Reefer question?

at tyson they use corks

 

I have seen guys put golf balls over them, but it depends on if the holes are down in a groove and the ball can't move around too much.

 

You can find them in a lot of the truck stops check the size of them but I think a boat plug will work and you can find them at walmart but I have never used them just stuff some plastic bags in them a couple times like when I have a load I get home with on a friday and it dont deliver till sunday or monday

 

Threads like this is what this site is about, ask a question and get the answer and no one got into a peeing contest.

 

I have pulled frozen loads at -20 without plugging the holes.
I guess a lot depends on how well the reefer cools.

Mine was cooling fine but when i had it in for a complete service they said it was 8 pounds low on freon.
They charged it up and now it takes less time to pull the temp down.

I can see how plugging the drain holes would cause less warm return air to the unit.

 

I know this thread is about plugging drain holes, but there's worse places air can leak.

Check swing door seals and make sure they pull in tight to the body. Ours was struggling going below +10º by late spring. The reefer checked out good and so did the door seals, but the door hardware was worn and not pulling shut tight enough. The repair shop built up the door latch hardware with welds to make the doors shut tighter and that halved the time it takes to get down to -10º.

The previous owner of my trailer had already replaced the door hinges - one of the reasons I picked that one. If I don't trade up to a newer one and keep it past this winter, I'll probably get the door latches and hardware replaced.

Now I need to go to Ace hardware, get some drain hole plugs, and quit turning down ice cream loads LOL.

 

Corks and rubber stoppers often get lost, stuck, etc.

My favorite is the biodegradable toilet paper, the kind used for campers. Ball it up and wedge it in good, and it not only blocks air flow, it also acts as an insulator. It falls apart and washes away easily when you do your next washout.

 

If you ever hauled meat, you'll know why the holes are there. Plus when you deal with washouts.

The main thing of plugging them is all food grade loads must be 100% sealed to keep the outside environment out including bugs. Especially when you get a USDA inspector checking your trailer. There are exception to produce loads that need ventilation.

Every customer I dealt with has supplied the corks or rubbers. I always kept a set as a backup but never needed them. Some frozen customers don't use them. If you need a set, I bet you can pick them up free at a truck wash. Or find a meat hauler, they might give you a set.

shellart, if you want them permanent plugs in the picture, many are readily available at a boat marina. Or buy them online at a boat supply like Overtons or Westmarine.com.