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Mobile MRI Trailer vs MRI Truck — What Buyers Need to Know
A mobile MRI unit is almost always a 48–53ft semi-trailer pulled by a tractor, not a straight truck. The trailer houses an RF-shielded scan room, magnetic shielding, a chiller and cryogen vent, a control room and a hydraulic patient lift. Odulair builds the trailer body and integrates it to the scanner manufacturer’s site-planning requirements.
MRI Truck or MRI Trailer?
Buyers search for an “MRI truck,” but nearly every mobile MRI on the road is a tractor-drawn semi-trailer. A 1.5T magnet, its shielding, the chiller and the scan room need the length, axle rating and floor stiffness of a 48–53ft trailer. A straight truck chassis rarely has the payload or the vibration isolation the magnet needs.
| Factor | Semi-trailer (typical) | Straight truck |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 48–53ft | Up to ~30ft box |
| Magnet field strength | 1.5T common; higher field possible with engineering review | Low-field / extremity systems only |
| Tractor | Separate — the trailer can stay on site while the tractor leaves | Built-in — the whole vehicle stays |
| Driver licence | CDL Class A | Depends on GVWR |
| Best for | Shared-service routes, hospital interim capacity, renovations | Rare — niche low-field programs |
What Goes Into a Mobile MRI Trailer
- RF shielding (Faraday cage) — copper or steel enclosure around the scan room with RF-filtered penetrations, waveguides and an RF-sealed door
- Magnetic shielding and the 5-gauss line — the fringe field has to stay inside controlled areas of the trailer and the parking pad
- Cryogen management — quench vent routed safely out of the trailer roof, plus helium service access
- Chiller and HVAC — dedicated cooling for the magnet and gradient electronics, and comfort cooling for the patient
- Power — heavy three-phase shore power at the site and power conditioning matched to the scanner manufacturer’s specification
- Floor and structure — reinforced floor for magnet weight, vibration isolation and hydraulic leveling
- Patient access — hydraulic lift or ramp, screening area and control room with a view of the patient
How Odulair Builds Imaging Units
Odulair is a mobile medical manufacturer, not a sign shop or a vehicle wrap house. We engineer the trailer body, HVAC, electrical and interior to the clinical specification first. Then we integrate the imaging system to the scanner manufacturer’s site-planning guide. The scanner itself is bought from the imaging manufacturer, by you or through us. That keeps the warranty and service contract directly with the manufacturer.
Odulair already builds imaging and screening platforms, including mammography units and X-ray vans. MRI is a custom engineering project. Every build starts with the scanner model, field strength and the site you will park on.
Siting Checklist Before You Buy
- A level concrete pad sized for the trailer and tractor access
- Shore power capacity confirmed by your facilities team against the scanner specification
- Fringe-field clearance from parked cars, walkways and other equipment
- A covered patient walkway or a connection to the hospital
- Data and PACS connectivity
- Local permitting for a semi-trailer on site
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mobile MRI a truck or a trailer?
Almost always a trailer. Mobile MRI units are typically 48–53ft semi-trailers pulled by a separate tractor. The magnet, shielding and chiller need the length and structure of a semi-trailer, and the tractor can leave while the trailer stays on site.
Do you need a CDL to move a mobile MRI trailer?
Yes. A 48–53ft semi-trailer is moved by a Class 8 tractor, which requires a CDL Class A driver. Many operators use a contracted transport carrier for moves between sites.
Can Odulair build a mobile MRI trailer?
Yes. Odulair engineers the trailer body, shielding enclosure, HVAC, power and patient access around your chosen scanner and its manufacturer's site-planning requirements. Contact Odulair engineering with the scanner model and site details for a specification.
What site power does a mobile MRI need?
Mobile MRI units need heavy three-phase shore power. The exact service size depends on the scanner model and is set by the manufacturer's site-planning guide. Your facilities team should confirm capacity before delivery.
Who buys mobile MRI trailers?
Hospitals covering renovations or volume peaks, shared-service imaging companies running rural routes, and health systems adding capacity without new construction.
Planning a Mobile MRI Program?
Odulair engineering will match your program to the right platform and configuration.