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Stay informed about our refrigerated trailer solutions, latest developments in refrigeration technology and maintenance right here on our blog!
Triton Trailers vs. Reefer Trucks
There are dozens of reasons why a restaurant in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse using refrigeration units may need a backup occasionally. It could be a power outage, it could be to store an excess of supplies, or maybe you need to transport your goods to a festival. Regardless of WHY you need a portable freezer, you need one that is reliable, quickly delivered, and easy to move. While many people choose reefer trucks, there is a better option that is more mobile and better meets the needs of most businesses. Aren't They Both Good Choices? They are both good choices, but it boils down to what you need. Restauranteurs often think they must have a reefer truck because that’s what they see most frequently when their weekly inventory is delivered. Those big trucks can be hard to maneuver, cost much more than a trailer, and require more power. Simply put, a reefer truck is often, much more than any restaurant would need in most scenarios. The Advantages of Reefer Trailers Since it is an emerging market, few businesses know about the benefits of renting a refrigeration trailer. These are some of the more popular benefits of this unit type Power Source A refer truck is powered by the vehicle engine, which means that “big truck engine” will be running the whole time. On top of that, you need to know where the gas level is at all times because if the truck runs out of gas, the refrigeration unit stops working. On the other hand, a trailer can be powered by a standard 115v 20 amp plug from your business. If the power goes out, the on-board generator will have more than enough power to keep your refrigeration trailer working. Refueling the generator is much easier for most people than having to move and refuel a reefer truck. Seamless Construction Triton Refrigerated Trailers are fabricated from seamless fiberglass, ensuring the best in food safety and temperature retention. This construction is NSF certified. Quieter An electricity-powered trailer runs much quieter than a gas-powered truck. The constant droning of the engine will become annoying, and if you have outdoor seating, it will very likely be a turn-off to your patrons. No Fumes A gas-powered truck that runs continuously gives out fumes that are not good to breathe in and smell bad. Not only is this not ideal for the same reasons as the noise, but it is not good for the health of your employees, especially if they are going in and out of the truck a lot. Safety Stepping in and out of a large reefer truck carries some risks, especially if you or your staff are carrying boxes. Refrigeration trailers are closer to the ground, making stepping in and out simpler and in our opinion, safer. Smaller and Easier to Navigate One of the most significant benefits of a trailer is its size; they are smaller and easier to move in and out of tight spaces. If you aren't working with a lot of space outside your building, having a refrigeration trailer that fits in an alley with room to spare is a must. Trailers come in many sizes, so you can find one big enough to fit your needs without the wasted space that comes with a reefer truck. The Freedom of Renting The benefits of a refrigeration trailer are clear, but not everyone has the space to store one or the money to invest in one when they only use it a few times a year. If you need a refrigerated trailer in a hurry without all the hassle of buying one, the freedom of renting a trailer is the perfect option for you. You get all the benefits, but when you don't need it anymore, you don't have to continue paying for it and find a place to store it. However, if purchasing is something you’re interested in, Triton does offer financing. The Choice is Clear The next time you need some extra refrigeration, the choice is clear. Contact us to find out which option works best for you and schedule a time to pick up your trailer. You will love having all the benefits of extra refrigeration without all the extra work that comes with a reefer truck. Best of all, when you're done, you can return the trailer until the next time you need it.
Your Road to Food Truck Success with Refrigerated Trailers
Food trucks are a growing trend, offering a unique dining experience. But the success of food trucks relies on the ability to store perishable foods. Refrigerated trailers transform mobile kitchens by providing on-site storage for fresh products, reducing storefronts trips, and stopping ingredient shortages. You'll keep food fresh and boost profits, brand profile, and customer trust. In this blog, Triton Refrigeration discusses how reefer trailers help food truck owners boost profits by keeping food fresh, using brand opportunities, and improving customer trust. Let's get started! Why Refrigerated Trailers Are Important Refrigerated trailers preserve the safety and quality of foods during storage and transportation. Reefer trailers use refrigeration to maintain precise temperature ranges. Properly used, these trailers prevent food spoilage and reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. Picture this: It's a hot day, and your food truck is at a festival. You've prepped your dishes and are ready to serve your customers. As the crowds arrive, your refrigeration struggles to keep up. You worry about ingredient safety and quality. Due to the heat, you need multiple trips to your storefront, cutting profits and losing time. A Triton reefer trailer shines in this scenario - it keeps food fresh and safe, no matter the demand. You can focus on serving food without the stress of spoilage, lost patrons, or reputation. And you have the option to rent or buy. And, we make financing available. How do Reefer Trailers Work? Insulation: Reefer trailers have insulation on the front and sides of the trailer. The walls consist of plastic, steel, or non-porous material. The insulation prevents heat from entering, which helps preserve the target-temperature. Roof: Reefer trailers may also have a tear-resistant translucent roof layer. The top of the reefer has the potential to reflect heat and UV waves. All of that planning and construction allows you to maintain a constant temperature for your food supplies. We’ve found this of particular importance in the northeast, including regions around Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. We know there are much hotter parts of the country. But the temperature swings can be dramatic here. Alarms and Tracking Systems: Triton trailers include alert of failures or set point issues. Some units even have systems that track time and temperature for auditing. Primary Components Reefer trailers have three primary components: compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Compressor: A small engine that drives the compressor unit. It draws in refrigeration and compresses it. The pressure condenses gas and liquid refrigerant, releasing heat to the compressor body. Condenser: Liquid from the compressor flows into the condenser, exchanging heat. The fluid's heat moves to the tubing walls and then transfers to the attached fins with a larger surface area to cool outside air. The condenser fan draws in the air. Evaporator: The reefer trailer's evaporator is where the cooling happens. The refrigerant releases heat to the condenser and transforms it into a cool liquid. A metering valve controls cooling by releasing heat into the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant turns into a gas, expands, and absorbs heat from surrounding coils. Air moves over the fins to circulate the refrigerant and remove heat, cooling the trailer. The process continues until reaching the preferred temperature. Benefits of Refrigerated Trailers for Food Trucks By investing in a refrigerated trailer, food truck owners can: Build Trust: Cold trailers guarantee the quality of food, a top concern for customers. Expand Menus: Store different goods for a broader range of food options. Improve Efficiency: Stocking up on reserves lessens the need for supply runs. Boost Margins: Buy bulk and keep in a trailer to reduce food waste -- saving money and increasing profits. Increase Flexibility: Visit new areas without worrying about access to refrigeration or storage. Enhance Branding: Brand your trailer with your business name, logo, and eye-catching visuals. Turn it into a mobile billboard that attracts customers and reinforces your brand. Considerations When Choosing a Refrigerated Trailer When selecting a cold trailer, food truck owners should consider factors such as: Size and weight constraints for your food truck and towing vehicle need remembering. Measure your vehicle's dimensions and the space available for a trailer before purchasing. The desired temperature range is a factor to consider. Ensure refrigeration can maintain the temperature of the products you intend to store. Decide on the type of refrigeration system -- mechanical (standard) or absorption-based. Mechanical systems circulate refrigerant gas through a compressor, which absorbs and removes heat. Propane or natural gas powers absorption-based units and create cooling using heat. Extra features like shelving, lighting, and alarm systems are also important. Shelving helps index products, lighting assists with visibility, and monitoring systems track temperatures. Regular maintenance keeps the trailer running efficiently. Factor these costs into your budget. Noisy systems are problematic if you operate in quiet surroundings. Is the trailer's refrigeration compatible with your power source? If you use a generator, ensure it can handle the extra load of the refrigeration system. Regulations may limit refrigeration systems and trailer types based on location and products. Wasteful Habits: Storefront and Supply Trips Restocking inventory takes time and resources, including employee wages and fuel costs. A reefer provides a convenient solution to store all your products on-site. You can focus on serving customers and business growth by reducing storefront trips and supply runs. A refrigerated unit boosts efficiency and productivity. Allowing you to perfect recipes, create customer experiences, and market your business. All without the time, fuel, and labor costs associated with trips to your storefront. Keep your food truck business fresh with a refrigerated trailer. It eliminates the need for storefront trips and keeps your products fresh. Plus, when branded, it acts as a mobile billboard for your business. Working as an internet-based platform work for some businesses. But a food truck relies on being a physically present entity. Invest in a reefer to keep your food fresh and your customers returning for seconds. A happy customer is a loyal one. With a Triton Refrigeration trailer, you can maximize your business by having everything you need at your fingertips. Contact us to learn how a refrigerated trailer can take your mobile eatery to another level.
How A Refrigerated Trailer Will Make A Positive Impact On Your Restaurant
It’s no secret that the profit margins in the restaurant industry are razor thin. That’s why owners are always looking for ways to stretch their dollar. A refrigerated trailer from Triton Refrigeration Solutions is a cost-effective way to transport or store bulk foods for a short period. Some restaurant owners may question why they would ever need a reefer, but there are many possibilities. First things first… What is a Refrigerated Trailer? A refrigerated trailer or "reefer" is an insulated, self-powered refrigeration unit on wheels. They are used in the restaurant industry to transfer temperature-sensitive perishable goods like meat, dairy, and produce. Different types of trailers can have variable temperatures and different loading options. Outside of the restaurant industry, these trailers are also used to haul other temperature-sensitive items like flowers, paint, and medicines. Controlling Costs and Quality with Reefer Trailers When you’re operating an independent restaurant that doesn't have a predetermined menu, there are times when a deal comes up that you just can't refuse. Rather than lose than opportunity to provide a special menu item you know your customers will enjoy, a refrigerated trailer provides options for product overflow. You’ve probably also experienced having so much product on-hand that you can't safely store it in your freezer or at room temperature. The flexibility and extra refrigerated space that comes with a refrigerated trailer helps to keep that excess product safe. There are also rare instances when your regular freezer may break-down, or you lose power. Having a backup to keep your product safe, so you don't suffer hundreds to thousands of dollars in spoiled food is a reliable planning step for your business. Our trailers keep food between 0° and 40° Fahrenheit (-17° and 4°Celsius) and, making them a versatile option for your needs. Convenience for You and Your Customer One of the most significant benefits of a refrigerated trailer is its portability. Moving products between locations or bringing them to a catering event is safer and more convenient for you and your customer. Serving Off-Site during the Festival Season The Summer & Fall Festival season is big for the restaurant industry, especially in Western New York state. Because festivals are so weather-dependent in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, a Triton refrigerated trailer can be a great help for keeping additional product on-site. This helps to maintain product safety and keeps you from wasting time and fuels by running back and forth to your brick-and-mortar location. In addition, it is a great way to network and introduce new people to your menu. Transporting your food and preparing it in a remote location without losing food quality is a surefire way to increase sales and create some word-of-mouth buzz. A Great Move to Expand Your Brand Overall, buying or renting a Triton refrigerated trailer makes sense because it is a versatile way to expand your restaurant brand. Triton offers financing options. Whether you’re setting up to prep and serve at a festival, transporting your prepared foods for catering or keeping your food quality at its highest during emergencies, our refrigerated trailers are an excellent fit more most restauranteurs. For more information on purchasing and financing a Triton refrigerated trailer that will bring your business to the next level, contact us here or call (585) 209-1600. We’ll be glad to answer your questions.
