Both curtainside and sliding bow (roll-top) trailers are designed to expand your freight options in a single adaptable trailer. Both open up the bed of a standard flatbed to new profit opportunities that extend far beyond the conventional flatbed&#;s potential. And, perhaps best of all, curtainsiders and sliding bow trailers eliminate the time-consuming, hazardous requirement to tarp large loads&#;a perk that also makes it easier to recruit and retain professional drivers in an era of high turnover.
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What's The Difference Between a Curtain Side Trailer and Sliding Bows?
A curtainside trailer consists of a solid, fixed bulkhead up front, fixed swinging or roll-up rear doors and a hard-shell roof overhead. Both sides are a retractable, heavy-duty curtains instead of solid walls like a conventional trailer. The curtainside configuration is typically constructed on either a standard flatbed trailer or a step-deck model.
A sliding bow trailer resembles a curtainside, except with a soft roof and movable rear bulkhead mounted on sliding bow supports in a track. When slid forward or to the rear, the entire unit compresses somewhat like a concertina. The soft, flexible sides and soft roof can be moved all the way forward, compressing against the front bulkhead, or all the way to the rear. This flexibility opens the entire bed to rapid loading from both sides or above. Once the load is strapped, the sliding structure is returned to its original position, totally enclosing the load and eliminating the need for tarping.
Shared Strong Points Between a Curtain Side Trailer and Sliding Bows
The advantages shared by both the curtainside and the sliding bow trailer&#;versus an open flatbed or conventional box van&#;are numerous:
- Rapid two-side loading/unloading at facilities without a standard loading dock or where ground access by forklifts is faster.
- Accommodates large flatbed-style freight that can only be side-loaded and is not appropriate for a conventional enclosed van.
- No more time-consuming tarping on flatbed-style loads. Just load from either side, strap down and close the curtains or slide the bow structure closed. No injury potential to drivers and more time moving down the road instead of tarping.
- Provides access to all freight at any time&#;just retract the curtain or slid the bows forward or backward&#;accommodating multiple partial shipments in one trailer. Because back-to-front freight sequencing is eliminated, curtainsides and sliding bows permit addition of haulbacks for additional revenue while still preserving access to pending deliveries anywhere on the trailer.
- Shippers of certain large specialized freight often prohibit any contact with tarps&#;for example, large machinery with milled surfaces, robotics, and aircraft and aerospace components. These shipments make flatbed transport unfeasible and a curtainside or sliding bow is the only option.
Contrasting Characteristics Between a Curtain Side Trailer and Sliding Bows
Curtainside trailers incorporate advantages specific to certain freight requirements. These include a hard shell roof for greater security and protection of freight in the event of a rollover. Translucent roof panels also illuminate the interior of the trailer for safer loading without additional lighting. Dual swing or roll-up doors in the back allow conventional back-in dock loading.
The sliding bow option, conversely, offers an extra dimension of access not provided by a curtainside: The soft retractable roof opens up the entire bed to crane loading from above. For large freight that can&#;t be side-loaded into a curtainside, or loaded through rear doors into a conventional van, only a sliding bow can fully eliminate the need for an open flatbed trailer.
Product Pages:
- RolaBow - Roland Curtains version of the Sliding Bow Trailer
- RolaLoad - Roland Curtains version of a Curtain Side Trailer
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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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