Curtainside Vans

What is Curtainside?

Curtainside vans are dropside vans with an upper structure mounted to it and covered with tarps. Apart from the wide-opening full-height rear doors, the PVC curtains on both sides of the body can also be positioned so that it is easy to load the cargo from either side using a forklift. Depending on what portion of the curtain side body you need to reach, curtain motion is bi-directional, sliding from front to back or from back to front. By enabling access to freight anywhere on the truck, the curtain facilitates backhauls and partial loads.

Similarly, aluminium side pillars can be removed and moved in an overhead channel to provide unobstructed, front-to-back access on both sides and then repositioned and locked in place for optimum support. The side curtains are tensioned horizontally and vertically to give a taut, weather-tight body side when closed. Let's suppose ease of loading with a forklift from either side is a priority. A curtain-side trailer is a good choice in that case.

As with the Luton and Box bodies in the range, the Curtainside trailer body is constructed using similar techniques. Aluminium and galvanised steel frames complement the composite body to provide durability and maximum payload. If you choose the lightweight curtain trailer construction, you can increase the standard payload by 80kgs. A full height and width GRP "barn door", equipped with externally mounted locks, can be used to load the body from the rear.

 

                                                                     

 

                                                                                                                                      

 

How can we help?

In addition to assisting you with your bespoke conversions, CVC will streamline the leasing process so you can start driving your newly converted vehicle immediately after it is delivered to you. Lease deals on vans and hire contracts for commercial vehicles are available through us nationwide. We are happy to discuss any specific requirements you may have with you.

 

What are the benefits of a Curtainside van?

Unlike trailers that can be detached from tractors and used as flatbeds, a cargo box is permanently mounted on the chassis of a truck. It optimises the flexibility of this configuration as it enables cargo carriers to transport larger freight with side access for loading and unloading and smaller loads carried by the rear door, all inside one single vehicle.

Multiple deliveries to different addresses are often carried in one box truck for daily local deliveries. For box trucks with only one door and solid steel sides, the current status quo is first-in/last-off, posing access problems inside the van. A curtain side body configuration provides access to all freight on the truck at any given time by retracting the side curtains.

In cities, pickups and deliveries to small firms often have to be accomplished from a curb loading zone or while the truck is temporarily parked on the street. That means shortstops and fast loading and unloading. Suppose off-street docks or helping hands are unavailable, having the option to retract curtains instantly to gain access to the cargo from either side. In that case, drawing them back again quickly to move on to the next location greatly benefits drivers and their schedulers.