Great Dane released updated seven-year test data at the 2012 International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Distribution Solutions Conference in Las Vegas NV that shows significant cooling unit fuel savings for most every type of refrigerated trailer operation using the company’s ThermoGuard liner.
According to Great Dane’s test results, fuel savings across a range of typical reefer operation types (excluding produce) average close to 1,000 gallons over seven years. This results in potential savings of thousands of dollars over the life of each ThermoGuard-equipped trailer.
At the IFDA event, visitors to Great Dane’s booth could learn more about ThermoGuard and also see one of the company’s latest Everest reefers. The 42-foot Everest CL show trailer was built for Sysco. It features pull-out platforms at each side door, a ROM Sidekick walkramp, and CorroGuard, Great Dane’s corrosion-resistant undercoating.
Developed by Great Dane and patented throughout the world, ThermoGuard is an impact-resistant, glass-reinforced thermoplastic liner made for use as original equipment on Great Dane refrigerated trailers. As part of the lightweight composite construction, ThermoGuard liners have a proprietary metal barrier layer that helps effectively seal the trailer’s insulation from the harmful effects of insulation out-gassing and water vapor absorption.
Cooling units in ThermoGuard-equipped trailers do not work as hard to make up for degrading insulation performance. This means reduced cooling unit run-time, reduced refueling time, extended refrigeration unit life, and lower maintenance costs over the life of a trailer. Great Dane testing of in-service reefers shows that well-maintained trailers equipped with a ThermoGuard liner will typically retain insulation performance after seven years that is equal to trailers with traditional liners after only one and one-half years.
Beginning in January 2013, all Great Dane reefers sold with the ThermoGuard liner will also include a new ThermoGuard subpan at no additional cost. This will further aid in trailer insulation while helping prevent moisture intrusion into the trailer’s subfloor.
Great Dane’s wholly owned subsidiary, Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, co-exhibited with Great Dane at the IFDA show, highlighting the company’s new Guardian LT truck body. Mounted to an Isuzu EcoMax truck chassis, the fuel-efficient, lightweight Guardian LT package provides 15-mpg operation, a 13'-6" reach-in style truck body with four compartments, and two adjustable temperature zones.
Other features include fiberglass composite doors with neoprene compression gaskets with multiple air chambers for a thermal efficient seal; automotive-style door latch hardware with a remote keyless entry option; a new LED exterior and interior lighting package; a bolt-on tubular stainless steel rear bumper; recessed fuel inlet; and an advanced body tie-down system that promotes security while reducing maintenance. The low ground-to-inside floor height of the Guardian LT also makes it simpler for operators to access the cargo area from the ground.
