Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies (JRTB) showcased its line of refrigerated truck bodies at the 2015 NTEA Work Truck Show in the Indiana Convention Center, including a lightweight, three-temperature-zone Guardian composite truck body built to serve the growing market for home and B2B deliveries. The specially designed truck body is mounted on a Ford F-550 chassis with a 200.8-in. wheelbase and 120-in. cab-to-axle design that does not require the operator to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The unit features an 8,000-lb. cargo capacity and racking that allows the customer to carry 115 totes. Other efficiency and safety-enhancing features include a Safety Vision rear-view back-up camera, Grote LED interior and exterior lighting and Johnson’s patented automotive style door latch with remote key fob locking capability.
Also featured in the booth is Johnson’s new Alpine refrigerated truck body, designed in cooperation with Great Dane. The Alpine on display is a 24-ft. aluminum truck body mounted to an International 4400 SBA 4×2 chassis. The show model Alpine features a curbside door and a Carrier Supra 960 refrigeration unit with a heavy-duty electric standby motor.
The Guardian Series
The Guardian addresses fleet sustainability initiatives with a truck body that will carry a typical day’s product load without adding any unnecessary weight, according to the company. Built with home delivery and foodservice fleets in mind, the Guardian offers a weight savings thanks to the body’s lightweight, durable design, which also allows it to be used several times over its lifecycle on different chassis assemblies.
Often called a reach-in because it is loaded and unloaded by hand, the Guardian body fits on a lighter chassis to help reduce operating costs and provide protection for both fresh and frozen product delivery, JRTB stated. In addition, the Guardian’s overall thermal rating is very high, resulting in reduced consumption of the electricity and fossil fuels needed to keep the body and cargo area at the desired product temperature. Reducing energy consumption also means lower fleet operational costs.
The new Alpine Series
The newest addition to the Johnson refrigerated truck body family, the aluminum-body Alpine, features proven sheet and post construction and was designed and built in cooperation with Great Dane. With customers and food safety regulations becoming ever more demanding, standard features include modular panel construction with advanced panel foaming for thermal efficiency, durability, and ease of repair, and smooth .090-in. USDA-approved fiberglass lining in the ceiling, side and front wall. The Alpine utilizes a body tie-down system that provides secure mounting with reduced maintenance, and a 10-in. extruded aluminum full-length scuff band to reduce sidewall damage, JRTB explained. Additional standard features include a unique side door design that’s wider than industry standards (available in multiple heights and locations), low-profile exterior hardware and an innovative door blade lock closure for a complete seal around the full height of the door.
Popular options for the Alpine include Great Dane’s exclusive PunctureGuard and ThermoGuard linings for exceptional impact resistance, insulation preservation and reduced cooling unit fuel consumption; various walk ramps, lift gates, side door steps and strip curtains; cargo securement and remote evaporator options; scuff plate, bumper and flooring options and truck chassis and refrigeration unit options.
