‘How much does a refrigerated conversion cost?’ has no single answer because quotes can contain different equipment and responsibilities. One total may cover only the unit while another includes insulation, power interface, fitting and handover checks. Fix the comparison specification first.
Write six lines on the same scope
| Quote item | Define in the shared specification | Ask about price scope |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration unit | Exact model, rated ambient/interior conditions, road/park mode | Are the unit, options and controller included? |
| Insulation and body | Material, thickness, floor/door area, usable dimensions | Are existing-body repair and lining included? |
| Power connection | Vehicle supply, optional standby and site requirements | Who prices vehicle-side and parking-site work? |
| Interior equipment | Floor, drains, racks and load restraint | Is each accessory and its fitting priced? |
| Installation | Removal/fitting, wiring, sealing and workshop time | How is newly discovered damage priced? |
| Handover | Functional checks, records, training and documents | Are testing, training and open-work closure included? |
Compare the model under stated conditions
Read a capacity figure with the exact model, rating conditions and operating mode. On the Thermo King V-800 page, 10 identifies road-only drive and 20 adds electric standby. A family name alone does not establish parked operation; the quote must identify the variant and rated conditions for each mode.
Insulation, usable dimensions and carrying capacity
Thickness alone does not establish price or suitability. Assess the material, body structure, floor, doors and unit together for the same cargo and ambient conditions. Request the finished usable dimensions and carrying capacity remaining for goods after installed equipment is accounted for.
Write the standby and delivery interface
For electric standby, state the power source, connector, parked operation, protection and who tests the connection. An infrastructure item left outside the quote makes unit prices incomparable. Ask which temperature, operating mode and record file are supplied at handover.
Separate installation from handover responsibility
Ask the installer to identify responsibility for removal, body adaptation, connections, sealing and the final functional check. Record who will resolve any deficiencies found at handover and by what date.
Do not turn workshop time into automatic turnover loss. Record workshop time separately. Use your own records for additional rental, trips or deferred-work costs. When estimating lost business, distinguish revenue from variable costs avoided when the job is not performed; do not count the same effect both as replacement transport and a full revenue loss.
Use one cost basis
Use the same currency, VAT-inclusive or exclusive basis, delivery location and quote-validity date. Review warranty scope and open work separately. Leave an unpriced item marked as such instead of treating it as free.
Have each line marked included, excluded or unresolved. Check operating conditions in the relevant document, such as the V-Series operator manual, and agree which functions will be demonstrated on the finished vehicle.
One-page comparison form
If considering containers as well, use the GEBHARDT TBX information and needs-analysis form with the same product and route inputs. Include containers, plate preparation, handling and restraint in that option. Compare conversion and insulated containers after establishing technical suitability.
