Why operators choose a curtainsider
A curtainsider gives you the protection of a roofed body with the access of a tray. With both curtains pulled back, the whole side of the body is open, so pallets can be loaded or unloaded from either side at a dock, on a site or on the street. That makes curtainsiders the standard choice for palletised freight, building products, beverages and general distribution.
How we build a curtainsider
- The frame is built in aluminium or steel, depending on the payload you need and how hard the body will be worked.
- Heavy-duty PVC curtains go on with quick-release buckles and tensioners, and we can supply printed curtains carrying your branding.
- Side gates, removable posts, a mezzanine deck, load restraint rails or internal racking can all be added if your loads call for them.
- At the back we fit rear doors, a roller door or a tail lift, depending on how you load.
- Every body is sized for your chassis, so the truck stays within its legal dimensions and mass limits.
Curtainsider repairs and refits
We also repair curtainsiders of every make, which covers replacing curtains, buckles and tracks, straightening frames and posts, re-flooring and fixing rear doors. If your body is sound but looking tired, a refit can cost far less than a new build. Our guide to repairing or replacing a truck body explains how to decide.
Common questions
What is the difference between a curtainsider and a tautliner?
There is no difference, because tautliner is a trade name that became the everyday word for a curtainsider body, which has sliding curtains along both sides and a fixed roof.
Should I choose a curtainsider or a pantech?
A curtainsider is the better choice if you load pallets from the side with a forklift, while a pantech suits freight that needs to be locked up and fully weatherproof, or work where you mostly load from the rear. Our guide to pantech and curtainsider bodies compares them in detail.
Do you replace curtains on existing bodies?
Yes, we replace torn or worn curtains, buckles, tensioners and curtain tracks on every make of curtainsider body. You can read more on our truck body repairs page.