General Informations - Options

Cost effective options when specifying a new Whiting roll-up door

Little attention is generally given to the roll-up door specifications when purchasing a trailer or van body and yet the door gives access to the cargo and can be opened up to 35 times per day in some applications. We present below a few options – with an idea of the cost – which we believe may be very cost-effective for your needs.

Costs

Low = less than $75.

Medium = between $75. and $200.

High = over $200.

Options are presented for dry freight and insulated doors.

Dry Freight doors

The role of dry freight roll-up doors is similar on van bodies and trailers – access to cargo – however they are generally opened and closed far more often on van bodies than trailers. Doors of van bodies will often be opened more than 30 times a day: over 50 000 openings over 7 years. Trailer door openings typically vary from 5 to to 20: between 8 500 and 35 000 openings over a 7-year period. This is significant when determining which options are cost-effective for you.

We recommend several of the low-cost options, especially numbers 1 to 3. Medium cost options are worth considering if they prevent breakdowns, reduce maintenance costs, increase the expected useful life or ease the use of the door.

1. Stainless steel rivets - Cost, low

In our Canadian climate this option is essential to prevent early rust stains on the door. The option is often included as a standard element with several manufacturers however you mat want to verify before proceeding with the purchase.

2. Side seals - Cost, low

Side seals (PS-22) prevent dust and snow infiltration from the sides of the door. They also prevent water absorption from the sides of plywood panels. Again this is a standard feature with several manufacturers but we suggest you verify.

3. Upgrade of the standard lower roller brackets with insulated door lower roller brackets - Cost, very low

The standard lower roller bracket of Dryfreight doors has steel-aluminium contact points which, in our climate, generate corrosion and a weakening of the assembly.
The insulated door lower bracket (PC-43C) is far sturdier and will last longer.

4. Installation of a door stiffener in the lower panel - Cost, low

The formed steel stiffener (STIFF) can be factory-installed on the interior of the lower panel. This reinforcement offers effective protection from hits coming from inside the body (ex a loose jigger) et is far cheaper than a panel replacement.

5. Hold-open mechanism - Cost, low

This easy to operate mechanism (Hold-open) keeps the opened door higher than the header opening, ensuring that the door is not hit by forklifts when loading.

6. Five rows of hinges - Cost, low

A standard door has two centre hinges between panels. This option is for three centre hinges. This increases the joint rigidity, reduces stress and increases life expectancy of the door.

7. Double end-hinges and long-stem rollers - Cost, low

Each roller hinge is 2’’ wide. The installation of two side-by-side hinges allows the roller shaft (5’’ long) to always remain horizontal when the door is opened. The stress is transferred from the edge of the panel to the roller axis. The periodic replacement of rollers is far easier and cheaper than hinge and panel replacement. The door also operates better as the 90 degree angle of the roller is maintained.

8. Short-stacked panels - Cost, medium to high

Whiting has two standard panel heights, 15 ½’’ and 11 ½’’. The standard door is designed to reduce costs to a minimum and favours the use of 15 ½’’ panels: hardware and labour requirements are reduced. As an example, a 92’’ high door requires six 15 ½’’ panels or eight 11 ½’’ panels.

The difference lies in the long-term door rigidity: the additional hardware strengthens the door and reduces the stresses on the door when going from vertically to horizontally. Door operation is also easier, especially with the short 6’’ track radius.

9. Sealed steel rollers - Cost, low

In this option, sealed steel rollers replace the standard nylon rollers. These rollers theoretically do not need regular lubrication and should last longer. I am uncertain of the advantage of this option. All other door elements still need periodic lubrication, so there is little advantage to not lubricating the rollers. The other aspect is that the rollers are sturdier than the tracks. In a closed position on the road, repeated movement of the rollers against the track can wear the track out. It seems simpler to me to periodically replace worn rollers than a worn track.

It seemed important to mention the existence of the option.

Insulated doors

Insulated doors are far more expensive than dry freight doors. It is therefore generally advantageous to include the options will improve their performance, lengthen their useful life and reduce maintenance costs.

1. Double end-hinges and long-stem rollers - Cost, low

This is probably one of the most cost-efficient options. In the open position, the weight of the door rests on the roller hinges. Insulated doors being heavier, the roller shaft inclined down, creating a stress on the hinge and the panel.

Each roller hinge is 2’’ wide. The installation of two side-by-side hinges allows the roller shaft (5’’ long) to always remain horizontal when the door is opened. The stress is transferred from the edge of the panel to the roller axis. The periodic replacement of rollers is far easier and cheaper than hinge and panel replacement. The door also operates better as the 90 degree angle of the roller is maintained.

2. Brush side seals - Cost, low

Standard side seals are made of vinyl. When not lubricated, they create a friction along each side when operating the door. They will also tear when hit by cargo during loading/unloading operations.

Brush side seals (PC-27B) create next to no friction and will not tear.

3. Interior stainless steel hardware - Cost, high

All interior hardware, excluding the rollers) is stainless steel. Stainless steel does not rust. This creates several advantages, considering that insulated bodies and trailers are frequently washed:

• Appearance: no more rust stains inside the door. A cleaner look which customers appreciate
• Lower maintenance costs: our practical repair experience shows that stainless steel hinges last longer than standard steel hinges.

Note that stainless steel hinges must still be lubricated regularly.