If you are in the business of transporting perishable goods, a refrigerated van is a must-have. These vans are equipped with a cooling system to keep your products fresh and at the right temperature during transportation. However, buying a new refrigerated van can be quite expensive. That’s where refrigerated van conversion comes in.
A refrigerated van conversion involves converting a regular van into a refrigerated one by adding insulation and a cooling system. This way, you can save money by converting your existing van rather than buying a new one. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about refrigerated van conversion.
First, you need to choose the right van for conversion. The most common vans used for conversion are Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Fiat Ducato. These vans are popular choices because they offer ample space for insulation and for installing a cooling system. Make sure to choose a van that meets your specific needs in terms of size, cargo capacity, and budget.
The next step is to insulate the van. Proper insulation is crucial to maintaining a consistent temperature inside the van. There are various insulation materials available, such as polyurethane foam, EPS foam, and fiberglass. Polyurethane foam is considered the most efficient for refrigerated van conversion due to its high insulating properties. It is important to insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor of the van to prevent heat transfer.
After insulating the van, you need to install the cooling system. There are two main types of cooling systems used in refrigerated van conversion: direct drive and electric standby. Direct drive systems run directly from the van’s engine and are more suitable for long-distance transportation. Electric standby systems, on the other hand, run on a separate power source and are ideal for short trips or when the van is parked.
When choosing a cooling system, consider factors such as the size of the van, the temperature requirements of the goods being transported, and your budget. It is recommended to consult with a professional refrigeration technician to determine the best cooling system for your needs.
In addition to insulation and a cooling system, there are other components that need to be installed in a refrigerated van. These include a temperature control unit, a temperature monitoring system, and proper ventilation. The temperature control unit allows you to set and monitor the temperature inside the van. The temperature monitoring system alerts you if the temperature inside the van goes beyond the desired range. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure air circulation and prevent condensation buildup.
Before using your newly converted refrigerated van, it is important to test the cooling system to ensure that it is functioning properly. You can do this by running the van with the cooling system turned on and checking the temperature inside the van using a thermometer. Make any necessary adjustments to the temperature control unit to achieve the desired temperature.
In conclusion, refrigerated van conversion is a cost-effective solution for businesses that require a refrigerated transportation vehicle. By converting a regular van into a refrigerated one, you can save money and customize the van to meet your specific needs. Remember to choose the right van, insulate it properly, install a suitable cooling system, and test the van before use. With the right equipment and proper planning, you can have a reliable refrigerated van for transporting perishable goods.