Commercial Van Solutions

Common Issues With Refrigerated Trucks

Posted on September 24, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

53ft Reefer Trailer, 1999, Utility, Barn Doors, O#R53-2000 – number 9 truck auto, Used Truck Boxes — Common Issues With Refrigerated Trucks

The path of a truck driver is not an easy one to walk (or drive). Between spending large portions of time in isolation on the road and being accountable for the delivery of products all across the country, it can be easy to forget about the other responsibilities of these warriors of the road.

These obligations are magnified when transporting perishable goods in a temperature-controlled vehicle. Drivers must be able to identify a slew of potential problems with their truck, any one of which can lead to spoiling of the goods being shipped. Here are just a few of the common issues with refrigerated trucks that drivers must pay attention to.

Leaks

Leaks in any situation are typically bad, but they can be especially dangerous when transporting materials that require a certain temperature safe zone. While leaks can come in many different forms, the two that drivers must look out for are fluid leaks and air leaks. If the reefer’s cooling unit isn’t working as it should, checking for leaks is the first step in solving the problem.

Fluid Leaks

Much like throughout the rest of the vehicle, a fluid leak is one of the quickest ways to cause a refrigerated truck to miss time on the road. Be sure to keep an eye on normal engine fluid levels like the oil, engine coolant, and transmission fluid. Though not directly related to the refrigeration unit, keeping the vehicle running is just as important as keeping the cooling unit in working order.

If the problem does stem from the cooling unit, the two most likely culprits are the equalizer tubes and the cooling hoses and belts. These two areas should be the first that you inspect if there is a noticeable swing in temperature in the back of the truck. The equalizer tubes are the components that control the flow of the cooling liquid into the evaporator. Leaks in this area are a cause for concern and should be addressed immediately.

The same is also true for any hoses or belts that are cracked, broken, or worn. There are many different belts and hoses that make up the system responsible for keeping the refrigerator running. A hole or crack in any of them can cause major issues with the cooling system and must be addressed as quickly as possible.

Air Leaks

Just as likely to cause problems as their liquid counterparts, air leaks can quickly cause the products to go bad if not properly addressed. The biggest area of concern when looking for air leaks is near the seals for the vehicle. If the truck isn’t airtight, cool air can escape and allow warm air to enter. One of the biggest ways to mitigate this threat is to perform preventative maintenance and regular audits on the reefers.

The most common location for air to escape is from a broken seal. While they are used in other places throughout the trailer, the doors are most frequently the location where seals are used. Another common way for air to escape is through rips and tears in the air chutes that run along the roof of the trailer. Finally, be aware of loose, damaged, or faulty hinges on the door that can compromise the integrity of the seal.

Bad Calibration

Calibration is important in refrigerated transportation because it ensures that the cooling unit is putting out the proper amount of air required to safely transport the load. If there are issues with your machine’s calibration, it can cause the system to improperly raise or lower the temperature, causing contamination concerns. This is an issue that can go undiagnosed for long periods of time because people usually assume that their tools are always correct. If you have checked all of the other likely culprits, consider getting your reefer recalibrated to see if this corrects the problem.

Faulty Sensors

The next of the common issues with refrigerated trucks that is somewhat tied to poor calibration is faulty sensors. The sensors are what lets the driver know when there are changes in temperature in the reefer. But if there are problems with these sensors, it can be hard to determine what the actual cause is aside from trial and error. You should have your sensors checked each time your vehicle is being serviced to ensure that they are properly reporting the temperatures in your reefer.

Condenser Problems

Condensers are a critical piece of reefer hardware that act as heat exchangers throughout the vehicle. They function in a refrigeration unit in much the same way that a radiator does in the truck’s engine to help maintain a stable temperature. If there are leaks or damage to any of the components within the condenser, it can put a huge strain on the rest of the cooling system that may not be able to be overcome. Common components to inspect in the condenser include the many coils, clamps, bolts, and tubes that make up the system.

Bulkhead Issues

Many refrigerated trucks come equipped with bulkheads for the purpose of transporting goods that have different temperature requirements. When these are working properly, they allow the inside of the truck to be divided into different temperature zones. But there are several issues that can arise, causing temperature control issues if there are problems with the bulkhead.

The first problem is a blockage of the bulkhead. These can cause temperatures to fluctuate around the truck, putting the product in jeopardy. Drivers must be sure that pathways through the truck are clear to prevent blockages that can interrupt airflow. And speaking of airflow, the other common problem with the bulkhead comes from damage to the seals or the bulkhead doors, allowing warm air into areas where it could cause problems with the product.

Why Pharmaceutical Supply Chains Need Refrigerated Vans

Posted on September 24, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van for Sale - We have many new and used refrigerated or freezer vans in stock call us f… | Van for sale, Mercedes sprinter, Converted vans — Why Pharmaceutical Supply Chains Need Refrigerated Vans

Pharmacies must be able to effectively stock lifesaving medications for patients to take. When they need to obtain these medicines, they receive them in refrigerated trucks. Read on to learn precisely why pharmaceutical supply chains need refrigerated vans.

What Is the Cold Supply Chain?

Cold supply chain distribution refers to the practice of transporting pharmaceutical goods that require refrigerated storage. Given that injectable and biological drugs make up a substantial percentage of the specialized goods now on the market, a well-thought-out cold chain distribution infrastructure is essential. Refrigerated vans make it possible to safely store and transport medicines in these supply chains.

Many Medicines Are Temperature Sensitive

There are various temperature-sensitive medications on the market, and these drugs frequently require refrigerated storage and transit at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. These storage standards are in place to ensure that the drugs are as effective as possible while also ensuring patient safety. While you can store most temperature-sensitive medicines at room temperature for a short period, this can cut back the manufacturer’s expiration dates. Some of these medications include the following:

Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a common illness that causes long-term inflammation of the lungs’ passageways. Gasping for breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing are common symptoms. Aerosol sprays are standard therapy for the disorder, and some of these inhalers must stay at 2°C to 8°C to be fully effective.

Insulin

Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by excessive blood sugar levels, and persons with diabetes may require insulin to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. While not all varieties of insulin need cold storage, people who use temperature-sensitive insulin are vulnerable to changes in temperature, whether hot or cold. This insulin should never face exposure to temperatures beyond 8°C or below 2°C since this will cause it to become inactive or even poisonous.

Vaccines

You must preserve many vaccines at extremely low temperatures, sometimes as low as –70°C. These freezing temperatures keep these vaccinations stable. Once they begin to thaw, it can be a race against time to administer them before they become effectively useless. Refrigerated vehicles contribute to the immunization cold chain system by enabling the timely distribution of lifesaving vaccines.

The most crucial reason why pharmaceutical supply chains need refrigerated vans is that delivering lifesaving and life-enhancing drugs worldwide would be nearly impossible without them.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Van Ladder Racks

BUYING A LADDER RACK: IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

Posted on September 24, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Concrete Truck Bodies: All you Need to Know | PTC — BUYING A LADDER RACK: IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

You might think your truck can do it all on its own, but some things are best done with a little help. Take heavy materials transportation as an example: it takes up a lot of space, it disrupts the driving experience, and it can even be dangerous.

When it comes to trusting your truck for whatever job you need to complete, nothing tops the support that ladder racks can bring. Not only do ladder racks come in handy, but they’re also very durable and extremely generous in the cargo-hauling help they provide.

To make the most of this essential truck accessory, you need to find the right one for your needs. This complete guide to ladder racks will help you figure that out!

WHY LADDER RACKS?

The most obvious plus to getting a van ladder racks is that it will make the transportation of large and heavy materials simpler and more efficient. It can also help reduce the risk of injury while loading and unloading, making the day-to-day easier and less straining for your team.

Ladder racks also help keep everything secure. No one likes hitting the road hoping that the large pipes they’ve tied to the back of their trucks won’t get loose and start flying around, putting everybody’s lives in danger. With a ladder rack, you can be confident that everything is kept from shifting during motion. As you can imagine, this is very important for safety reasons.

Another key benefit of ladder racks is that they help free up space in the vehicle interior or truck bed for other cargo and equipment. With this simple addition, you’ll double your truck’s cargo capacity!

A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR TRUCK CUSTOMIZATION PROJECT

There is a reason ladder racks are one of the most requested truck customization projects here at Pacific Truck Colors. First of all, they allow for an approximate range of 500 to 1200 pounds of additional cargo. They are also especially convenient for heavy-duty uses such as the transportation of pipes that are typically trickier to haul safely.

Stop driving through traffic with pipes sticking out too far from the bed of the vehicle. With your truck customized with a ladder rack, you will be able to finally transport cargo that is much longer than your truck is.

CHOOSING THE BEST LADDER RACKS FOR TRUCKS

Your cargo needs play a crucial role when choosing the right ladder racks for your truck. A lightweight ladder rack of 500 pounds will be more than enough for lighter duty use, such as pipes or ladders. But if you need to carry heavy materials, you should opt for a higher-rated ladder rack that can withstand up to 1200 pounds.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Van Ladder Racks

Ladder Racks for Work Trucks

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

NEW Pickup Truck Ladder Rack for Domestic Long & Short Bed Pickups!! Shelving & Storage Material Handling — Ladder Racks for Work Trucks

If you’ve considered purchasing a set of aluminum ladder racks for your work truck, you may have some concerns. Learn the top 3 benefits of purchasing a ladder rack for your work vehicle.

Get more cargo space

Rather than cramming things into the bed of your work truck, van ladder racks deliver extra cargo space instantly. Rather than place a large ladder in the bed of your truck, you can secure it on top of your van or truck and fit more in the truck. It’s a very cost-effective solution.

Work more efficiently

If you stop and think about it, you’ll quickly realize how much time it takes to load ladders in your truck. Our auto-retracting rack straps help get everything stored up top much faster than using bungee cords or straps. This makes your drive to the job site and contractor store much more efficient. When your ladders and materials are stored properly, you are able to work more efficiently. Cleaning up the job site is simpler too. With your ladders and materials properly placed about the truck, you’ll have more space in your truck bed for tools and equipment.

Secure storage

Trucks are expensive and if your ladder isn’t properly stored, it could become damage your truck. Ryder Racks keep ladders and materials stationary, so you don’t need to worry about anything slipping or falling. Always buy the best ladder rack you can afford, as it will perform better and last longer than a budget version of this work essential.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

The Best Refrigerated Vans for Small Businesses

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

12 Best Work Cargo Vans [w/Comparison Table – 2021 Edition] — The Best Refrigerated Vans for Small Businesses

If you know you will be transporting smaller payloads a refrigerated compact van may be right for you. When you’re ready to buy a refrigerated van, you want to know you’re getting the most bang for your buck. I’ve selected a few of the best refrigerated van for small businesses to consider.

Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 is a perfect compact van for when you’re on a budget. It’s an incredibly versatile and functional van that’s great when you need to transport smaller loads. They typically offer up to 122.7 cubic feet (about half the volume of a storage unit) of cargo space and are highly maneuverable when you need to get around tight corners and small spaces. They’ve also got excellent gas mileage, averaging around 24 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, and a fuel-saving CVT transmission with 131 horsepower engines. When you need a high quality, budget-friendly van, the Nissan N200 is a great fit.

Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Connect is another excellent van when you are on a budget and don’t require a large, full-size panel van. The wonderful thing about the Ford Connect is that it’s highly customizable, so it’s an excellent brand to consider when you know you’ll be doing any modifications. The standard refrigerated vans come in either a 2.0 L 4-cylinder or 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine and ranges from a 1300 to 2000-pound payload. If you want a van that’s customizable and easy to drive, consider the Ford Connect.

RAM ProMaster

If you have a higher budget to work with, the Pro Master offers a lot of versatility. It has two fantastic engine options available and has a larger refrigerated cabin than most other vans. It also has a standing interior height of 76 inches and can hold up to 4,417 pounds (about twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse) of cargo capacity. If you know you’ll be carrying a more significant amount of product but still want the maneuverability of a compact van, the Pro Master is the perfect option for you.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Refrigerated Vehicle

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated Container Manufacturers, Reefer truck Manufacturers - Ahmedabad India — Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Refrigerated Vehicle

It is sometimes vital for you to have a high-quality, dependable refrigerated vehicle for your business. When you invest in adding a refrigerated truck or van into your delivery fleet, you will want to know that you are choosing the right vehicle for the job. It can help to learn the varied factors that go into buying a vehicle. Read on to learn the things you need to know before buying a refrigerated vehicle.

What Type of Vehicles Can You Choose?

The type and size of your business can dictate whether you go with a refrigerated trucks or van. Depending on what your delivery and product needs are, you may want to consider one of the following types of refrigerated vehicles:

Chiller Conversion Van

Insulation vans with a refrigerated part are known as chiller conversion vans. The chiller conversion part efficiently keeps warm air out while drawing in frigid air to support cooler conditions. These frigid conditions enable businesses to deliver many perishable goods that do not require storage at below-zero temperatures.

Semi-Freezer Van

Semi-freezer vans have extensive insulation and refrigeration capabilities. Semi-freezer vans can transport frozen products that need to keep below zero degrees Fahrenheit. They are also capable of quickly defrosting products when required.

Full-Freezer Van

Full freezer vans have more robust, heat-resistant doors and sidewalls in addition to the features of a semi-freezer van. Heat-resistant doors reduce the amount of heat that enters the cabin because of the conductivity from the sun’s rays on metal.

Refrigerated Truck

Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, are box trucks or semi-trucks with refrigerated trailers. These trucks keep products at the right temperature for long distances. They can also carry higher payloads than a typical van.

Factors To Consider

Several distinct factors will help you to figure out the right refrigerated vehicle for you and your business. It’s best practice to take some time before buying a vehicle and jot down what your business needs are and use those in conjunction with some of the following considerations:

Budget

You will want to have a price you’re willing to pay in mind before you shop. Research some of the typical costs for these types of vehicles to get an idea of what you’ll have to spend. You may see an unbelievably affordable refrigerated truck on the market. However, keep in mind that low prices don’t necessarily mean it’s reliable when you push it into your delivery fleet. Stick with reputable sellers with a range of pricing options that you can trust, even if your budget is on the lower end of the scale.

Temperature Requirements

You will need to assess the temperature requirements for the products you need to transport. Many items will deteriorate if left above a specific temperature. For example, suppose you are a pharmacy that needs to deliver medication. In that case, it is imperative that you have the right vehicle that will chill them. Once you’ve found the temperature range you need to keep your products safe and protected, you can find refrigerated vehicles that can keep to that same range.

Payload Size

How much product do you expect to ship daily, weekly, and monthly? For smaller businesses such as a pharmacy or floral shop, you’ll most likely only need the services of a refrigerated van. For larger businesses like grocery stores, you should consider a refrigerated truck with an extensive payload capacity to transport your products safely and efficiently. Larger-sized trucks are more likely to handle multiple temperature needs, so you can simultaneously deliver distinct types of products without worrying about any of them degrading over time.

Distance

You should consider how far you’ll typically go when moving goods around. If you are primarily moving products in your city, you will want to stick to a refrigerated van. Vans are more maneuverable around tight turns and easier to load and unload in any parking spot. However, if you plan on doing more long-distance deliveries, a refrigerated truck is better able to handle longer drives. It will reliably keep products cool over a prolonged period.

Condition and Age

If you plan on buying a new refrigerated vehicle, you won’t have to worry as much about what condition it is in when you drive it off the lot. However, you might want to investigate a used vehicle to fit your budget. In that case, you should pay special attention to the age and state of each vehicle you’re considering. Older trucks are not as efficient as newer ones, but they can still serve many of the same functions if they are well maintained. While you don’t need to find a brand new one, recent models will often have more advanced cooling features than their older counterparts, which may better suit your needs.

Fuel Efficiency

This factor may tie into the condition and age of the truck. Many refrigerated vehicles use gasoline to power the engine and the refrigerated components that cool the inside of the cabin. These power needs can result in the vehicle using up more fuel than a typical truck of its size. Newer ones will typically employ more fuel-efficient technologies if you are concerned about the price of fuel.

When looking at the things you need to know before buying a refrigerated vehicle, there are some critical factors you should know about beforehand. These factors include price, condition, size, and temperature range. Buying a refrigerated vehicle is a highly significant purchase. That investment is why you will want to ensure that every vehicle can meet your transportation requirements and perform reliably in the field.

Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Reasons That Grocery Stores Need Refrigerated Delivery Vans

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

How COVID Has Changed Grocery Shopping - Today's Benefits of Refrigerated Vans - Summit Bodyworks — Reasons That Grocery Stores Need Refrigerated Delivery Vans

Grocery store owners know the importance of keeping their food safe and fresh. Whether you run a big chain store or specialty shop, you’ll need a reliable refrigerated vehicle to transport products. Read on to learn the reasons that grocery stores need refrigerated delivery vans.

Keep Up With Online Shopping

Everyone buys products online these days; the way we shop is changing before our very eyes. Grocery stores must keep up with the changing times and make sure people can do their grocery shopping with the press of a button. With your refrigerated van, you can deliver groceries to your customers. This option will make your store attractive to anyone looking for convenience.

Ship Out Specialty Products

When your business caters to a more niche audience—such as game and exotic meats or international foods—you need to expand the number of people you can reach. Refrigerated vans are an affordable option. They can do things such as bring your specialty products to industry events and bring in food from a wide range of local markets and distributors. Having the flexibility to ship and receive goods whenever you need to is a tremendous help for small businesses.

The Cold Chain

Refrigerated vehicles are practically mandatory for any grocery store to safely receive and store produce and other fresh and frozen foods. These businesses rely on the cold chain, which refers to controlling the temperature of perishable goods from the distributor to the final customer. The cold chain is one of the biggest reasons that grocery stores need refrigerated delivery vans.

cargo van, Commercial Van

BENEFITS OF CUSTOM VAN SHELVING

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

The benefits of van racking - Professional Builder — BENEFITS OF CUSTOM VAN SHELVING

It is always the perfect time to take your vehicle to the next level. If you use a utility vehicle for your business or daily life, chances are you need custom van shelving ideas. A van has an abundance of useable space, but only if it is put to good use. Custom work van shelving is tailored to fit your vehicle and, more importantly, your storage needs.

More Space

Without custom van shelving, passengers are forced to place all their tools and materials on the floor of the vehicle. Before long, the entire floor area will be covered with nowhere else left to store belongings.

With custom van shelving, a lack of space is no longer an issue. Passengers can efficiently store all items with provided storage systems, including cupboards, shelves, and racks. Custom van shelving can help utility van owners use their space better by taking advantage of wasted vertical space.

Better Organization

Not only does custom van shelving allow for more usable space, but it also helps to keep drivers organized. Toolboxes, storage bins, drawers, and cabinets are just some of the many organizational components offered by custom shelving.

Boost Productivity

By keeping your utility van clear of clutter, custom van shelving also serves to boost productivity. Rather than spending ages trying to find that one tool you need, you can simply open the designated drawer to find it and complete your project.

With shelves, you do not have to worry about belongings shifting or getting lost during transport. No matter where you go, your tools and materials will be right where you left them.

Increased Safety

Speaking of items moving around – custom van shelving serves to increase the overall safety of the utility vehicle, for both the passengers and possessions. No matter how hard we try to be safe drivers, there are always going to be a variety of road hazards ahead of us.

But with van shelving, you have the benefit of security and safety. The shelves prevent any materials from being tossed around when driving over a speedbump or curb. Your possessions are valuable – do not take the chance of them falling over and breaking every time you take a turn.

This also gives drivers and passengers peace of mind. If tools and materials are locked securely in place, the back doors can be safely opened without fear of injury – loose items could potentially lean against the door and fall out when opened.

cargo van, Commercial Van

BEST COMMERCIAL VAN ACCESSORIES OF 2021

Posted on September 17, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

2021 NV200 Compact Cargo Accessories & Parts | Nissan USA — BEST COMMERCIAL VAN ACCESSORIES OF 2021

You know what they say: a clean, well-organized work environment is a productive work environment. For many tradesmen, your commercial van serves as your office space, allowing you to meet directly with customers and store all your supplies.

As with any work space, I understand you want your commercial van to have all the latest and greatest gadgets to ensure success on any project. Here are the top three commercial van accessories of 2021.

Portable Part Cases

Any type of storage in commercial vans can make life a thousand times easier. Shelving and cabinets allow you to stay organized and safe by keeping all your tools and cargo in place during travel. But, what if I told you there was a product that could enhance your storage even more?

Portable part cases make it even easier to transport items from the van to the worksite. These storage containers were designed to resemble briefcases, allowing individuals to easily carry all their different tools and parts in one convenient carrying case. This can greatly save time that would normally be spent walking back and forth from the van in order to get the correct piece you need. Instead, all the pieces you may or may not need will be right next to you.

Floor Drawers

Floor drawers are the perfect accessory for commercial van drivers looking to maximize storage space without wasting extra square feet. Floor drawers are horizontal storage containers that are perfect for concealing large, bulky items that do not necessarily fit on shelves or in cabinets.

There are a variety of different sizes to choose from, which means you can find the floor drawers that perfectly match your needs and fits your van. For the best results, I recommend installing the drawers near the rear or side doors. This allows you to easily slide out the drawer and access cargo without having to climb fully inside the van.

However, drivers can rest assured knowing floor drawers do not negatively affect the ability to climb in or out of the vehicle. Floor drawers are constructed using high-grade, reinforced material that allows both individuals and additional cargo to comfortably sit or stand on top.

Mobile Desks

No office is complete without a desk, which is why a mobile desk is one of the best commercial van accessories of the year. There are multiple styles and variations of mobile desks to choose from, including ones with a device mount, file folder, and compartments to hold office supplies.

Mobile desks are designed to sit off to the right-hand side of the driver’s seat. This location offers easy access during office hours and can be safely tucked away during travel. Just remember to always follow the law – never drive distracted.

Commercial Van, sprinter commercial van

Sprinter Van Tire Care Tips

Posted on September 7, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Earth Month — Sprinter Van Tire Care Tips

When it comes to keeping your sprinter commercial van in great condition. One of the primaries is to maintain your tires, which are essential elements of any Sprinter van. Because they carry more weight than the average passenger vehicle, the proper care for your tires is even more important than it is for your everyday car. The right tactics here can get you years of additional lifespan from your tires, while inattention to your tires can not only lead to replacements needed far more often, but also potential issues with other components of your Sprinter van. Here are some areas to keep in mind when it comes to your Sprinter’s tires.

Proper Tires

For starters, it’s always important to have the right tires on the vehicle, to begin with. New Sprinter vans always come with properly outfitted tires, as do pre-owned options – if you happen to buy your Sprinter from another used source, however, make sure you check on the tire type in advance. Undersized Sprinter tires will not be as efficient as the proper size, and can also lead to significant balance and alignment issues in some cases.

Inflation Levels

Some people mistakenly think tires can only lose their inflation levels if they have holes or cracks, but this is not the case. Tires will still naturally lose pressure over time, particularly if they are carrying a heavy load on a regular basis. Underinflated tires will wear down faster than others, and they will also put more pressure on your Sprinter’s alignment in the process. Checking tire pressure is simple, with easy-to-use fillers available at most gas stations today.

Tire Rotation

Roughly every 6,000 miles, or even more often if you’re regularly hauling heavy loads, you should have your Sprinter tires rotated. Rotation of tires allows for them to wear evenly, rather than certain tires wearing down faster than others and leading to earlier replacements needed. Tire rotation is key to getting the absolute most out of each tire.

Driving Habits

In general, it’s good to be a cautious and careful driver in your Sprinter. This is for non-tire reasons, of course – you want to protect the quality of your vehicle and avoid any risky situations. But it’s also for the benefit of your tires, which will be in better shape if you avoid areas like debris, potholes and any high curbs. Any objects you run over with tires may damage them, particularly sharp or hard items.