Choosing the right truck body for your business
Two of the most popular truck bodies for Melbourne businesses are the pantech van body and the curtainsider body. Each has clear advantages depending on what you carry and how you work. We have built a lot of both over the past 20 years, and this guide covers what we think you need to know before you choose.
What a pantech van body is
A pantech, which is also called a box van or an enclosed van body, has solid sides, a fixed roof and either a roller door or barn doors at the rear. The cargo is fully enclosed, so it is protected from the weather and from theft.
Where a pantech works best
- It suits retail deliveries and consumer goods.
- It suits moving furniture and fragile items.
- Built as an insulated refrigerated body, it suits pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive freight.
- It suits any cargo that needs to be kept secure and out of the weather.
What a curtainsider body is
A curtainsider has a solid roof and floor with retractable PVC curtains down each side. Because a forklift can load from either side, palletised freight goes on and comes off much faster.
Where a curtainsider works best
- It suits pallet deliveries and logistics work.
- It suits construction materials and hardware.
- It suits agricultural supplies.
- It suits any operation that needs to load from the side.
The main differences between the two
Security: The pantech comes out ahead, because it is fully enclosed and has lockable doors.
Loading speed: The curtainsider comes out ahead, because side access lets a forklift turn the truck around faster.
Versatility: The curtainsider is the better choice for odd-shaped loads.
Weather protection: The pantech comes out ahead, because its solid walls give better protection.
Cost: The two are similar in price when they are built to a comparable standard.
Custom built by VN Truck Bodies in Melbourne
We build both pantech and curtainsider bodies to your exact specifications, with the dimensions, materials and features your work calls for. All our bodies are built in Melbourne with quality materials and are backed by our workmanship guarantee, with the terms set out in your quote.
You can call us on 0447 452 222 or visit our Keysborough workshop to talk about your next truck body build.