How to Fix a Leak in a Reefer Trailer
Most all reefer trailers are made out of thick aluminum. The reefer trailers are made to keep the products inside of the trailer at a certain temperature. A leak in the aluminum can cause water and air to get inside and disrupt the temperature settings. Whether the damage to the trailer is on the roof or on the sides, the damage can be repaired with a simple aluminum patch and clear silicone.
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Things You'll Need
- Rubber mallet
- Measuring tape
- Permanent marker
- Straight edge
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Clean rags
- 1 piece of aluminum sheeting
- Aluminum cutting shears
- Safety glasses
- Protective gloves
- Electric drill
- Drill bit set
- Clear silicone
- Caulking gun
- Pop rivets
- Pop rivet gun
Instructions
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1
Inspect the damaged area of the reefer trailer. Most damage is the result of a stress crack or direct impact. Tap down any areas of the damage that might be sticking up with a rubber mallet.
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2
Measure the length and width of the damaged area. Add two inches to the measurement so the aluminum patch will overlap the damaged area. Mark the length and width measurements plus the two inches with a permanent marker and a straight edge.
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3
Sand down the measured area with fine grit sandpaper. Use a clean rag to wipe away the excess sand. Measure a piece of aluminum sheeting the same size as the measured area around the damage. Mark the measurements on the aluminum sheeting with the marker and a straight edge.
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4
Cut the measured aluminum sheeting with the aluminum shears. Sand down the edges of the aluminum patch with the fine grit sandpaper.
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5
Place the aluminum patch over the damaged area of the reefer trailer. Hold the patch in place with one hand and drill the holes completely around the edges of the patch with the electric drill and a small drill bit. The holes need to be spaced one inch apart, and the distance from the hole and the edge of the patch should be 1/2 inch.
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6
Wipe away the excess shavings from the patch. Pull the patch off of the damaged area and wipe down the damaged area with a clean rag. Add a generous amount of clear silicone around the bottom edges of the patch with the caulking gun.
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7
Press the patch firmly in place over the damaged area so the drill holes of the patch and the drill holes of the trailer line up. Place a pop rivet inside each drill hole and pop each rivet into the patch and the trailer with a pop rivet gun until the patch is completely riveted over the damaged area.
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8
Wipe down the edges of the patch with a clean rag. Add another generous amount of clear silicone around the edges of the patch and the trailer. Wait a couple of hours for the silicone to set.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure the drill bit and the pop rivet sizes are the same.
The clear silicone will prevent any future leaks around the patch itself.
Wear safety glasses and protective gloves when working with aluminum.
