Dry-van walls: sheet-and-post versus composite plate
Body construction affects the cargo space, repair method and service specification. A composite liner is not automatically a composite wall.
Enclosure versus active refrigeration
A dry van is an enclosed freight body. A refrigerated trailer adds insulation, active temperature control and its installed refrigeration system.
Dry van body
Enclosed cargo body; no active refrigeration is implied.
Refrigerated body
Insulated body with a front-mounted transport refrigeration unit.
Read the construction description
The ULTRAVAN and ULTRAPLATE references distinguish sheet-and-post and composite/plate construction. Keep the structural wall description separate from the interior lining material. Product branding or a smooth interior image cannot identify the complete wall assembly.
- Wall structure
- Interior liner
- Posts or panel joints
- Repair documentation
Measure the freight path
The useful envelope includes the door opening, interior width at the load, roof obstructions and floor condition. Overall body width cannot substitute for the clear opening. Record the actual forklift and cargo contact requirements separately from frame or gross ratings.
- Door opening
- Interior clear dimensions
- Floor loading basis
- Dock and forklift interface
Inspect the body as a system
Review panel damage, joints, floor, roof and rear frame with qualified help. Ask which repairs preserve the manufacturer’s construction requirements. A strong wall description does not establish the condition of a used body or cargo-restraint equipment.
- Repair and leak history
- Floor and rear frame
- Cargo-restraint provision
- Current configuration documents