Convert Dry Box to Reefer Unit

Packy

Seasoned Expediter
As a fleet owner, I'm looking at converting a D unit dry box truck into a D reefer unit with T Val certification.
1. Is this cost prohibititve to upgrade this truck by adding Layman Lift Gate, Pusher Axle,insulated reefer box and T Val unit?

2. Who can convert the boxs?
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
My qualifications to respond to this thread: None.

As I read you post, it sounds like you want to change a dry box into a reefer box, rather than add a reefer box to the Straight truck frame. I can only imagine that this custom conversion would be cost prohibitive compared to buying a reefer box built from the ground up. You might save a few bucks, but here's the rub. The T-Val certification is a very stringent process that pays particular attention to the capability of of the box to maintain sub-zero temps for long duration with constent temps in all internal areas of the box. The key before you start is your confidence level that your time, effort and expense will satisfy the carrier's requirements.
 

x06col

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Retired Expediter
US Army
Considering how reasonable used refer boxes are, why convert??
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
x06col - I agree.

with the work that is done to make a reefer box in the first place (it amazes me the thermodynamics that went into one), the idea of even approaching a project like this would be futile to say the least. I think x06col approach is the best, there are a lot of them out there and even newer ones which are reasonable.

T-Val a 'homemade' box would also be a waste of money and almost worthless even if it passes. The variables involved with 'on the road' reality and temperature fluctuations would make it a risk to use for sensitive shipments.
 

Packy

Seasoned Expediter
Thanks for the inforamtion, I will look at removing my current dry box and put on a new reefer box with T Val. Does anyone know who can do this converstion and pass T Val standards?
 

arkjarhead

Veteran Expediter
I bet whoever you by the refer box from might take the dry box in on trade. I could be wrong but i have heard of this.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I don't know what your box is worth but you might price out the new box etc. and then offer your box in exchange for the labor charges.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

FireGears

Expert Expediter
Hello Packy,

I suggest that you

Use the search function and gather the posts
by an author named ATeam.

Or even PM with a request for information..

He operates a C-R truck
and has done some indepth research
regarding ideal spec's and costs...

HAPPY TRAILS and MUCH SUCCESS..!!!



STAY FROSTY ...:+ :+

plus ...
 

FireGears

Expert Expediter
LOL ....:7 :7

No... but that's funny.!! :D :D

No matter what anyone thinks about ATeam-Phil,
he has done some good work in research and
information presentation.

I'm just attempting to assist a "poster"
PER THEIR REQUEST...

Please feel free to assist as you deem fit... ;-)

STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+

plus ...
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Firegears,

I would not mind if you toned down your recent "read ATeam's posts" emphasis. If someone is going to search a subject, it is best that he or she see all posts that address it.
 

FireGears

Expert Expediter
I Do appreciate your humility, ATeam-Phil..

Yet, if someone is new to E/O
and is asking for assistance
is it not logical to provide them with
a quality source of well researched
information and insights..??

I'm sure there will be E/O members
who will offer other informational sources.

Then the poster requesting help can
review ALL the information they have gathered
and make their appropriate choices.

Sorry Buddy, you've got great information
available here on E/O and through other
internet venues.

When someone is requesting assistance
it's my duty to help where I can...


STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+

plus ...
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
If you feel duty-bound to assist new forum members, that can best be done by providing specific links to the information they are asking about. Simply saying "read ATeam's posts" dooms the reader to hundreds of pages of information that do not relate to the questions the reader is asking.

In this case, the reader is asking about converting a dry-box truck to a reefer truck. I have never written about that topic. Without specific links, Firegears, your "read ATeam's posts" sends the reader on a goose chase. A better way to help would be to research the reader's question yourself and provide helpful links to the helpful information you find. Or, provide the information yourself if you have it to provide.

Please don't drag me into something where I have nothing to offer. And please don't use my name to send readers down an unproductive path.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
"Methinks thou doest protest too much" comes to mind. I think it's striking me as an excessively enthusiastic endorsement can make it less effective and less sincere appearing than a genuine but moderate one.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

FireGears

Expert Expediter
Simply saying "read ATeam's posts" dooms the reader
to hundreds of pages of information that
do not relate to the questions the reader is asking
*******************************

Maybe.... BUT I DOUBT IT.!!! :D :D

Will your information answer EVERY question.??
No, nor will anyone else's.

Yet, within those "100's of pages" are
many gems of valuable information which
someone new to the industry might find useful.

Just because they have posted one question does not mean
they do not have dozens more "on their list".

Not to mention the more than a few great
expediting stories from your "newbie" days.

Nope, I can't agree that it will "doom" the reader.
What it really does is open the doors to
a cornucopia of enlightenment about expediting.
One which they can refer to over and over
as new questions arise.

You really can't deny this as you have presented
many articles on E/O and other venues.

Nor am I dragging you into anything...
I'm not encouraging them to call you on the phone.
Just to review your many available insights in print.

So, ATeam-Phil...
You keep researching/writing and we'll keep reading.!!!



STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+

plus ...
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
OMG, never mind, I think there is some collusion here.

Packy to answer your question, it is wise that you start with the manufactures of the boxes, there are a few but easy to find.

I would get talk to the carrier about the t-val stuff. They may have something to help you with the equipment. I must also add the t-val stuff is not rocket science, it is a simple but rather time consuming test and I would say it is not as critical as one would think.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
Apparently I wasted my time typing earlier. I'm glad I'm not the one being stalked.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Very bizarre to say the least. Maybe there is more to those soapbox forum Firegear posts than we thought?
"Don't ask, don't tell"


As for the reefer conversion, go with a used one. Many available if you shop around alittle.







Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

FireGears

Expert Expediter
Davekc,

Is your nasty mind showing again..

or

Is this an E/O Mod making an innocent little joke..
(See Cheri's post in another thread...)



STAY FROSTY ... :+ :+

plus ...
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
FG wrote;

Well, it's that time of year again...
The season of "gay pride parades")
*******************************

=======================================
It was your quote.
I won't ask, and you need not tell.
No joke or nastiness on my part, just a basic observation based on your recent posts.
Keep in mind there is help available for obsessive behaviors which you seem to be displaying quite frequently throughout your recent posts.








Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 
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