--- title: Preparing Commercial Vehicles for Cold-Weather Graphics Installation description: Learn how to prepare trucks, trailers and other commercial vehicles for vinyl graphics installation in cold-weather conditions --- [Skip to content](https://help.arlon.com/commercial-vehicle-graphics-installation-in-cold-weather#main-content) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) HOW CAN WE HELP? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Arlon Help Center](https://help.arlon.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Application](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en) 3. [Fleet & Commercial Vehicles](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#fleet-commercial-vehicles) # Preparing Commercial Vehicles for Cold-Weather Graphics Installation ## Cold-weather preparation for trucks, trailers, vans, box trucks, containers and other fleet and commercial vehicles. Large commercial vehicles can retain a significant amount of cold after sitting outdoors. Metal panels and structural components may remain cold even after the vehicle has been moved into a heated installation area. Proper preparation and adequate conditioning time are especially important when installing graphics on trucks, trailers, vans, box trucks, containers and other fleet equipment. ### Advanced Surface Preparation Whenever possible, wash commercial shipping units such as trailers and containers **at least one day before installation**. This provides additional time for water around seams, rivets, fasteners, panel joints and edges to drain and evaporate. Arlon's cold-weather guidance specifically recommends advance washing for containers and over-the-road trailers. Before installation, confirm that the application surface and areas around seams and edges are completely dry. Remove accumulated snow and ice before bringing the vehicle into the installation area. On trailers, box trucks and other tall vehicles, pay particular attention to the roof. Snow left on top can melt once the vehicle enters a heated shop and later drip onto prepared surfaces or installed graphics. ### Pre-Warming the Vehicle Do not assume a vehicle is ready for installation simply because the shop is warm. Large metal panels and structural components can act as a heat sink. Allow sufficient time for the vehicle to acclimate and verify the temperature of the actual application surface. For enclosed trailers and cargo bodies, opening the doors in a heated shop can improve warm-air circulation through the vehicle. During cold on-site installations, safely operated portable heating equipment may also be used to warm the interior of an enclosed trailer or truck body.  In average, approximately 15 minutes of warm temperatures inside a trailer can help begin reducing the heat sink developed while the trailer has been sitting outdoors. This should not be interpreted as a required warm-up time or an indication that the substrate is ready for application. Heating time will vary with vehicle construction, starting temperature, ambient conditions and heating method. Always follow the heater manufacturer's operating instructions and applicable facility safety requirements. ### Surface vs. Ambient Temperature Before applying graphics, measure the application surface rather than relying solely on ambient air temperature. Always verify the application temperature requirements for the specific Arlon film being installed. Check multiple areas on large vehicles. Panels near bay doors or other cold areas of the facility may be at a different temperature than the rest of the vehicle. ### During and After Installation Maintain suitable conditions throughout the installation whenever possible. Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold air from open bay doors, particularly when working on large vehicles that cannot be completely enclosed. Cold film and adhesive can exhibit reduced flexibility, tack and wet-out. Proper substrate conditioning and application pressure are particularly important around rivets, seams, channels, recesses and edges. After installation, allow the vehicle to remain under suitable conditions when practical rather than immediately exposing freshly installed graphics to extreme cold. 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