What are Gazelles with a refrigerator called: types and features

In the field of commercial cargo transportation, especially when it comes to food and medicine or flowers, it is extremely important to maintain temperature conditions. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and logisticians often wonder: what are the names of Gazelles with a refrigerator? In everyday life you can hear many names, from a simple “refrigerator” to specific technical terms. Understanding the correct terminology not only increases professionalism in communicating with partners, but also helps you choose exactly the equipment that is required for your business.

The main and most common name for such transport is refrigerator. However, to be technically precise, this term often refers to the refrigeration unit itself, mounted on the body. The car itself, be it GAZelle Business, Next or older modifications, with an installed thermal body and climate control system, is more correctly called isothermal van with refrigeration equipment. It is the combination of a sealed body and an autonomous cooling system that allows perishable goods to be delivered over long distances without loss of quality.

It is important to distinguish between concepts, since transport capabilities depend on the type of body. A regular one can simply maintain the temperature of the cargo due to the thermal insulation of the walls, while the refrigerator actively cools or even heats the interior space. The choice between these options depends on what kind of cargo you plan to transport and over what distances. Next, we will look in detail at how these cars are classified and what to look for when ordering or purchasing. isothermal van can simply maintain the temperature of the cargo due to the thermal insulation of the walls, while the refrigerator actively cools or even heats the interior space. The choice between these options depends on what kind of cargo you plan to transport and over what distances. Next, we will look in detail at how these cars are classified and what to look for when ordering or purchasing.

Basic terminology: refrigerator or isotherm?

The first thing you need to understand is the difference between isothermal body and full refrigerator. An insulated van is a “thermos” on wheels. Its walls are made of sandwich panels with low thermal conductivity, which helps slow down the temperature change inside the volume. Such a vehicle does not have an active refrigeration unit, and it is suitable for short-term transportation, when the cargo is already cooled and you just need to prevent it from heating up on the way.

In contrast, refrigerator is a complex system, including an isothermal body and a refrigeration unit mounted on the front wall (FGU - front-load unit, or suspended). It is the presence of a compressor, condenser and evaporator that makes the Gazelle a full-fledged refrigerator. Such machines are capable of maintaining a set temperature regardless of external conditions, which is critical for transporting frozen meat, fish, ice cream or medical supplies.

⚠️ Attention: When ordering transport, check whether the vehicle has a working refrigeration unit. Often, under the guise of a refrigerator, they simply offer an insulated Gazelle, which will not be able to keep the “minus” for a long time on a hot summer day.

The technical characteristics of these vehicles are regulated by international agreements, such as the APR (Agreement on the International Transport of Perishable Food Products). According to these standards, the car must be certified and receive an appropriate passport confirming its ability to maintain temperature. Therefore, if you plan to engage in international or long-distance transportation of products, you need a certified refrigerator, and not just a booth.

Body structure: sandwich panels and materials

The basis of any Gazelle with refrigerator is the material from which the body is made. The most modern and effective solution is sandwich panels. This design is a multi-layer “pie”, where there is a layer of insulation between two sheets of durable plastic, metal or composite. Most often, polyurethane foam (PPU) or extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is used as insulation. These materials have a minimal coefficient of thermal conductivity.

The external cladding of the body is usually made of smooth or corrugated galvanized sheetclad plywood or special automotive plastic. The internal part in contact with the cargo must be made of food-grade, easy-to-clean material. Often, food-grade aluminum, stainless steel or laminated plywood with a coating that is resistant to aggressive environments and frequent washing is used for this. High-quality assembly of panel joints guarantees the absence of “cold bridges” through which heat could penetrate inside.

• 🧊 PPU (Polyurethane foam): The most popular insulation, has excellent adhesion and low heat loss, often sprayed directly between the walls.
• 🛡️ Clad plywood: A budget option for covering, covered with a special film that is resistant to shock and moisture, but less durable than metal.
• ⚙️ Aluminum profile: Used for edging panels and reinforcing the structure, ensuring rigidity of the entire van.

When choosing a car, you should pay attention to the wall thickness of the sandwich panels. For urban transportation (“last mile”), walls with a thickness of 40-50 mm are often used. For intercity flights and long-term parking under load, the thickness 60-80 mmis considered optimal. Thicker walls increase the weight of the car and reduce the internal volume, but significantly improve thermal insulation.

Types of refrigeration units for the Gazelle

The heart of the refrigerator is the refrigeration unit (RU). On cars of the GAZelle family, installations of two main types are most often used: frontal and suspended. Front installations are mounted on the front wall of the body inside the cargo compartment. They are compact, but they “eat up” part of the useful volume and can create an uneven temperature distribution if the load is not secured correctly.

Suspended installations are mounted on the roof of the body. This is a more modern and convenient option, as it frees up all the internal space for cargo and provides better circulation of cold air. However, such installations require a reinforced roof and more complex installation. The power of the installations varies depending on the volume of the body and the required temperature conditions. For GazelleNEXT with a volume of 12-16 cubic meters, units with a power of 2 to 4 kW are usually used.

By the type of compressor drive, the units are divided into:

• ❄️ Diesel: They have their own small diesel engine. They work autonomously, regardless of the car engine. Ideal for long-distance flights and stopovers.
• ⚡ Electric: They operate from an electric motor, powered by a car battery or an external network (220V/380V). They require the installation of an additional generator or a powerful battery.
• 🔄 Combined: Can run on both diesel and electricity. The most universal, but also the most expensive option.

Popular brands of installations

In the Russian market, the most common brands of installations are Thermo King, Carrier, Zanotti, Polarfrost and domestic “Beregovaya”. The choice of brand often depends on service availability in your area and budget. Imported units are considered more reliable, but spare parts for them may cost more.

Temperature conditions and ATP classes

Not all refrigerators are the same. The international APR agreement divides vehicles into classes depending on the temperature range they can support. This is a critical parameter when choosing a Gazelle for specific loads. For example, transporting flowers requires one mode, and frozen fish requires a completely different one.

The main classes that are found on the Gazelle base:

• 🌡️ Class A: Range from 0°C to +12°C. Suitable for chilled meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products.
• ❄️ Class B: Range from -20°C to +12°C. A universal class that allows you to transport both chilled and frozen food.
• 🧊 Class C: Range from -20°C to 0°C. Specialized class for frozen foods.

It is important to understand that the class is assigned not only to the installation itself, but also to the quality of the body’s thermal insulation. Even a powerful installation will not be able to keep minus twenty in the heat if the body is assembled with violations of technology. To transport ice cream and deep freezing, not only class C is required, but also the presence of a “deep freeze” system capable of lowering the temperature to -25°C and below.

⚠️ Attention: Regularly check the operation of the thermostat and temperature sensors. A failure in the settings can lead to the unfreezing of cargo worth millions of rubles. Keep a log of temperature conditions.

Comparing the characteristics of various modifications

When choosing a car, the question often arises: which Gazelle is suitable for my tasks? There are various modifications on the market, differing in wheelbase length, roof height and body volume. To make the right choice, you need to compare the dimensions of the cargo with the capabilities of the vehicle. Below is a comparative table of popular modifications.

Choice between standard and An extended base affects not only volume, but also maneuverability. In conditions of dense city traffic, long-wheelbase “Nexts” may be inconvenient for entering courtyards or warehouse terminals with narrow spans. On the other hand, for wholesale deliveries to retail chains it is more profitable to make one flight of 18 cubic meters than two of 9.

It is also worth considering the type of frame and suspension. Heavy-duty suspension is necessary if you plan to carry heavy loads, such as frozen meat in blocks or drinks in glass containers. Lightweight aluminum bodies, popular in Europe, may be less durable in Russian operating conditions due to the poor quality of roads.

Operation and maintenance of refrigerators

Owning a Gazelle with a refrigerator requires a disciplined approach to maintenance. Refrigeration unit is a complex mechanism that requires regular service. The main attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the condenser, which is located at the front of the unit. A condenser clogged with fluff, dirt and insects cannot effectively transfer heat, which leads to overheating of the compressor and its failure.

Washing the body of a refrigerator should be carried out with special means that do not destroy the sealant and insulation. Particular attention is paid to doors and seals. Rubber seals around the perimeter of the doors must be elastic and fit tightly. The slightest gap will lead to a constant influx of warm air, condensation and, as a result, damage to the cargo and icing of the evaporator.

Typical problems faced by owners:

• 🔧 Leakage freon: Reduced cooling efficiency, requiring leak detection and refilling of the system.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: A frequent problem for installations with electric drive, if the car sits for a long time without moving.
• 🧊 Freezing evaporator: Occurs when doors are opened frequently or the seal is broken, requires defrosting.

How often do you need to undergo maintenance of a refrigeration unit?

The recommended maintenance interval for a refrigeration unit is every 500 hours or every 6 months, whichever comes first. For intensive use (24/7 work), the intervals should be reduced to 250 engine hours. The mandatory procedure includes replacing filters, checking belt tension, electrical diagnostics and cleaning heat exchangers.

Is it possible to use a refrigerator like a regular Gazelle?

Technically it is possible, but economically it is not feasible. The isothermal body is significantly heavier than a conventional awning or manufactured goods van, which increases fuel consumption. In addition, you are “killing” the resource of an expensive refrigeration unit, which has its own service life in engine hours. If you need to transport non-food cargo, it is better to rent a regular truck.

What to do if the unit stops cooling during a flight?

First of all, check whether the compressor is working and whether the fan is spinning. Make sure the doors are tightly closed. If the malfunction is not visually obvious, you must urgently contact the technical support service of the installation manufacturer (many modern systems have telematics). To save the cargo, you can use dry ice or rent another car, since repairing the freon line yourself in the field is prohibited without a license and equipment.

What class of fuel is needed for diesel units?

Most modern transport refrigeration units (Thermo King, Carrier) operate on diesel fuel. In the summer, summer diesel fuel is used; in winter, winter fuel is required, since waxing the fuel at low temperatures will instantly damage the fuel system of the mini-engine. The use of gasoline is strictly prohibited and will lead to a fire.