For commercial drivers who drive a refrigerated box truck, reliable cooling of your cargo is incredibly important. From hauling perishable foods to pharmaceuticals or other sensitive cargo that needs to stay cool, even minor refrigeration issues can lead to major losses in your load. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems while you’re hauling can help you protect your load and avoid costly downtime. Use these troubleshooting tips to identify common refrigerated box truck problems and reduce downtime.
Check the Power Supply
One of the most common causes of refrigeration failure is a power issue, so the power supply should be the first thing you check. If your refrigeration system runs on a dedicated diesel engine, check the fuel level and ensure the engine starts properly. For electric units, verify that the truck is properly connected to shore power and that no breakers have been tripped. Loose connections or corroded terminals can also interrupt the power supply, so a quick check of those things can also be worth the time.
Inspect Temperature Settings and Controls
Before assuming there’s been a mechanical failure, double-check the thermostat and control panel. It’s not uncommon for settings to be accidentally changed with a bump or nudge during loading or transit. Make sure that your refrigeration unit is set to the right temperature for your cargo and that it’s operating in the right mode (continuous run versus start-and-stop). If the display shows an error code, check your owner’s manual to decipher it and pinpoint the issue.
Evaluate Load and Airflow
Insufficient airflow in the cargo box can make it seem like you have a refrigeration failure. If cold air can’t circulate properly, certain areas of the box might warm up. Check that the vents aren’t blocked and that your cargo is loaded with enough space between pallets or boxes. Bulkheads, air chutes, and floor vents should all be clear so that air can flow consistently through the cargo area.
Check Evaporator and Condenser
Ice buildup on the evaporator coil is a common problem that reduces your cooling efficiency. If you notice reduced airflow or uneven temperatures from your refrigeration unit, you may need to run a defrost cycle. Many systems have an automatic defrost function, but you might need to activate it manually. You should also check the condenser for dirt or debris. A clogged condenser restricts heat release and forces the system to work harder than it should.
If your current truck is struggling to keep the cargo area cool, or you want to confirm the refrigeration system is performing before buying used box trucks for sale, these troubleshooting tips can help you identify common issues and verify that everything is running as it should to protect temperature-sensitive freight.
