Heater van versus refrigerated trailer
Freeze protection and active refrigeration are different services. Select the thermal system from the cargo requirement and operating cycle.
Temperature zones and installed systems
Zone count is established by the documented interior partition and airflow system. The TRU is an installed system, not the trailer body identity by itself.
Single temperature
One controlled cargo zone served by the documented airflow system.
Multi temperature
A physical partition and secondary evaporator create separately controlled zones.
Installed TRU
Front refrigeration unit shown as a component attached to the body.
Define the required service
The heater-van reference identifies freeze-protection architecture; the refrigerated references identify actively temperature-controlled trailers. Do not infer cooling capability from an insulated body or heating equipment. Write down the cargo temperature requirement and how it must be maintained during loading, travel and stops.
- Cargo temperature requirement
- Heating versus cooling
- Loading and dwell cycle
- Monitoring requirements
Identify installed thermal equipment
A body model does not establish the installed refrigeration unit, its operating condition or the number of zones. Obtain the actual unit identification, control arrangement, bulkheads and maintenance records. Keep insulation and airflow details with the body specification.
- TRU identity and hours
- Zone arrangement
- Airflow and bulkheads
- Standby equipment if fitted
Check performance evidence
Ask for configuration-specific service information and any required performance checks for the intended cargo. Inspect seals, drains, floor channels and body condition. Published family descriptions do not guarantee temperature recovery or suitability for a regulated product.
- Service records
- Body and seal condition
- Cargo-specific requirements
- Performance confirmation