Three things wear at different rates: the van, the insulated lining and the refrigeration unit. Servicing decides how long each one lasts, more than age or mileage does.
The van
A fridge van is a normal van underneath, so it lasts as long as any well-serviced van of that make. The conversion doesn’t shorten its life. What does catch people out is ULEZ and Clean Air Zones: a diesel van from before 2016 (Euro 5 or older) is charged to enter them, which can end a van’s working life in the south-east before anything mechanical does. See are you ULEZ compliant?
The lining
We insulate chiller vans with 50mm and freezer vans with 75mm. Kept dry and undamaged, the lining outlasts most vans. What shortens it is water getting in through a crack, a hole or a failed door seal, and floor damage from pallets and crates dragged over it. Pallet runners and a bit of care at loading time are the difference.
The refrigeration unit
A well-looked-after unit runs for years. A neglected one won’t see half that, and the failures are almost always avoidable: skipped services, blocked or dirty condensers, and running a unit harder than it was specced for. Every unit we fit comes with a 12-month warranty; Thermo King and Zanotti units with 24 months. See how long does a fridge unit last?
Signs it’s time to change the van
- The temperature won’t hold or wanders about despite regular servicing.
- Rust, corrosion or visible damage to the body or the lining.
- Repair bills that are starting to add up.
- It can’t go where your work is going: ULEZ, Clean Air Zones, or a round that’s outgrown it.
More in signs you should replace your refrigerated van.
Making a van last
- Spec the unit for the coldest job you do, so it isn’t working flat out. See chiller, freezer or deep freeze?
- Keep to the service schedule for the van and the unit, and keep the condenser clean.
- Strip curtains and pallet runners: cheap, and they protect the two things that cost most to put right.
- Look after the battery and keep the load space dry in winter. See winter maintenance.
When it is time, we take part exchanges and every used van we sell comes with a 12 to 24-month warranty. See our fridge vans for sale.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Call us on 01444 245555 and tell us what the van does, and we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth fixing or time to change it.
