Thermo King unveils lighter transport refrigeration unit

Thermo King introduced the SLXi Local transport refrigeration unit (TRU) that is up to 200 lbs lighter than other TRUs to increase payload capacity.

“The Thermo King SLXi Local is ideal for urban distribution. Distributors can’t fill their trailer to capacity due to weight restrictions when transporting heavy cargo products like milk and water,” said Sara Cudemo, trailer product manager for Thermo King North America. “Thermo King North America brought European technology to the United States so fleets can efficiently deliver food in cities while overcoming unique challenges like physical space constraints that require tight turning capabilities and growing noise regulation trends.”

Additional features include:
• Lighter – The SLXi Local is the lightest refrigeration unit available in the North American over-the-road market. It is up to 200 lbs lighter than other refrigeration units so transporters can carry more cargo to increase payload opportunities.

• Thinner – The slim profile reduces the tractor-trailer gap by seven inches to decrease air drag and enhance tractor fuel efficiency. The slim profile adds flexibility to the tractor-trailer and lowers the risk of damaging the tractor or TRU when turning corners on tight city streets.

• Quieter – The Thermo King Whisper kit is standard on all SLXi Local units. It operates at three decibels lower than similar units to comply with growing trends in municipal noise restrictions.

The SLXi Local solution meets a variety of customer, environmental, legislative and food safety requirements. It is seven-year California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant.

The TRU utilizes next-generation R452A refrigerant that reduces global warming impact by 45% compared to other refrigerants. R452A is a lower emission refrigerant that is the safest, most environmentally responsible replacement for current refrigerants. R452A requires 22% less refrigerant than competitors to efficiently cool cargo.

Like all Thermo King trailer products, telematics hardware is standard on the SLXi Local to reduce upfront installation and equipment costs so customers can easily enable Thermo King ConnectedSuite telematics services at the flip of a switch.

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.