Great Dane Refrigerated Trailers: Thermal Performance on the Road
When your refrigerated trailer is hauling temperature-sensitive goods for food distribution, keeping your products cold is only part of the challenge. Your reefers also need to keep cargo clean and protected from contamination. A single unnoticed TRU issue or a door left open too long can compromise your products.
That’s why spec’ing the right equipment matters. Every stop, temperature zone, and handoff can affect quality. In our discussion with Tim Schmeits, Director of Engineering for Great Dane Everest Reefers, he shared the features that matter most for increased cleanliness and temperature control in food distribution.
Want to check out our Everest interactive model before reading on? Start here.
A Refrigerated Trailer Liner That Fights Back
One of the most overlooked surfaces in a refrigerated trailer is the interior liner.
“All of our Great Dane liners have Microban® technology built in,” Schmeits said. “It’s not a coating or film. It’s embedded through the entire liner thickness.”
Unlike sprays or coatings that have to be reapplied, Microban® technology resists bacterial growth from the inside out. “Microban® does not kill bacteria, but it does keep it from reproducing,” Schmeits explained. “Considering the relatively short life of bacteria, keeping it from reproducing is a key factor in protecting the environment that delivers food products.”
For fleets, that means less reliance on harsh cleaning chemicals, fewer risks from residue, and stronger protection against contamination in high traffic refrigerated trailers.
For a closer look at how Microban® redefines bacteria protection and odor control, take a deeper dive here.
Or check out what Microban® has to say about their research and technology at Microban.com
Don’t Let the Cold Chain Break at the Door
Temperature control can fail quickly if doors are left open.
“We’ve seen trailers with the rear doors left open for extended periods, even after unloading after a particular stop is complete,” Schmeits said. “That kind of exposure really hurts thermal performance.”
Everest refrigerated trailers help prevent that with options like:
- Roll-up or swing doors designed for different delivery environments
- Strip curtains to minimize cold air loss during unloading
- Engine Run Cutoff (ERC) switches that shut down the TRU when doors are open
Swing doors provide a tighter seal, while roll-up doors save space at tight docks. Fleets can spec what works best for their routes.
Multi-Zone Cargo, Made Simple
Moving products that need different temperature zones can be tricky. Without the right setup, food safety and efficiency are at risk.
“Choosing the right layout is just as important as choosing the right insulation,” Schmeits said. “We help fleets isolate each temperature zone with insulated bulkheads that have tight seals on the floor, ceiling, and walls.”
Key options include:
- High-R-value bulkheads with strong seals
- Insulated side and rear doors
- Air chutes or ducted returns for consistent airflow
- TRUs and evaporators that independently control each zone
ThermoGuard: An Extra Layer of Defense
Insulation thickness matters, but liner technology can make or break long-term performance. That’s where ThermoGuard makes a difference.
This proprietary liner helps prevent outgassing, which breaks down insulation over time, and blocks water intrusion that can add weight, reduce performance, and foster bacteria.
The result? Stronger insulation, more consistent cargo temperatures, and fewer risks of hidden moisture. That’s peace of mind built into every trailer.
For maximized thermal performance, Everest’s long-lasting Strata System+ combines the ThermoGuard liner, ClimaCore insulation, and Ultra Road Shield protection. Together, they keep temperatures locked in at the right temperature.
Interested in taking a closer look at Strata System? Start here.
Digital Monitoring for Added Confidence
Smart technology takes refrigerated trailer performance one step further. FleetPulse telematics, standard on all Everest reefers, provides real-time visibility into critical data, for increased efficiency.
Offering even greater data, FleetPulse Pro provides access to a full suite of smart sensors with data on:
- ABS
- Tire pressure
- Lighting systems
- Internal trailer temperature
- Door open status
- Cargo status
As well as insights into:
- Underutilzed trailers
- Dwell time
- TRU inefficiencies
- TRU diagnostics and alerts
Armed with this information, you can experience reduced maintenance costs, inspection failures, and costly fines, while helping to extend the life of your trailer.
Safer Food Distribution Begins with the Right Specs
Every decision, from antimicrobial liners and insulated bulkheads to door choices and monitoring systems, impacts the efficiency of the cold chain. Everest refrigerated trailers can provide you with confidence for delivering temperature-sensitive cargo at the right temperature.
Ready to experience a stronger cold chain? Let’s connect today.
