Does anyone in here use a "Skinny Bun" on reefer loads? If so, what does it do for you? Keep fuel costs down? I talked to them the other day, they do not put a "R" value on them. Just wondering. Layoutshooter
Skinny Buns
- Thread starter layoutshooter
- Start date
The last I heard, Skinnybuns (flexible bulkheads used in reefer bodies) are not alllowed with TVAL reefer freight with FedEx Custom Critical. That may have changed, but I don't think so. Check to be sure if you run with FedEx and are thinking of buying one.
We do not have one in our truck. In a couple of older fleet owner trucks, we had them but never used them. They took up a lot of space and were a pain in the behind when we had to move them around on certain loads. Had the fleet owners allowed it, I would have pitched the thing into a landfill.
With the kind of reefer freight we haul - one shipment, dock to dock, non-compartmentalized, all one temp - there really is no use for a Skinnybun. If your reefer cannot keep up the temps it needs to keep up, that is a reefer or reefer body problem, not a problem to be half-addressed with a flexible bulkhead that may be disallowed on some shipments.
We do not have one in our truck. In a couple of older fleet owner trucks, we had them but never used them. They took up a lot of space and were a pain in the behind when we had to move them around on certain loads. Had the fleet owners allowed it, I would have pitched the thing into a landfill.
With the kind of reefer freight we haul - one shipment, dock to dock, non-compartmentalized, all one temp - there really is no use for a Skinnybun. If your reefer cannot keep up the temps it needs to keep up, that is a reefer or reefer body problem, not a problem to be half-addressed with a flexible bulkhead that may be disallowed on some shipments.
Was just wondering. I was reading about them was all. I know that they are not "legal" for TVAL. Just seem like you can't have enough insullation. Layoutshooter
Insulation amount is a valid concern. A number of reefer operators address it by over spec'ing their truck body and reefer. Where three inches of insulation would do, they spec four. Where a Carrier 750 would do, they spec an 850 or even a 950. Keep in mind that insualtion effectiveness deteriorates over time. Over-spec'ing the truck ensures good performance as the truck ages.
With a small load, a Skinnybun can reduce the size of the area you are heating and cooling; thereby reducing the load on the reefer. If you were hauling small reefer loads often where a Skinnybun is permitted, having one would make sense. But if you are not using it often, it is cumbersome to tote around and not worth the bother, in my opinion.
With a small load, a Skinnybun can reduce the size of the area you are heating and cooling; thereby reducing the load on the reefer. If you were hauling small reefer loads often where a Skinnybun is permitted, having one would make sense. But if you are not using it often, it is cumbersome to tote around and not worth the bother, in my opinion.
I was wondering about the doors in any load, they seem to be the "weak" spot in the armor. Seems like a skinny bun would beef them up a bit. any idea on the "R" value of the things? They are VERY pricey, $895.00. Just wondering out loud. Layoutshooter
Swing (barn) doors provide a better seal and insulation than roll-up (overhead) doors on reefer bodies, but a good roll-up door is adequate. I have never seen an R value given for a Skinnybun. But I have not shopped the Skinybun market either.
(Why does it feel like I am talking dirty?
)
Doors of any kind can be a weak spot if they are installed or spec'ed wrong. So can crash plates built into the floor (cause thermal leaks), voids in the insulation (improper manufacturing) and a host of other items. That is why over-spec'ing the reefer is worth considering. A strong reefer can overcome weak spots that may exist when the truck is new or develop over time.
(Why does it feel like I am talking dirty?
)Doors of any kind can be a weak spot if they are installed or spec'ed wrong. So can crash plates built into the floor (cause thermal leaks), voids in the insulation (improper manufacturing) and a host of other items. That is why over-spec'ing the reefer is worth considering. A strong reefer can overcome weak spots that may exist when the truck is new or develop over time.
Yep, you are right and if I ever spec out a truck it will be specked different than mine is. I was watching when I had my TVAL Cert done a few months ago. ALL of the trucks, including mine, had a thick coat of ice along the bottom of the door. All the trucks passed. I ran a bit for an owner when I first started that had a skinny bun. He had a roll up door. Even at extreme cold I never saw that ice build up. I just had new seals put on all around due to a failure in one of them. I still get build up. I have barn doors. Seems like if you can isolate the door area from the rest of the box things would work better. Oh well, not allowed to use them anyway. Layoutshooter
I would love to run a "test" one day to see how they perform. Maybe next time I am home and have a bit of time I will try a few things to see what happens. I love to play. Wish I could do a true controlled study. It would be interesting. Layoutshooter
arkjarhead
Veteran Expediter
I'm to fat to call mine skinnybuns, but I mainly use them for sitting on and so far they have done a good job. Sorry Layout, I couldn't pass this one up without attempting to make a joke.
LOL, not a problem, the name does kinda lend itself to jokes. Layoutshooter
Refer Hauler
Expert Expediter
Have never used these " SkinnyBuns" but have used 3 sheets of Pink Insulation 3/4 inch thick and a roll of duct tape to accomplish same thing total cost about $ 50 bucks
Very true, duck tape rules!!!! Layoutshooter
jim morgan
New Recruit
Looking for 2 of these
jim morgan
New Recruit
Would love to ask a question about them.
I don't think the posters are around anymore. This thread is 5 to 7 years old.