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Thermo King UT-1290

The UT-1290 is specifically engineered for under-the-box mounting and is an ideal transport refrigeration solution for Class 5–7 vehicles.

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Why the UT-1290

  • Up to 39,000 BTU/hr

    It has the highest cooling capacity in its class: the funnel evaporator version is rated up to 39,000 BTU/hr at 35°F return air, 100°F ambient and high-speed engine.

  • Cool bigger loads, faster

    It serves larger box truck sizes so you can reduce trips by transporting bigger loads, and its new compressor reaches set points faster.

  • Built for under-the-box mounting

    It is engineered for under-the-box mounting on Class 5–7 trucks and suits trucks with limited clearance for a nose- or top-mounted unit.

  • Smaller, lighter, quieter

    Nearly 8 inches narrower, over 80 pounds lighter and quieter than its predecessor, it allows more load weight and better fuel efficiency.

  • Easier to service

    Designed with ease of access in mind, it enables faster servicing and minimizes downtime, with one fewer belt and better belt alignment.

  • Backup for temperature-critical loads

    It can be used as backup cooling for temperature-critical loads and can complement nose-mounted systems for added payload protection.

Overview

  • 39,000BTU/hrCooling at 35°F on engine power, with the funnel evaporator
  • 33,000BTU/hrCooling at 35°F on electric standby, with the funnel evaporator
  • 2,000hoursEngine maintenance interval
  • Class5–7The truck classes Thermo King engineered it for

The UT-1290 is Thermo King's undermount refrigeration unit for Class 5–7 box trucks, built to mount under the cargo box. It suits trucks with limited clearance for a nose- or top-mounted unit and can also add backup cooling alongside one.

Built under the box.

What Thermo King changed in its newest undermount unit.

Cool bigger loads, faster.

A Thermo King UT-1290 mounted under a truck body

The UT-1290 serves larger box truck sizes, so you can cut trips by carrying bigger loads. It has the highest cooling capacity in its class, and its new compressor design reaches set points faster and recovers temperature quicker after the door opens.

Built for the space under the box.

A white box truck with an undermount unit under the box, behind the cab

Thermo King engineered the UT-1290 for under-the-box mounting. It suits trucks with limited clearance for a nose- or top-mounted unit, and it can also work alongside a nose-mounted system for added payload protection.

  • Can be used as backup cooling for temperature-critical loads

Easier to service.

The redesigned reciprocating compressor has an improved power tray, better belt alignment and one fewer belt. Thermo King designed the unit for easy access, so servicing is faster and downtime shorter.

Smaller, lighter, quieter.

The UT-1290 is nearly 8 inches narrower and over 80 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which leaves room for more load and helps fuel efficiency. It's also quieter than the previous model, for driver comfort and fewer community complaints.

Built for the road.

  • Two evaporator setupsS3 + S3 evaporators or a funnel evaporator, each with its own ratings
  • Electric standbyMotor options for 460/3/60 or 230/3/60 power, rated 10 hp
  • EngineTK376U, 3 cylinder, liquid cooled, rated 19.6 hp
  • CompressorX430, reciprocating, 4 cylinder, 30 cu. in.

Compare the UT-1290.

Side by side with another large-truck unit, with only the differences showing.

Every truck unit side by side

Unit specs

Specs for the UT-1290, with their test conditions.

Refrigeration capacity: engine power (BTU/hr, up to)

Return air to evaporatorS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
35°F37,00039,000
0°F21,50022,500
-20°F12,10012,700

System net cooling capacity at 100°F ambient temperature and high-speed engine/60 Hertz electric power. Each figure is an "up to" rating.

Refrigeration capacity: electric power (BTU/hr, up to)

Return air to evaporatorS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
35°F31,50033,000
0°F16,00016,800
-20°F8,5009,000

System net cooling capacity at 100°F ambient temperature and high-speed engine/60 Hertz electric power. Each figure is an "up to" rating.

Heating capacity (35°F/0°F ambient)

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
Engine power BTU/hr (up to)15,00015,000
Electric power BTU/hr (up to)10,90010,900

Airflow: on high speed engine operation

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
Airflow volume @ 0 Pa static pressure2,600 ft³/min1,970 ft³/min

Weight (including evaporator)

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
With Smart Power electric standby1,309.5 lbs1,220 lbs

Includes the evaporator; T-90 Series weights cover the condensing unit alone.

Engine: 3 cylinder, liquid cooled

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
ModelTK376UTK376U
Rating19.6 hp19.6 hp
Maintenance interval2,000 hrs2,000 hrs

Compressor: reciprocating 4 cylinder

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
ModelX430X430
Displacement30 cu. in.30 cu. in.

Electric standby motor options

SpecificationS3 + S3Funnel evaporator
Voltage / phase / cycles460/3/60 or 230/3/60460/3/60 or 230/3/60
Rating10 Hp10 Hp

Resources

Spec sheets, brochures and manuals for the UT-1290. Each opens on thermoking.com.

Every spec sheet and manual

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The service, parts and plans behind every unit TKSE sells.

Get a quote on the UT-1290.

Tell us what you need and pick your shop. Or call and talk it through.

  • Seven shops in Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.
  • Factory-trained technicians, with ongoing training.
  • A parts department at every shop.
  • Service trucks that come to the unit.
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Questions

About the UT-1290. Anything else, call your shop.

What trucks is the UT-1290 for?

Class 5–7 box trucks. Thermo King engineered it for under-the-box mounting, for trucks with limited clearance for a nose- or top-mounted unit, and it can also complement a nose-mounted system.

Which evaporator setup should I choose?

There are two. With the funnel evaporator it's rated up to 39,000 BTU/hr at 35°F on engine power; with S3 + S3 evaporators, up to 37,000. The S3 + S3 setup moves more air: 2,600 ft³/min against 1,970. Your shop can match the setup to your truck body.

Can it run on shore power?

Yes. Electric standby motor options cover 460/3/60 and 230/3/60 power, rated 10 hp. On electric power at 35°F it's rated up to 33,000 BTU/hr with the funnel evaporator and 31,500 with S3 + S3.

Does it heat?

Yes. Heating is rated at up to 15,000 BTU/hr on engine power and 10,900 on electric, at 35°F/0°F ambient, with either evaporator setup.

How often does the engine need service?

The maintenance interval is 2,000 hours.

How is it different from the unit it replaces?

It's nearly 8 inches narrower, over 80 pounds lighter and quieter, with a redesigned compressor that has one fewer belt.

Who services it?

TKSE's factory-trained technicians, in its shops and on its mobile service trucks.

Other Thermo King truck units

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