Driving a big vehicle such as a semi-truck also deals with many types of machinery and components causing heat—no wonder it gets so hot inside, especially when summer arrives or the day’s peak.
Refrigerants such as AC units are essential in a semi-truck to cool it down during the hot weather or to have a more comfortable space inside the semi-truck.
Most of these air conditioning systems use Freon, a trademark for non-combustible gas used for air conditioning. The Freon, a semi-truck can handle varies among brands and models.
In this article, we will take a look at popular semi-truck models and the amount of refrigerant they hold in their cooling systems.
Here’s a Short Answer to How Much Freon a Semi-Truck Holds:
A semi-truck typically holds between 3 lbs to 4 lbs of Freon for its air conditioning system. This number will vary based on semi-truck brand, year and model of truck, and type of air conditioning system installed. The most commonly used refrigerant for medium to heavy-duty trucks is the Freon 134a.
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Here are the Most Popular Semi-truck Models and the Amount of Freon it Holds:
| Model | Year | Amount of Freon |
| Peterbilt 579 | 2018 | 3 lbs |
| Peterbilt 387 | 2012 | 4 lbs |
| Kenworth W900 | 2009 | 3 lbs |
| Kenworth T680 | 2012 | 3 lbs |
| Volvo VNL 780 | 2004 | 3.5 lbs |
| Freightliner Cascadia | 2012 | 3 lbs |
| Mack CX613 | 2001 | 3.5 lbs |
| Western Star 4900 | 2015 | 3.38 lbs |
| International 9400i | 2004 | 3.5 lbs |
What is Freon Used in a Semi-Truck?
Freon is a non-combustible gas used for refrigerants such as air conditioners.
A semi-truck needs proper air conditioning built-in to provide comfort in the cabin and safety. If the cabin is comfortable to stay in, the driver can concentrate well while driving.
A reliable air conditioning in the semi-truck is ideal for long-distance drives. Thus, you need to know the Freon capacity of your semi-truck also to know when you can replenish it and have enough supply.
How do Semi Trucks need to Replenish Freon?
Unlike refilling gas, filling the air conditioning of your semi-truck is less frequent.
The most recommended time to put Freon in your semi-truck is every one to two years.
Can you Overfill or Underfill Freon in your Semi Truck?
Anything off too much is terrible. Likewise, anything that is too little is harmful as well.
Thus, overfilling Freon in your semi-truck can cause damage to the compressor and prevent it from operating to its capacity.
Underfilling can lose the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system of the semi-truck over time.
That is why it is essential to know the exact Freon capacity that your semi-truck can only handle.
Can Freon be Replaced with Another Refrigerant?
Due to the phasing out of R-12 refrigerant, many manufacturers, including makers of popular semi-trucks, are replacing it with another refrigerant.
Refrigerant replacement, and the kind of refrigerant you will use, should always be consulted with your brand’s automotive technician.
You might not be aware that your unit already has the recommended refrigerant, and there is no need for replacement.
Also, there are specific air conditioning refrigerants you should only use in compliance with the environmental protection agency. Thus, it is better to ask first before taking any action.
How much Freon does a Peterbilt Hold?
Peterbilt is one of the most popular semi-truck brands used by different companies. Thus, it has enough Freon capacity to hold that can last for frequent long hours and far-distance drives.
The average Freon capacity of a Peterbilt truck is 3 to 4 lbs, depending on the make or model and the year model. Peterbilt also uses R134 refrigeration.
- Peterbilt 579 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Peterbilt 387 Freon capacity: 4 lbs.
- Peterbilt 357 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Peterbilt 389 Freon capacity: 3.25 lbs.
- Peterbilt 330 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Peterbilt 379 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Peterbilt 359 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
How much Freon does a Kenworth Hold?
Kenworth trucks also dominate the market regarding the powerful medium to heavy vehicles. As they claim to have performance trucks and produce zero emissions, you can guarantee that the amount of Freon a Kenworth truck can hold can suffice its average usage.
On average, Kenworth semi-trucks can have 2 to 4 lbs of Freon. Specific capacity depends on the semi truck’s year model. It also uses a closed air conditioning system filled with R134a refrigerant.
- Kenworth W900 Freon capacity: 3.75 lbs.
- Kenworth T680 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Kenworth T800 Freon capacity: 4 lbs.
- Kenworth T880 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Kenworth T600 Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
- Kenworth T370 Freon capacity: 2 lbs.
- Kenworth T660 Freon capacity: 3 to 4 lbs
How much Freon does a Volvo Truck take?
Volvo trucks are one of the largest brands that manufacture high-quality builds for trucks and semi-trucks.
To comply with the standards and offer outstanding performance for their medium to heavy vehicles, their air conditioning features around 3 lbs Freon R134a capacity.
Similar make or models may provide different amounts, but only because of the year model. The most recent models offer bigger capacity than the previous year’s models.
- Volvo VNL 780 Freon capacity: 3.5 lbs.
- Volvo VNL 670 Freon capacity: 3.75 lbs.
- Volvo VHD Freon capacity: 3 lbs.
How much Freon does a Freightliner Hold?
Freightliner also leads the market in top-quality commercial trucks and semi-trucks.
Experienced truck drivers can attest that Freightliner’s air conditioning system is good and provides the necessary comfort in the cabin.
The average Freon R134a capacity most Freightliner can hold is 2 to 3 lbs depending on the year model.
- Freightliner Cascadia Freon capacity: 3 lbs
- Freightliner M2 Freon capacity: 2.8 lbs
- Freightliner FLD120 Freon capacity: 3 lbs
- Freightliner Columbia Freon capacity: 3 lbs
- Freightliner Classic Freon capacity: 2.75 to 3 lbs
- Freightliner 114SD Freon capacity: 2.75 to 3 lbs
How much Freon does a Mack Truck Take?
Mack Trucks manufactured one of the toughest semi-trucks in the market that can resist any road conditions, long hauls, and many other challenges encountered on the road.
To provide a comfortable and safe for every driver, the Mack Trucks can hold an average of 2 to 3 lbs of R134 or R134a Freon. It is similar to the above-mentioned popular semi-truck brands.
- Mack CX613 Freon capacity: 2.3 lbs
- Mack Granite Freon capacity: 3 lbs
- Mack CH613 Freon capacity: 3 lbs
How much Freon does a Western Star Hold?
The Western Star is one of the best options if you need a top-quality semi-truck for commercial or off-road use.
Western Star semi-trucks can hold more than 3 lbs of Freon in their air conditioning system.
Just like most semi-trucks, it also uses R134. It is now the most used Freon for medium to large vehicle HVAC systems.
- Western Star 4900 Freon capacity: 3.38 lbs
- Western Star 4700 Freon capacity: 3.38 lbs
How much Freon does an International Truck Hold?
International Trucks are the last in our list of popular semi-truck brands. They manufactured sturdy trucks and semi-trucks for different commercial purposes.
Thus, they also ensure that their trucks are comfortable, especially during long-haul drives.
Similar to all the semi-truck brands we listed here, the International trucks also have 2 to 3 lbs R134 refrigerant they can hold. But some can exceed and reach up to 4 lbs
The said amount can suffice for long drives, depending on the make or model and the year model of the International truck you drive.
- International 9400i Freon capacity: 3 lbs
- International 4300 Freon capacity: 1.8 to 2 lbs
- International Prostar Freon capacity: 2 to 3 lbs
- International 9900i Freon capacity: 2 to 3.8 lbs
- International 8600 Freon capacity: 2 to 4.5 lbs
- International 7600 Freon capacity: 2 to 2.75 lbs
- International 9200 Freon capacity: 2 to 4 lbs
- International 4400 Freon capacity: 2 to 2.75 lbs
- International 7400 Freon capacity: 2 to 2.75 lbs
Supplying your semi-truck with the right amount of Freon refrigerant it can hold is enough for it to provide you with a cool temperature in the cabin.
Some people believe that if you go less than the Freon capacity of your vehicle, the air conditioning system will not cool enough, but it is a wrong conclusion.
If that is the case for you, there might be other problems in the air conditioning system of your semi-truck that you should get fixed.