Truck Component
Mitsubishi TU-100 (truck-mounted reefer unit)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Reefer-unit · Direct-mount reefer for trucks (not trailers)
Class 6-7
In production
Reefer-unit
Manufacturer
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Category
Reefer-unit
Subtype
Direct-mount reefer for trucks (not trailers)
Class
Class 6-7
What this component does
The Mitsubishi TU-100 is a direct-mount reefer unit for medium-duty trucks (Class 6-7) — used when the freight box is mounted directly on the truck chassis (vs a separate trailer). Common on Isuzu NPR/NRR/FTR, Hino L Series, Freightliner M2 reefer specs. Mitsubishi is a smaller player in North America vs Carrier/Thermo King but dominant in the Asian truck reefer market. Often spec'd on Isuzu and Hino reefer trucks because both are Japanese — supply chain integration.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Category
- Reefer-unit
- Subtype
- Direct-mount reefer for trucks (not trailers)
- Truck class
- Class 6-7
- Production
- 2015–present
- Applications
- Refrigerated truck (not trailer) — urban delivery, small commercial
Design and engineering
Direct-mount (no trailer) reefer for medium-duty trucks. Smaller capacity than trailer units. Electric standby capability.
Generations
- TU-100 (2015–present)Continuous production.
Reliability and longevity
Mitsubishi engineering quality — strong in urban delivery applications.
Common problems
Smaller US dealer network than Carrier/Thermo King. Parts can be slower to source in rural areas.
Maintenance schedule
Per Mitsubishi schedule — similar intervals to Carrier/Thermo King.
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✓Right-sized for medium-duty trucks
- ✓Common spec on Isuzu + Hino reefer trucks
- ✓Mitsubishi engineering quality
Cons
- !Smaller US dealer network
- !Less spec familiarity at non-Asian-truck fleets
Trucks that use this component
Other Reefer-unit components
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mitsubishi TU-100 (truck-mounted reefer unit)?
The Mitsubishi TU-100 is a direct-mount reefer unit for medium-duty trucks (Class 6-7) — used when the freight box is mounted directly on the truck chassis (vs a separate trailer). Common on Isuzu NPR/NRR/FTR, Hino L Series, Freightliner M2 reefer specs. Mitsubishi is a smaller player in North America vs Carrier/Thermo King but dominant in the As
How much does a reefer unit cost?
New TRU pricing: Carrier Vector 8500 $28,000-$38,000 installed. Carrier Vector 8600 (extended-temperature) $32,000-$42,000. Thermo King Precedent S-700 $28,000-$38,000. Thermo King C-600 (compact) $22,000-$30,000. Carrier Supra S8 (hybrid) $35,000-$48,000. Used TRUs (5-year-old): 50-65% of original price. Major repairs: $3,000-$15,000 (compressor, control board, refrigerant overhaul).
How long does a reefer unit last?
TRU service life: 12-15 years or 25,000-35,000 operating hours typical before major overhaul. Refrigerant compressor replacement at 15,000-25,000 hours is common. Diesel engine rebuild at 25,000+ hours. Hour-meters track operating time (separate from truck miles) — TRUs accumulate hours rapidly because they run continuously when freight requires temperature control, even when the truck is parked or in transit.
What is EPA TRU compliance?
EPA Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) emissions standards have tightened progressively since 2007. Current standard: Tier 4 Final, requiring diesel-engine TRUs to meet NOx and PM limits comparable to highway diesel engines. California ACT (Advanced Clean Truck) adds additional state-level requirements, including some scenarios where electric standby is required at depots. EPA TRU compliance documents must be on file for any reefer trailer operating in California. Compliance violation fines: \$1,000-\$10,000 per inspection.
Diesel vs hybrid vs electric TRU?
Diesel TRU (Carrier Vector, Thermo King Precedent): Standard for long-haul reefer. Unlimited operation duration as long as diesel tank has fuel. Drawback: EPA TRU emissions complexity. Hybrid TRU (Carrier Supra S8): Diesel-electric drive on road + plug-in electric standby in yard. Best for fleets with depot infrastructure for plug-in charging. Electric TRU (emerging — Carrier eCool, Thermo King E-200): Battery-powered, zero emissions, limited duration (6-12 hours). Best for short-haul + last-mile refrigerated delivery. California ACT mandates are pushing rapid electric TRU adoption.
How do I maintain a reefer unit?
PM schedule: Diesel engine oil + filter every 1,500-2,500 operating hours (per Carrier or Thermo King schedule). Annual full PM: refrigerant level check, compressor inspection, belt + hose inspection, EPA TRU compliance verification. Hour-meter is the key tracking metric — not miles. Daily driver pre-trip: visual + audible inspection, set-point verification, temperature alarm check. Refrigerant top-up every 3-5 years (R-452A or R-404A depending on unit age).
What freight requires reefer transport?
Freight requiring temperature-controlled transport includes: frozen foods (-10°F to 0°F), fresh meat/poultry (28-32°F), dairy (33-39°F), fresh produce (32-50°F), floral (35-40°F), pharmaceutical (varies — some 36-46°F, others -4°F), chocolate (50-65°F), and any cargo with a 'Keep Cold' shipping requirement. Reefer freight typically pays 25-40% more per mile than dry van freight, offsetting the higher trailer + TRU cost + diesel consumption.