Common Issues and Essential Maintenance for Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers)

Par Rechel

Do You Want to Keep Your Cold Cargo Safe?

When you move food, ice cream, or medicine, you need a camion réfrigéré. These trucks are also called reefers. They carry les biens périssables. 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?

À CLW GROUP, we have a simple message: Regular maintenance 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 électriques ou cryogénique units.

Common Issues with Refrigerated Trucks

1. Temperature Control Problems

  • Sometimes, the température gets too hot or too cold. Your unit may have inconsistent temperature ou grand fluctuations.
  • The unité frigorifique 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 ou 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 et tuyaux can break or crack.
  • Drivers may hear unusual noises or feel vibrations.

3. Electrical System Problems

  • Issues with batteries, wiring, ou capteurs intelligents 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 ou fuel lines
  • Extra fuel being used by the truck

5. Structural/Body Problems

  • 28. turbochargeur door seals (joints) let warm air inside.
  • Walls or truck body may have damaged isolation.
  • Floor drains can get blocked.

6. Operator and Loading Problems

  • Si le cycle de décongélation does not run, ice can build up.
  • If you don't let the reefer cool before loading (pre-cooling), goods can be lost.
  • If cargo is loaded wrong, circulation de l'air 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:

ProblèmeCost or LossFaits
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 – $1,000sVous devez suivre DOT et 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%Trucks with la maintenance préventive have 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 GROUP 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:

  • Obtenir un certified reefer technician pour vérifier tout.
  • Utilisez vos service manual and make a maintenance log.

What If You See Error Codes?

Lorsque votre unité frigorifique shows a warning or error code, do not guess. Look in the service manual or call an expert. Common brands like Carrier Transicold et Thermo King list errors for easier troubleshooting.

Why Pick CLW GROUP for Your Reefer Trucks?

À CLW GROUP, we make your work easy:

  • 6. Production personnalisée: We build the refrigerated truck you need, from the châssis au isolation et reefer unit diagnostic codes.
  • 8. Livraison de véhicules: We send the truck right to you.
  • After-sales and technical consulting services: 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, de conformité, et reducing downtime.

If you want more robust trucks for other needs—like a camion de réservoir d’eau, un camion à godets arrière pour le déchets, or strong des grues pour le manutention de matériaux—we’ve got you covered at notre usine de camions spéciaux.

Why Is This Important for You?

If you use camions réfrigérés 27. pour sécurité alimentaire, pharmaceuticals, ou 6. chaîne du froid products, you can’t risk breakdowns. With good la maintenance préventive and fast service, you will:

  • 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 InspectionQuotidiennementFuel, oil, coolant, belts, hoses, doors, sounds
Oil/Filter Change250-500 hrsEngine, fuel, air, reefer unit
Refrigerant LevelMensuellementLeak test, recharge if low
Coil CleaningMensuellementCondenser, evaporator
Door Gasket/InsulationMensuellementRepair 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 downtime. We are the partner that backs you up with smart trucks, strong Soutien après-vente, and answers for every common reefer issue.

See more at notre usine de camions spéciaux or learn about solutions de transport automobile for every need you have.

Références

  • 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 GROUP for the most reliable refrigerated trucks and services. Your cold cargo will stay safe every trip!

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