A refrigerated van lets a business carry perishable goods further and sell to more customers. It’s also a big investment, so it pays to get the specification right first time. These are the things we talk through with every buyer.
1. The temperature you need
A chiller holds 0 to 5°C, a freezer -10°C, and deep freeze goes down to -25°C. Our vans can work anywhere from +21°C down to -25°C depending on the unit fitted. Buy for the coldest job you’ll do: buying short on temperature is the mistake that costs most. See chiller, freezer or deep freeze?
2. Insulation
The insulated lining is what holds the temperature. We use 50mm for a chiller and 75mm for a freezer. Kept dry and undamaged, it outlasts most vans; on a used van, check it for cracks, holes and signs of water getting in.
3. The refrigeration unit
We fit units from GAH, Thermo King, Hubbard and Zanotti. Every unit comes with at least a 12-month warranty: 12 months on GAH and Hubbard, 24 months on Thermo King and Zanotti. Specify a unit with headroom, so it isn’t working flat out on the hottest day. See how long does a fridge unit last?
4. Payload
Payload is the weight the van can carry. The lining and the fridge unit add weight, so the payload after conversion is less than the bare van’s, and a freezer’s thicker lining takes a little more. If your loads are heavy, we check the payload after conversion against what you carry.
5. Size and layout
Choose the size for the round you have now, and the layout for how you work: a bulkhead for two compartments, shelving, curtains for multi-drop rounds. See what size fridge van do you need? and our accessories.
6. Power
A standard road-only fridge runs while the engine runs. If the van will be parked loaded, electric standby lets the fridge run from the mains with the engine off; it must be specified before the conversion. Electric vans can be converted too, and they meet the London ULEZ standard. See do you need electric standby? and electric fridge vans.
7. The rules
Chilled food must be kept at 8°C or below in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and quick-frozen food at -18°C or colder. Keep records of the temperatures in transit; a load temperature recorder prints a receipt as evidence. If you drive into London, check the van meets the ULEZ standard: see are you ULEZ compliant?
8. Budget and finance
Decide between new and used, and between buying outright and spreading the cost. We arrange finance for business customers from a £500 +VAT deposit, on hire purchase or lease, subject to status, and we take part exchanges. Most businesses can also claim tax relief on the van: see 100% tax relief on your next refrigerated van.
When you’re ready, see our fridge vans and freezer vans, or call us on 01444 245555 and tell us what you carry, how far and how often.
