Reefer Unit Repair in Knoxville, TN

A lot of refrigerated freight moves through Knoxville on I-40 and I-75, and it’s some of the least forgiving freight on the road.

When a reefer unit fails, the clock starts on the load. In summer, a trailer parked in the sun at a truck stop or a dock can warm up fast. In winter, a unit that can’t heat can let a protect-from-freeze load get too cold. Either way, a rejected load can cost far more than the repair.

Trailer refrigeration units have their own diesel engines, electrical systems, and refrigeration circuits, and all three work hard. We come to the trailer to diagnose and repair the unit so the load stays in range.

What’s included with our Reefer Unit Repair

• No-start diagnosis on the reefer engine — batteries, starters, glow plugs, and fuel
• Reefer battery replacement and charging problems
• Alarm code reads and troubleshooting
• Fuel filter changes and fuel supply problems, including gelled fuel in winter
• Belt replacement and belt-driven component problems
• Condenser and evaporator coil cleaning
• Condenser and evaporator fan problems
• Refrigerant leak detection and recharge
• Temperature sensor and controller problems
• Defrost and heat mode problems
• Coolant and oil leaks on the reefer engine
• Door seal and air leak problems that make the unit work harder

What needs a shop instead

• Reefer compressor replacement and major refrigeration overhauls
• Reefer engine overhauls
• Controller replacements that need dealer programming
• Warranty repairs that must go through an authorized dealer

If the load is at risk, think about transferring the product to another reefer while the unit is repaired. Check with your shipper or broker about their temperature requirements first.

Repair it where it sits, or tow it?

With a reefer, “tow” usually means “swap trailers.” Many reefer failures — batteries, starters, fuel, belts, fans, sensors, and alarms — can be fixed on site fast enough to protect the load.

If the unit needs major refrigeration or engine work, the product comes first. The mechanic can tell you what’s wrong and how long the fix will take, so you can decide whether to wait, transfer the load, or move the trailer.

Have this ready when you call

A few details up front help the mechanic load the right parts and tools and get it done in one trip.

1. Unit make and model (Thermo King or Carrier Transicold) and any alarm codes
2. Setpoint and current box temperature
3. Whether the unit won’t start, runs but won’t hold temp, or keeps shutting down
4. What’s in the trailer and how much time the load can tolerate
5. Trailer location, and whether it’s in a secured yard or on the road

Makes & engines we work on

• Freightliner
• Peterbilt
• Kenworth
• Volvo
• Mack
• International
• Western Star

Trailer refrigeration units from Thermo King and Carrier Transicold, on reefer trailers from Utility, Great Dane, Wabash, Hyundai Translead, and others.

Reefer Unit Repair around Knoxville & East Tennessee

Reefer calls come from food distribution and cold storage docks around Knoxville, grocery and restaurant supply routes across Knox, Blount, and Sevier counties, and truck stops along I-40 and I-75 where drivers are waiting on an appointment.

Highways we cover

• I-40
• I-75
• I-640

Towns we cover

• Knoxville
• Farragut
• Maryville & Alcoa
• Oak Ridge
• Clinton
• Lenoir City & Loudon
• Sevierville & Pigeon Forge
• Morristown

Reefer Unit Repair: common questions