Passive Cooling to Extend the Life of Reefer Trailers
The Challenge
Aging refrigerated trailers lose insulation performance over time, forcing units to burn more fuel, run longer hours, and risk cargo integrity. For fleets extending the life of their assets, this leads to rising operating costs and higher emissions.
The Solution - PolyFrost
PolyFrost is an advanced passive cooling coating that reflects >97% of solar radiation and sheds heat efficiently. Applied directly to reefer roofs, PolyFrost reduces thermal load and restores cooling efficiency.
- Retrofit Ready – Spray-on application to existing trailers.
- Fuel Savings – Cut diesel consumption by up to 16%.
- Lower Engine Hours – Longer off-cycles mean less wear.
- Cargo Protection – Reduced risk of heat damaged loads.
- Asset Life Extension – A 2018 reefer performed like a 2025 model after coating.
PolyFrost
PolyFrost is a spray-applied, passive radiative cooling (PDRC) coating designed for sun-exposed surfaces in transport and industrial applications.
Reflects Solar Radiation
Reduces surface heating.
Maintains Cooler Interiors
Without adding additional energy demand.
Scalable and Easy to Apply
Using standard spray equipment, just like paint, in under 12 hours.
Effortless Maintenance
Regular cleaning with soapy water ensures long lasting peak performance.
Results
Field Trial
- Las Cruces, NM - 2025
- Test Units: 2018 Utility 3000R vs 2025 Utility 3000R (control)
- Load Simulation: 2,700 gallons of water in totes at 38°F setpoint
Test setup Las Cruces, NM, 2025 – 2018 Utility 3000R Units – Bare aluminum (L), Coated with Polyfrost (R) 
Thermal Image of a PolyFrost coated trailer roof – Up to 77°F (25°C) cooler under peak sun.
Performance Comparison | |
|---|---|
Before POLYFROST | 2018 reefer consumed 18% more fuel than 2025 model. |
After POLYFROST | 2018 reefer fuel consumption improved to within 0.3% of 2025 model – a quasi-identical amount |
After POLYFROST | 2018 reefer Roof Temperatures: Up to 77°F (25°C) cooler under peak sun. |
Key Impacts
Immediate ROI
PolyFrost reduces solar heat gain and offsets insulation fatigue, significantly cutting refrigeration runtime and fuel consumption. The result: measurable cost savings from day one, with rapid payback across your fleet.
Sustainability Gains
By reducing diesel use and extending asset life, fleets can lower their carbon footprint, meet ESG goals, and strengthen climate resilience, without added operational complexity.
Deferred Capital Investment
PolyFrost restores thermal performance in aging assets, allowing you to extend fleet service life by years. Maintain cooling reliability, cargo protection, and regulatory compliance, while deferring costly capital investments in new equipment.