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When you need a cold storage unit that isn’t built into or on top of a space, a reefer trailer is often the perfect solution. However, it’s important to get the right reefer for the job so you don’t overspend or end up with something that isn’t adequate.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to ensure you end up with the right reefer. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best possible solution for your needs.

What Is a Reefer Trailer?

“Reefer trailer” is the common industry term for a refrigerated trailer. These trailers — also called simply, “reefers” — are essentially large refrigerators mounted onto a trailer frame that allows them to be transported between locations.

Reefers are designed to keep the items inside at consistently-cool temperatures. Many can also keep items frozen. Because of their capability and mobility, reefer trailers are a convenient and cost-efficient way to manage short-term and long-term cold storage needs without building a permanent structure.

Uses for Reefer Trailers

As you’d imagine, there are many things people use reefers for. Some of the most popular uses include:

• Temporary “walk-in” refrigerator space for restaurants during renovation or construction
• Additional cold storage for food service businesses that have outgrown capacity
• On-site cold storage for food service or florist operations at farmer’s markets, fairs, and other temporary events
• Safe medicine and biological sample storage for pop-up medical sites
• Mobile food storage for catering events
• Cool-down space for construction sites
• Cold storage for seasonal businesses

This is just a small sample of ways you can use a reefer, but the applications are virtually limitless. Reefer trailers are an excellent solution for any job that requires keeping a large amount of items refrigerated or frozen.

Reefer Trailers: What To Consider

A reefer could be exactly the piece of equipment you need, but not every trailer is the same. It’s important to take the time to carefully consider your options to ensure you get exactly what you need for how you plan to use it.

At Penguin Trailers, we offer a simple selection of reefer options that covers the vast majority of refrigeration needs to make it easy for people. In this section, we go over the main questions you’ll need to ask yourself to make the best decision for your situation.

How Big of a Reefer Trailer Do I Need?

The first consideration is the size of the reefer you’ll need for your job. If you get a refrigerated trailer that isn’t big enough, you won’t be able to store all the things you need to store in it. That means you’ll have to get another reefer or find some other way to refrigerate things.

However, the cost of renting or buying a reefer goes up as they get bigger. In addition, keeping a larger unit cold will also cost more. You don’t want to pay more than what you need for the job.

The most popular sizes of reefers are:

• 6’ x 12’: Good for small-to-medium-sized operations, such as most restaurants, catering companies, pop-up event vendors, and smaller medical care sites.
• 6’ x 16’: Good for large restaurants, hotels, seasonal food service businesses, and construction site cool-down rooms.

When estimating your space needs, be sure to overestimate by at least 10%. This will allow for anything you forgot to consider or don’t know you need yet.

What Do You Need to Set Up a Reefer Trailer?

Our Polar King reefers are designed to require minimal site preparation for easy setup and breakdown. These trailers are essentially a plug-and-play operation and can start being used within minutes of arriving at your site.

However, there are still a few steps you’ll need to take to make sure you don’t run into any issues during setup:

• Establish an area that is equal to or greater than the footprint of your reefer, plus two additional feet on each non-door side and at least four additional feet on the door side.
• Ensure that you have easy, uninterrupted access to a dedicated 110V/15 amp power outlet unless you’re using a generator to power the unit.
• If you plan to use a generator, make sure the site allows you to run one and confirm that you have enough space for it at the site.
• Check to see that the site is relatively level. It doesn’t have to be precise, but you don’t want your reefer sitting off-balance or at a slant. If the site is significantly uneven, use packing dirt, mulch, or other fillers to level it out.
• Obtain two heavy-duty extension cords at least five feet longer than the distance from your reefer site to the outlet you’re using — one for primary use and one for backup.
• Ensure that you have or can create a clear pathway large enough for your reefer and the vehicle you’re towing it with to move in and out of the space.

Should I Buy or Rent a Reefer Trailer?

We offer reefer units both for sale and for rent to accommodate the wide range of needs of our customers. Renting a trailer is sufficient and a more cost-effective option for many people. But there are also times where it may make more sense to purchase a reefer instead. In this section, we’ll explore both options.

Reefer Trailer Rental

Most refrigerated trailer rental companies offer to rent them by the day, week, or month. That means renting a reefer is a viable option for many jobs.

The average cost of renting a reefer runs from around $250 per day to around $600 per day. Typically, per-day rates go down with longer rental terms. At the monthly rate, you may find prices as low as around $55 per day — making them a very affordable option even over an extended period of time.

Reefer Trailer Purchase

While renting a reefer is relatively inexpensive, buying one may be a better option in some cases. When you purchase a refrigerated trailer, you know that you’ll always have access to it and you don’t have to worry about availability in your area.

If you use a reefer regularly, it can also end up being less expensive over time. Refrigerated trailers also don’t depreciate much, meaning you can also resell the trailer when you no longer need it without much of a loss.

Here are some of the situations in which it may make more sense to buy a reefer instead of rent it:

• You plan to use the reefer regularly over several years
• You need to use a refrigerated trailer for more than six months
• You own a site where people regularly use reefers
• You know other people or businesses that may want to rent the trailer from you

Reefer Trailers: Mobile Cold Storage for your Business

You can see why reefers are such a useful piece of equipment for so many people. The right option can give you a cost-effective, simple solution that supports your business and enables it to grow.

Whether you’re renting or buying your reefer trailer, we have high-quality, affordable options for a wide variety of needs. Use the contact form below to reach out for a quote. Our specialists will get back to you right away to help you get the best reefer trailer for whatever you plan to use it for.