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What is a curtainside or tautliner truck or trailer?

Author: Justin

Sep. 30, 2024

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What is a curtainside or tautliner truck or trailer?

One of the most common forms of truck and trailer (or semitrailer) a curtainsider has canvas curtains down each side which can be drawn back to allow a forklift to load onto the deck. It&#;s a flat-bed truck with a roof structure supported by a headboard and tailboard that has roof rails and supports.

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Checking all the straps on this curtainside road train would take an eternity

They are most useful for palletised freight, i.e. freight that can be lifted using a forklift. However, large bags and other types of loads can be carried if secured properly &#; basically, anything that can be loaded from the side that is contained within itself or can be contained using dunnage or by other means.

Some curtainsiders also allow loading from the top and can be used to carry woodchips and other loose freight.

Options to load from the side or the top in this curtainside truck

The curtains themselves will provide some level of load restraint (the curtains are rated), although not as much as a box body trailer, therefore loads need to be restrained properly using straps or chains. They are mainly designed to provide security and aerodynamics to the trailer, and to protect the load from the weather.

The curtains are kept tight by buckles down the side which hook under a rail.

Buckles and the front ratchet for tightening the curtain

At the front of the curtain is a curtain pole which sits in a hole in the roof rail and over a ratchet at the bottom, allowing it to be tightened.

Rear ratchet with the handle stowed

Some curtainsiders have a mezzanine or &#;mezz&#; floor which means they can load more when carrying freight that can&#;t be stacked very high.

Mezzanine floor

The curtainsider could have a rigid rear or container doors that open. Where there are rear doors, this gives added flexibility, especially if there&#;s a taillift option.

You can load from the side or from the rear container doors

You can get refrigerated curtainsiders for shipping fruit and other perishable goods.

How to use a curtainsider

If you&#;re buying, using or hiring a curtainsider, then you need to know how to open and close them and what to check for as it can be dangerous:

  • Don&#;t open a curtainsider which is bulging &#; freight could have moved and might fall on you. Open it from the back or the opposite side to check
  • In strong or gusty winds, open the lee side of the trailer first (i.e. the side that&#;s not exposed to the wind
  • When opening any curtain in gusty winds, take care as the wind can take the curtain pole and swing it into your head, knocking you out
  • Loose buckles can flap around and hit passing cars &#; make sure all buckles are tight
  • Make sure you check the rating and the expiry date on any curtains to make sure they will be fine for what you are carrying
  • Make sure you have enough load securing restraints available to restrain the load properly
  • Watch where you are going while you&#;re walking backwards as you slide the curtains back &#; it&#;s easy to trip.

In the same way sticky tape is often called Sellotape (a brand name), curtainsiders are often called tautliners by people who drove in the UK because the company that invented the concept in used that name.

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Flatbed Trucking Guide: What is a Curtainside Trailer?

Flatbed Trucking Guide: What is a Curtainside Trailer?

Do you want to get the most out of your flatbed trucking? If so, you may be curious about a curtainside trailer. This can be an important tool during flatbed hauling, and you need to make sure you get the most out of it. We are North American Specialized, and we give you the resources necessary to help you get the most out of your heavy equipment. Take a look at a few important points below, and remember to count on us for all of your trucking needs.

What Is a Flatbed Curtainside Trailer?

So, what exactly is a curtainside trailer? This is usually a flatbed vehicle that has a structure installed on top. Then, there is a tarping system that allows you to drape a curtain around the flatbed, protecting the contents inside. In general, there are two separate types of curtainside trailers.

The first is called a Conestoga curtainside trailer, which is made using a sliding type system. The system works similarly to an accordion. When the system is pulled forward, the tarp will expose the flatbed for easy access. The trailer could be made wider than usual, so you need to think about clearance height.

The other type of curtainside trailer is called a Tautliner. This uses a decidedly different structure that will not alter the width of the trailer. There is a front, a roofing system, and rear doors. It looks just like a van, but it still has side curtains. They open like shower curtains. You should think about the benefits and drawbacks of each option before you decide which one is right for you.

What Products Should Be Shipped Curtainside?

There are numerous products that you can ship using this type of system. For example, if you work in construction, you can use the system to move pipes, lumber, and appliances. You can also use the system to ship landscaping materials. This includes soil, rocks, plants, and trees. Even the auto industry takes advantage of this transportation method. That way, you can shield your motor vehicles from people who are curious about the valuable cargo.

There are even situations where people ship chemicals, military equipment, aerospace devices, and ammunition using this type of trailer. There are security measures you can put in place to improve the safety of the shipping process. This is one of the most versatile options available, so you can customize it to meet your needs. If you have questions or concerns about what you can ship using this method, you should reach out and ask.

Benefits of Using a Curtainside Truck for Hauling

There are several key benefits you will enjoy if you decide to use a curtainside truck for hauling. These include:

  • The system allows you to optimize your flexibility, allowing you to accommodate larger freight that might require side access to load and unload.

  • You don&#;t have to worry about loading or unloading the cargo in a specific way. You always have access to everything on the truck because you can simply access it from the side.

  • You can also load and unload your cargo more quickly. There are multiple points of entry because you do not have to load everything from the back. You can load your items from the side, making it easier for you to handle your deliveries.

The flexibility and versatility of a curtainside system are unparalleled. You are in total control of the vehicle, and you can customize it to meet your needs. At the same time, if you want to maximize the benefits of this shipping method, you need to work with a professional team that can assist you. Our experts would be happy to work with you from start to finish, helping you every step of the way. For more information, read our Guide to Heavy Equipment Hauling and Transport.

Why Choose NAS for Your Curtainside Shipping?

If you are looking for help with flatbed hauling, you should consider using a curtainside trailer. At North American Specialized, we have an unparalleled level of experience when it comes to trucking. We can help you get the most out of your equipment, and we can help you maximize your curtainside trailer. We have more than 50 years of experience, and we are a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. We pride ourselves on the quality of our customer service, and it would be our pleasure to show you what we can do. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

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