march2021 - 23

Evolving trailer designs

The TRU is not the only element of a refrigerated
trailer that has been evolving. Design features that
enhance thermal efficiency, improve safety, and
reduce maintenance needs have been a focus of
the trailer manufacturers themselves.
A little over a year ago, for example, Wabash
National partnered with C&S
Wholesale Grocers to develop
a zero-emissions refrigerated
trailer with an entirely electric-powered TRU. The trailer features Wabash's molded
structural composite (MSC)
technology, an advanced
material consisting of a high-efficiency foam core that is
encapsulated in a polymer-reinforced shell and protective
gel coat. The company says
MSC has several advantages,
including an improvement in
thermal efficiency by up to 30
percent. That improvement
allows the fleet to extend
runtime or downsize the
batteries, if desired.
Another example of refrigerated trailer evolution is
Stoughton's PureBlue. This
trailer features several design
elements to protect against air
loss and water intrusion. For
instance, the use of bonded
side posts reduces the number
of holes in the sidewalls, while
a triple wiper seal door gasket
helps block out the elements.
Thanks to features like these,
the refrigerated cargo is better
protected, and so is the trailer
interior itself.
Thermal efficiency has been
an area of focus for refrigerated trailer manufacturers. For
instance, Stoughton's insulating process, use of highstrength composite material,
and unique sealing and bonding techniques help ensure a
more thermally efficient trailer.
" The platen foamed sides
and roof ensure that the
trailer is fully insulated in
360 degrees with no voids
or uneven areas, " says Ted
LeRoy, a product manager at
Stoughton Trailers. " One of
our biggest manufacturing
investments is our foam wall
press from a company called
Iturrospe. Designed to insulate
the trailer sidewalls, the press
processes wall panels in a
continuous pour mode, which
provides a uniform, consistent foam fill. In addition, the
composite framing, rear doors,

and stringers in the floor are pulled together by
an innovative, contemporary design that's easy to
repair using today's standard methods. "
Successful management of refrigerated trailers
comes down to two vital aspects: maximizing efficiency and protecting the cargo. Manufacturers
of TRUs and the refrigerated trailers themselves

are making advances to help a fleet achieve both
of those objectives. Service technicians continue
to play a vital role, as well, with an increasingly
influential nudge from technology.
For related content, visit:
FleetMaintenance.com/in-the-bay

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March 2021 | FleetMaintenance.com

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march2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of march2021