Finally going to use my reefer. Need your input.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by gekko1323, Sep 2, 2025.

  1. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    Hey folks. After 2 years sitting in the yard, I'm finally going to start using my reefer. Power only has been good to me, but sometimes the turnaround time between loads can be a full day or more, so to be more efficient, I figured I give the reefer a go.

    The reefer is in really great shape. I took out the battery, which was dead (to be expected). I recharged it with my trickle charger and desulfated it. It is now as good as new. So, my question is...

    Since the reefer has been sitting for 2 years, are there any parts that I need to replace off the get-go? I guess a PM is obviously Step 1. Does the diesel fuel go bad and need replacement? Also, can it be pressure washed inside? It is very dirty due to it being parked basically in the Nevada desert.

    Thanks in advance for the advice.
     
    FullMetalJacket Thanks this.
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  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    If you start running cooler climate with the unit on cycle that battery probably wont last a month, they don’t run long enough to charge and don’t hold enough to constantly cycle

    Which unit? I would put a few hours on it In the yard before loading it and making sure there Freon, the pm it, keep an extra fuel filter on hand until the tank is gone, or better yet, run it down in the yard

    Sitting does these no good
     
  4. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    It's a 2012 Carrier XT2100A. Yeah, I'm going to start it today. I was just wondering if there are parts that get brittle with time and might break or something.
     
    Siinman Thanks this.
  5. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Complete fluid change, antifreeze, fuel and filters, inspect your tank, probably have a bit of dust or sand in it being stored in Vegas.
     
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  6. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Fuel can go bad,there should be a drain plug on the bottom of the tank. I’d try to get it loose and let a little drain out to see what it looks like,plus any water should be the first to come out.
    @reeferwrencher
     
  7. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    I would replace the battery, reefers are hard on batteries. Do a PM and replace the belts. I would set the temp at -10 and keep an eye on it. Check the tires for dry rot., i would drain the fuel tank as much as you can. Diesel fuel will smell like varnish when it goes bad.
     
  8. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    You guys are the best. Thanks.
     
    Siinman Thanks this.
  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Before you do a thing, make an appointment with your closest Carrier dealer, let them go through the entire system, and have them do all the tests and fix anything that could be wrong. Maybe consider validation of the unit.

    It sitting for a while will also break down the insulation, so consider a roof coating.
     
    Midwest Trucker, Siinman and gekko1323 Thank this.
  10. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    Thanks. Does it have to be a Carrier dealer or can I take it to any reefer specialist?
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2025
  11. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    You can have it checked out all you want to but be prepared to problems the first few trips.
    21/2300 have exhaust manifolds crack, vibrasorber leaks, and a few other things.
     
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