Finding the right dock fan can be a challenge. Searching google will return lots, and lots of options, but are they the right one? Only certain types of fans will really help move air for a truck trailer. Most off the shelf models, some of which may say they are for truck trailers, simply won’t do the job. Roma Fans has the solution for proper truck bed ventilation.
The Wrong Kind of Dock Fan
While sitting at a loading dock semi-truck trailers get extremely hot. A typical axial propeller fan produces a low-velocity air stream, equal to width of the fan’s diameter. This is inefficient when used for trailer and dock cooling because a fan like this will only move the air directly near the truck opening. (illustration to the right).
In fact, this moving air rapidly dissipates inside of the trailer until it hits the “wall” of hot air. This hot air “dam” then entraps the hot air in the forward section of the trailer. As a result, the front of the trailer stays hot and never cools down. This makes the unloading process harder, and hotter, the longer it goes on.
What is a Dock Fan?
On the other hand, a dock fan designed for truck trailers can make a huge difference. A powerful fan, like the Model RDF, pushes air along the ceiling of the trailer.
This powerful gust of air penetrates deep into the truck with a column of cool air. Then, as this stream of cool air reaches the far wall, the air sinks to the ground. Finally, the hot air is pushed back out through the front of the trailer, resulting in a cooler space throughout. This effect is immediately felt by the workers unloading the trucks. It provides a huge temperature improvement and can improve efficiency and productivity during the loading and unloading process.
Model RDF Air Circulator
The Model RDF utilizes a specially designed housing, or bell, to direct the air in a powerful, steady stream. Combined with a direct-drive motor, it throws cool, fresh air deep into a trailer. 26′ or more.
Fans are platform suspended on the inside of the building. They are then positioned into the loading dock area, directing air into the truck bed.This also provides minimal obstruction in the curtain, allowing workers and forklifts to easily maneuver around it.
Also known as the “Romulator”, this fan comes in two sizes.
- The 18″ diameter model (RDF-18) has a 1/2 HP motor and runs at 1725 RPM.
- The 14″ diameter model (RDF-14) features a 1/4 HP motor and also runs at 1725 RPM
Bright, safety yellow is standard, but fans can be custom painted to match your building needs as well.
Finding the Right Dock Fan for you
Model RDF fans are available only through Romla Fans. Contact our team today to learn more this powerful dock fan. You can also contact the team at Moffitt if you need a complete ventilation solution for your loading area or building.
Contact us today to find the right Dock Fan for your facility.
