety) to avoid fines and rejected cargo
Fuel Cost30-50% of operationBad maintenance means using much more fuel
Breakdowns (low maintenance)+20-30%LKWs mit vorbeugende Wartung haben 20-30% fewer breakdowns
Unit Lifespan (good care)+1–3 yearsA cared-for unit lasts up to 3 years longer

Easy Steps for Preventative Maintenance

CLW-GRUPPE gives you a way to avoid problems before they start.

Regular Maintenance Checklist:

  • Follow manufacturer’s service schedule
  • Oil and filter changes (for engine, air, fuel)
  • Refrigerant level check (find leaks early)
  • Belt and hose inspection and replacement
  • Clean condenser and evaporator coils
  • Test and calibrate sensors and thermostat
  • Check electrical wiring and battery
  • Inspect door gaskets and insulation
  • Keep drainage clear

Daily/Pre-Trip Checks:

  • Check fuel level, oil, and coolant
  • Listen for strange sounds
  • Look for loose or broken belts, hoses, wires
  • Make sure the door closes tightly
  • Make sure the reefer is set right

Seasonal Tips:

  • Winter: Use fuel additives, keep battery charged, test defrost
  • Summer: Clean condenser, check coolant

Annual Professional Inspection:

  • Get a certified reefer technician to check everything.
  • Nutze deine service manual and make a maintenance log.

What If You See Error Codes?

When your Ist es vollgetankt? Ist die shows a warning or error code, do not guess. Look in the service manual or call an expert. Common brands like Spediteur Transicold und Thermokönig list errors for easier troubleshooting.

Why Pick CLW GROUP for Your Reefer Trucks?

Bei CLW-GRUPPE, we make your work easy:

  • maßgeschneiderte Produktion: We build the refrigerated truck you need, from the Aufbau zum Isolierung und reefer unit diagnostic codes.
  • Fahrzeuglieferung: We send the truck right to you.
  • Nachverkaufs- und technische Beratungsleistungen: If you have a question about compressor issues, evaporator problems, or any refrigerated truck troubleshooting, we are here to help!
  • Expertise: Our technicians know everything about reefer maintenance checklists, unit recovery procedures, complianceund reducing downtime.

If you want more robust trucks for other needs—like a Wasserbehälterwagen, einen Hecklademüllwagenoder stark Materialtransportkräne—we’ve got you covered at unserer spezialisierten LKW-Fabrik.

Why Is This Important for You?

If you use Kühlwagen für Lebensmittelsicherheit, Pharmazeutika, oder Kühlkette products, you can’t risk breakdowns. With good vorbeugende Wartung and fast Dienstleistung, du wirst:

  • Stop cargo from spoiling
  • Save money on repair costs
  • Avoid regulatory fines
  • Keep drivers and cargo safe
  • Lower fuel use
  • Extend your truck’s life

Handy Table: Your Maintenance Plan

TaskHow OftenWhat to Check/Do
Pre-trip InspectionDailyFuel, oil, coolant, belts, hoses, doors, sounds
Oil/Filter Change250-500 hrsEngine, fuel, air, reefer unit
Refrigerant LevelMonthlyLeak test, recharge if low
Coil CleaningMonthlyCondenser, evaporator
Door Gasket/InsulationMonthlyRepair if torn, fix insulation gaps
Professional InspectionYearlyFull diagnostic, error codes, calibration, battery, wiring

How Can CLW GROUP Help You Today?

We want you to deliver your cargo safe and cold, with no Ausfallzeit. We are the partner that backs you up with smart trucks, strong Nachverkaufsunterstützung, and answers for every common reefer issue.

See more at unserer spezialisierten LKW-Fabrik or learn about Autotransport-Lösungen for every need you have.

Referenzen

  • Industry service center data, 2024
  • Fleet maintenance software analytics, 2024
  • DOT and FSMA compliance reports, 2023
  • Carrier Transicold, Thermo King service manuals
  • Remember: To keep your reefers working, just follow the maintenance tips above. Call CLW-GRUPPE for the most reliable refrigerated trucks and services. Your cold cargo will stay safe every trip!

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