A custom-designed partition that permits an efficient bottom air return system, and a series of nonconductive "thermal breaks" used to keep heat out and cold air in, are two engineering flashpoints of the new Thermal Bear refrigerated beverage trailer built by Mickey Truck Bodies Inc.
Chuck Martin, vice-president of new product development, says, "Mickey uses custom-designed aluminum extrusions to facilitate the more-efficient bottom return air system. Thermal break strips completely separate the outside aluminum layer of the trailer from the inside layer. We have designed the trailer so that it has an exterior and interior skin, and the thermal barrier is in between to significantly reduce temperature transfer from one side of the unit to the other." Thickness of the thermal breaks varies by location and responsibility, but is a nominal one-eighth to one-quarter inch.
Mickey also incorporated nonconductive thermal barriers to be used as liners for inside bay walls to reduce radiated heat, thus further maintaining required temperatures. Cold air is delivered overhead into the completely insulated cavity and returned through the bottom return air system.
Many enhancements introduced on the Load Bear 2000 line in 1999 - such as low profile, one-piece rear and front skins, and integrated corner and intermediate castings - are also standard on the new Thermal Bear unit.
The Thermal Bear features the same 12-year warranty carried on the rest of the Load Bear series. Other Thermal Bear features include spring-loaded slam-door holdbacks made of stainless steel, a more durable latch attachment, improved door handle; forced air system with remote evaporator; larger door gaskets, and a new heavy-duty keg rubber extrusion. Slam-doors are applied with metal fasteners rather than rivets. The Thermal Bear uses a condensing unit with a ceiling-mounted evaporator that can be serviced nationally. The ceiling mount allows for better cold-air distribution and improved protection from product loads. The Thermal Bear can also be used with cold plates.
For more information, contact Mickey, PO Box 2044, High Point NC 27261.
