MVT Solutions Certified™ testing found that coating the roof of a 7-year-old (2018) refrigerated trailer with ChillSkyn improved its fuel economy by 14.62%. The ‘Test’ and ‘Compare’ trailers were 53-foot Utility 3000R refrigerated trailers equipped with ThermoKing refrigeration units. Testing was conducted at the MVTS facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, under controlled and consistent environmental conditions. Trailers operated in Cycle Sentry mode set to 38°F, simulating a beverage load. Each trailer was identically loaded with 11 water totes totaling 22,440 lbs., approximating a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of ~72,440 lbs. when paired with a sleeper Class 8 tractor. Further test details can be found in the full report.
How it Works
ChillSkyn is a passive thermal barrier coating engineered to reduce the surface and internal temperatures of refrigerated trailers. By reflecting solar radiation, it lowers external heat absorption through the trailer roof, thereby decreasing the thermal load on refrigeration systems and improving fuel efficiency. The product is applied directly to the aluminum roof surface without requiring structural modifications. It cures passively and does not require power input, making it compatible with a wide range of refrigerated trailer configurations. ChillSkyn was applied in multiple coats to achieve a dry film thickness of 115 micrometers using a controlled spray technique outlined in the report.
Test Results
MVTS conducted stationary fuel economy testing using a ChillSkyn-treated trailer (2018 model) and an untreated control trailer (2025 model). All trailers operated side-by-side in identical conditions for both baseline and test runs. Fuel consumption was measured using MVTS-calibrated flow meters and a proprietary data acquisition system. Testing spanned from March 29 to May 9, 2025, with daily temperatures ranging from 26°F to 91°F and solar irradiance up to 1,063 W/m².
After applying defrost fuel usage compensation to ensure fairness, the 2018 trailer achieved a 14.62% reduction. Improvements were validated using T/C ratios between the Test and Compare trailers during baseline and post-treatment phases.
In addition to fuel savings, ChillSkyn reduced average external roof surface temperature by 16.5°C (29.7°F) on the 2018 trailer. Interior ceiling panel temperatures were also reduced by 1.1°C (2.0°F). Wall temperatures dropped by up to 0.6°C (1.1°F), and floor temperatures decreased by 0.4°C (0.6°F).
Savings Potential
With an annual reefer fuel consumption of 1,000 gallons, the 14.62% fuel savings observed with the 2018 ChillSkyn-coated trailer translates to 146 gallons/year saved, equating to $512/year per vehicle at a diesel price of $3.50 per gallon. For fleets with higher usage (e.g., 3,000 gallons/year), savings scale proportionally to over $1,535/year per trailer. These financial savings are especially impactful for older trailers with higher thermal loads.
Independent Third-Party Testing
MVT Solutions fuel economy testing is fully independent and unbiased. The organization does not receive compensation from the sale of any products it tests. All testing is performed using MVTS’s proprietary methods developed through over a decade of experience and based on race car engineering principles. Each vehicle is equipped with high-precision sensors that capture real-time data on fuel consumption, tire temperature, wind resistance, and other variables that influence performance. MVTS’s test methodology ensures that results are accurate, repeatable, and directly applicable to real-world fleet operations. Fleets interested in this product may visit the supplier’s website. To learn more about the test, view the full report at the link above.
