Installing scuff plates in reefer

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by slow.rider, Jun 30, 2021.

  1. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    Had my trailer 6 weeks and the warehouse monkeys already torched my "scuff liner" twice; the latest time badly enough to expose insulation.

    After the first time, I was already thinking about adding metal plates, but now the ######## have sealed the deal. If it's doable, it's getting done. So, how big a challenge is it, and what are the pitfalls to watch out for?
     
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  3. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    I once worked at a place that repaired trailers. Never installed them in refers but repaired - replaced them in dry vans. Had a 5/16 manual rivet gun. That rates about the same as busting rocks with a sledge hammer. Push the panels tight with load locks. Drill holes and pop rivets. Sometimes done while laying down.
    It is doable if your trailer has wall studs. Air tool for big rivets is expensive. One for 3/16 rivets are affordable just never saw them on steel skiff liners. You could possibly just use more rivets.
    There is a lot of difference in rivets. Most of that stuff you find local is junk. Buy them from a trailer builder.
     
  4. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    I think I'd be in jail if I had my own new reefer.
     
  5. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    I'm about to be in jail if these ######### ######## lay another finger on mine.

    JPEG_20210701_143021_-1151319508.jpg JPEG_20210701_143139_121485142.jpg
     

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    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
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  6. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  7. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    I'm hoping for something like this:

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    About $2500 here to put a 18" scuff plate on top of the little one you have. More now with aluminum prices/shortage. Have a few that started as 12" and added another 12" A lot more work than just riveting it on. Have to get the kemlite out and slide the new one in the groove and then get the kemlite cut to fit right in the new one.
     
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  9. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    That pic isn't a pic of mine; it's just a pic I found online. I do think I'd want at least 18" if possible though.
     
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  10. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    You can get a couple of rolls 18" X 53' scuff guard for around $500. Cut the kemlite about 8-10" above the scuff plate you have and work it out of the groove. A good epoxy bonder and 4-5 people to hold it up and 1 to work it into the groove. 2X4's and load locks until it set's up and then do the other side. Or after you screw it up you'll take it to a trailer shop and let them do it. LOL
    Cheaper than aluminum scuff plate and is pretty durable.
     
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  11. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    I don't think I have any scuff plate, unless that Polar X stuff counts as scuff plate. Or are you talking about the 2 inch aluminum? And this is what I find when I google scuff guard:

    [​IMG]

    :confused:
     
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