How do I pretrip my 'reefer?

As far as "trailer pre-trip", this is like any other trailer and done daily. and monitor fuel level once or twice a day, and always after a break (to look for fuel theft)

As far as reefer unit pre-tip. I will just check the oil and look/listen for any loose belts (when I get a trailer that is new to me) Also, run the "pre-trip routine" in the reefer menu when you first get it and before you pick up to make sure all systems are working properly. I won't do the reefer unit pre-trips except when I first pick up a trailer and maybe once a week if I keep it that long.

 

Yep. A lot depends on the age of the trailer/unit. Once newer ones have proven themselves, you don't need to worry about them much, but make sure somebody theres knows them and knows to bring them in for various service levels as needed and to insure refrigerant levels are good, oil/filters are changed as required, etc Most are fairly dependable, but they can't take care of themselves, long term.

 

Here is a link for THERMO KING start on Page 91 for service / maintenance schedules
http://www.na.thermoking.com/conten...ndard SR-3 HMI 55665-1-OP (Rev. 1, 02-15).pdf

 

Well,there really isn't anything to running a pre-trip on the reefer unit,its pretty self explanatory..Push menu and select pre-trip and there are 2 options.
1.Running pre-trip checks ALL cycles and sensors and does a complete start/stop
2.a non running pre-trip does about 1/2 as much..
Select your pre-trip and go check your tires/lights and rest of trailer out while it is running tests..
Running the pre-trip is very important as I cant count the # of times I have had one fail(100's of times over the years)

The reason it is so important is some sensors cant be fixed/repaired with a loaded trailer so if you go n get loaded with just the reefer running you may wind up with a problem down the road and NO way to fix a internal temp sensor without breaking a sealed trailer and offloading...

The complete running pre-trip runs the complete cycle and will tell you if anything fails..Some codes can just be cleared off and serviced at next convenience..some require immediate service. before loading..
I wouldn't even consider going to get loaded w refrigerated freight without doing a complete running pre-trip.

 

I figure I'll resurrect this thread for this question. Does the refer pretrip affect the conditions inside the trailer? I know there's a shutter that closes for defrost, but does the shutter get used for cool/heat tests on pretrip? I'm used to flatbed, and used to "pretripping" every morning. Can this be done loaded?

 

Running a pre trip has a similar affect on the interior temps as a normal programmed defrost cycle may have, and once complete, will resume normal operation to satisfy the set point.

Loaded or empty makes no difference on how the process works and there’s really no reason not to run a pre trip while loaded but ideally this should be done prior to loading so as to highlight any potential problems BEFORE you assume responsibility for the product.

 

The local driver who picked up my load didn't do the pretrip and the freon is below the sight glass and reporting code 32. At least it can maintain so far. And the mechanic said "freon is a gas, you can't see it." Yeah. So is Nitrogen. You can get liquid nitrogen.

 

According to the thermostat king manual for the SB210 the high output versions may cause damage to the load, so that tells me that it performs live tests through the trailer. Though the amount of time and power of the test shouldn't be particularly harmful.