Flat or Duct Floor

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by Al. Roper, Nov 16, 2013.

  1. Al. Roper

    Al. Roper Road Train Member

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    Considering all the varying types of freight would a flat or duct floor be better? Weighing some options. Thanks in advance for any replies.
     
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  3. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    For the most versatility you are better off w/a duct floor because it typically provides better return air flow--also w/any fresh product that leaks from fresh kill to iced produce--ducts give the liquid somewhere to run to and keeps it off the product
    So depends alot on your application but ducts more versatile
    Just My &.02
     
  4. 8thnote

    8thnote Road Train Member

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    Some produce and meat shippers require the corrugated floors
     
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  5. ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

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    If I could have found one I would have bought a flat floor. All I could find was spring ride or multi temp trailers with flat floors. I haven't hauled a single load on the floor in over 3 years. If your load is on pallets then it won't matter for air flow either way. The flat floor is way easier to sweep out/keep clean.
     
  6. Al. Roper

    Al. Roper Road Train Member

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    Thanks for the come-backs. I'm pulling vans and reefers right now, but when I get on my own going to just reefer. Appreciate everything.
     
  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I didn't know there were temp controlled "flat floors". What are they made of, aluminum I presume? Do they have the same amount of r-value in the floor as insulated corrugated reefer floors? Regardless, I wouldn't buy a "flat floor" reefer. Just doesn't seem normal.
     
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  8. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    All I have are flat floor, air ride, reefer trailers. The pros far outweigh cons for me. Such cleaning them takes about 2 minutes and it far easier. In my experience they also hold up better and are stronger, my duct trailers all have had floor repairs to those ducts, never had to repair a flat floor.

    As long as everything is on pallets, return air flow is not an issue at all. Back in the day when floor loading everything was more common, duct floors helped with air flow.
     
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  9. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    Even meat haulers use them. Mountainaire Chicken uses flat floors, because washing them out is so easy.
     
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  10. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    I have always used a duct floor, but after reading these posts, may have to re-think and consider the flat floor next time.
     
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  11. rogueunh

    rogueunh Road Train Member

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    Once you go flat, you never go back!
     
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