Welcome! In this article, we’re discussing standard reefer trailer specs and the maxium weight it can haul without exceeding the federal GVWR.
If you are looking to buy a standard reefer trailer, one question you might be asking yourself is, “How much weight can I haul?”
Here, we’ll review a standard reefer trailer and answer the question of how much product weight you can haul without going over the federal maximum allowable weight.
Standard Specs of a Reefer Trailer.
0-55 degrees. Standard trailer is 80% of all applications.
- Payload Capacity: 55,000 lbs. Evenly Distributed
- Tare Weight w/ Tires and Wheels: 12,455, plus an additional 2000LBS for reefer unit.
- Floor: 1 1/2” Deep Heavy-Duty Aluminum Duct Floor
- Insulation: 4” on the front wall, 3’ in rear doors, 2” inside walls
- Standard reefer units: CA X4 7300, or TK Precedent C-600 (Standard for 80% of hauls)
- Trailer: 53×102, 13.6” H
- Lights: LED Standard is (2-0-1-5): 2 on Front, 0 on Top Rail, 1 on Bottom Rail, 5 on Rear
- Wheels: 22.5 Steel Disc Wheels & 22.5 Low Profile Tires
- Wearband: 10” High Heavy-Duty Extruded Aluminum Wearband/ Floor End Plank
- Side Panels: Flat, Smooth, pre-painted white
How Much Product Weight Can I Haul in a Standard Reefer Trailer?
80,000 lbs. GVWR is the federal maximum allowable weight. If exceeded, you will receive a fine unless you have a permit to exceed the limit. (Example: Adding a 3rd axel to your trailer will permit you to haul 90,000 lbs.)
Total combined weight includes:
- Truck and driver and all personal materials
- Trailer and product inside the trailer
- All fuels for truck and reefer unit
Lightweight Scenario:
If you’re driving a Peterbilt day cab that weighs 13,500 lbs. with driver, fuel, and your product weighs 15,000 lbs. You can put 49,000 in that trailer and be under the 80,000 GVWR limit.
| Truck Weight | + Trailer Weight | + Product Weight | Total GVWR (Max 80,000 lbs.) |
| Truck, Driver, Fuel (13,500 lbs.) | 53′ x 102′ Utility Reefer (+ 15,000 lbs.) | (+ 49,000 lbs) | = 77,500 lbs. GVWR |
Overweight Scenario:
| Truck Weight | + Trailer Weight | + Product Weight | Total GVWR (Max 80,000 lbs.) |
| Truck, Driver, Fuel (20,000 lbs.) | 53′ x 102′ Utility Reefer (+ 13,500 lbs.) | (+ 49,000 lbs) | = 82,500 lbs. GVWR |
So, we’re going to sit down and figure out how we can make the trailer light while maintaining the structural and strength capacity and not reducing the warranty.
That means we’ll come up with lightweight options:
- Aluminum products (wheels, floor)
- Less insulation
- Lightweight drums or disc brakes (saves 20 lbs.)
- Ultraa-K suspension (105 lbs. lighter)
Read: Lightweight Savings Options
Options and Upgrades
- Insulation, Lights, and Stainless Steel Options
- Wearband, Securement, and Side Panel Options
- Tires, Wheels, Suspension, and Brake Options
- Heavy Haul Specs
Read more in this series, How to Buy the Best Reefer Trailer.
- How to Buy the Best Reefer Trailer
- Spec’ing a High Cube Trailer
- Deep Frozen – Spec’s and Options
- Spec’ing a Reefer Trailer for Hauling Produce
- Standard Reefer Trailer Spec’s
Multi-Temp Design Strategies and Perspectives for Single Temp Operators.
- Temperature Ranges and Zones in a Multi-Temp
- Heat Evaporator – Placement and Airflow
- Multi-Temp Remote Control and Shore Power
- Dimensions of a Multi-Temp Trailer
- Driver Safety For Multi-Temp Operations
- Interior and Exterior Lighting
- Bulkheads and Dividers
- Product Safety Features
- Backhaul Restrictions