Utility unveils new Cargobull liftgate battery charger

Utility Trailer Manufacturing recently opened the new Cargobull liftgate battery charger as an integrated option for Cargobull 625 and 655MT Hybrid transport refrigeration units (TRUs) on 3000R refrigerated trailers.

The Cargobull liftgate battery charger helps keep trailers’ liftgate batteries topped off and in optimum charge condition, Utility reported. The device takes 480 volts of electrical energy from the 625 or 655MT Hybrid TRUs to provide low-voltage charging with a maximum output of 40 amps or 480 watts of power.

The new liftgate battery charging system is entirely separate from the charger that maintains the TRUs’ starting battery. Conveniently located close to the liftgate battery pack, the Cargobull liftgate battery charger routes 480 volts through a high-quality conduit to protect the cable from normal wear and tear.

“During delivery routes requiring a dozen or more operations of the liftgate, keeping batteries fully charged can greatly increase the serviceable life of the liftgate battery, especially if they also provide power to interior and exterior lights,” Steve Bennett, Utility president and COO, said in a news release. “Consistently running batteries down to low levels dramatically reduces their lifespan. For example, from what could be as low as a six-month lifespan, this system can double—if not quadruple—the battery’s service life.”

Historically, truck cabs provide the power to recharge liftgate batteries. In real-world operation, however, drivers often do not connect the two-pole connector from the truck, or fleets lease trucks that do not include them. When drivers do use their truck connectors, the voltage from the truck alternator can be as low as 13.5 volts by the time it reaches the liftgate battery pack.

“Others have developed several workarounds, including solar cells and other costly solutions, which bring new challenges and limit success,” Bennett added. “The cost of a new liftgate battery isn’t substantial, but the inconvenience and cost of scheduling a service call is a real issue for many fleet operators.

“While other manufacturers may offer a TRU charging system, their battery chargers are located inside the TRU. Placing the Cargobull liftgate battery charger near the liftgate battery pack is a unique and innovative differentiator that helps provide batteries a more consistent voltage and allows the solid-state charger to accurately monitor battery temperatures for fast charging without overheating.”