Welcome to our series on Standard Trailer Options and Upgrades to consider when spec’ing your next reefer trailer. Today’s topic is Tire Size, Wheel Type, Suspension & Brake options for standard reefer trailers.
[Read: “How to Buy the Best Reefer Trailer”
Wheel Options:
- Powder-coated White steel (Most common)
- Aluminum: $1,500 upgrade
- Clean buff.
- Polished.
- Dura bright – has a clear coat finish.
Tire Sizes:
- Standard: Low Pro 22.50″.
- Upgrade: 11R 22.5″.
- Low Pro: 24.50″ and 11R 24.5″.
- Wide base tires: 14”.
Suspensions:
- Tandem and Spread Axle configurations.
- Spread axles commonly come with a 10’ 1” spread.
- Increases weight by 379LBS.
- Increases cost by approx. $3,000.
- Hendrickson, Ultraa-K
- Most common model.
- Includes a dampening system through the airbags, eliminating shocks.
- Heavy Duty options include HK-ANTs. Rated for heavy-duty applications. HK-ANT 46, HK-ANT 50, and Tri Axles are available.
- Front Axle Lift Kit
- A front axle lift kit is designed for lightweight trailers with back-hauls of under 18000 lbs. When the trailer is less than 18,000 lbs, the system automatically raises the front axle off the ground, saving wear and tear.
- Lifts front axle approx. 4 1/5” off of the ground, saving wear on tires & brakes, and you don’t get charged tolls if they’re in the upward position.
- Sensors: airbag pressure sensors will automatically lift when over 18,0000 LBS and lower when below 18,000 LBS.
- Adds 85 lbs.
- Cost: approx. $2,800 (* prices subject change).
- Saves wear and tear on the tires and braking system.
- Saves toll cost on bridges and roads (paying for only four axles v.s five axles).
Brakes and Drums:
- Brakes
- Standard. 16-7/8 x 8”.
- Mountain brakes. 16-7/8 x 10”.
- Disc brakes. Will stop 30% quicker than standard drum brakes.
- Drums
- Standard
- Centri-fuse: saves 62 lbs.
- Lightweight Steel hubs: saves 56 lbs.
Read: Disc vs Drum Brakes
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
Options and Upgrades to a Standard Reefer Trailer.
- Insulation, Lights, and Stainless Steel Options
- Wearband, Securement, and Side Panel Options
- Tires, Wheels, Suspension and Brake Options
- Heavy Haul Specs
- Lightweight Savings
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