Curtainside Trailers: Complete Guide to Materials

What Are Curtainside Trailers?

Curtainside trailers are specialized transport vehicles that use flexible PVC tarpaulin curtains instead of solid walls. These versatile trailers combine the weather protection of enclosed trailers with the easy loading access of flatbed trucks. The curtain system slides along tracks, allowing quick access to cargo from the sides.

The curtain material typically weighs between 610-900 gsm (18-26.5 oz/yard²), providing excellent durability while remaining lightweight. This design makes loading and unloading faster than traditional box trailers, saving valuable time during deliveries.

Benefits of Truck Side Curtain Systems

Modern truck side curtain systems offer numerous advantages for transportation companies. The PVC-coated fabric provides complete weather protection while weighing significantly less than aluminum or steel panels. This weight reduction increases fuel efficiency and payload capacity.

The curtain material features UV-resistant coatings that prevent fading and degradation. High-quality curtains use fabric with tensile strength exceeding 3000N/5cm (685 lbs/2 inches), ensuring long-lasting performance. The material also resists tears and punctures better than standard tarpaulins.

Quick access remains the primary benefit. Drivers can open curtains in seconds, compared to minutes for traditional doors. This efficiency proves especially valuable for multi-stop deliveries or time-sensitive cargo.

Choosing the Right Trailer Curtain Side Material

Selecting proper trailer curtain side material requires understanding your specific needs. Standard curtain fabrics range from 2.5m to 3.2m (98-126 inches) in width, accommodating various trailer sizes. The material thickness affects both durability and flexibility.

For general freight, 650 gsm (19 oz/yard²) PVC fabric provides adequate protection. Heavy-duty applications benefit from 900 gsm (26.5 oz/yard²) material, offering superior resistance to abrasion and weather. The coating type also matters – acrylic coatings provide better UV resistance, while PVDF coatings offer superior chemical resistance.

Color selection impacts both aesthetics and functionality. White curtains reflect heat, keeping cargo cooler. Darker colors hide dirt better but may increase interior temperatures. Many operators choose company colors for branding purposes.

Curtain Side Flatbed Applications

Curtain side flatbed trucks serve diverse industries effectively. Construction companies transport materials that need weather protection but require crane access from above. The removable roof design allows overhead loading while curtains protect materials during transport.

Agricultural businesses use these trailers for grain, feed, and equipment transport. The curtain system prevents moisture damage while allowing quick unloading at multiple farm locations. Manufacturing facilities appreciate the flexibility for shipping oddly-shaped products that don’t fit in standard trailers.

The typical curtain side flatbed uses reinforced fabric at stress points. Corner reinforcements use material up to 1200 gsm (35.4 oz/yard²) for maximum durability. Buckle straps rated for 5000 lbs ensure curtains remain secure during highway travel.

Understanding Curtain Van Specifications

A curtain van differs from standard curtainside trailers through its integrated design. These vehicles feature permanently mounted curtain systems on rigid frames. The curtain fabric typically measures 2.7m to 2.9m (106-114 inches) in height, providing full coverage for standard cargo.

The track system uses aluminum or galvanized steel rails rated for thousands of opening cycles. Quality curtain vans include tensioning systems that maintain proper fabric tautness. This prevents flapping during travel, reducing wear and improving fuel efficiency.

Maintenance requirements remain minimal. Regular cleaning with mild detergent extends curtain life. Minor repairs use standard PVC repair kits. Full curtain replacement takes experienced technicians only 2-3 hours, minimizing downtime.

Curtain Side Flatbed Truck Advantages

Curtain side flatbed truck designs offer unique versatility for specialized cargo. The combination allows forklift access from three sides while maintaining weather protection. Removable roof sections accommodate tall machinery or construction materials.

Load securing becomes simpler with internal anchor points every 60cm (24 inches) along the frame. The curtain system works with standard cargo bars and strapping systems. This flexibility reduces loading time by up to 50% compared to traditional enclosed trailers.

Temperature control options include insulated curtain materials. These specialized fabrics use foam cores between PVC layers, achieving R-values up to 8. This insulation protects temperature-sensitive cargo without requiring refrigeration units.

Leading Curtain Side Truck Body Manufacturers

Top curtain side truck body manufacturers focus on customization and durability. They offer various track systems, from manual sliding to automated electric operation. Frame materials include aluminum for weight savings or steel for maximum strength.

Quality manufacturers provide comprehensive warranties covering both frames and curtain materials. They offer replacement curtain services using original specifications. Many provide design services to optimize curtain systems for specific applications.

The best manufacturers use hot-air welding for curtain seams, creating bonds stronger than the base material. They reinforce high-stress areas with additional fabric layers. Premium systems include features like integrated load bars and adjustable roof heights.

Maintenance Tips for Curtainside Systems

Proper maintenance extends curtain life significantly. Monthly inspections should check for small tears or worn areas. Addressing minor damage immediately prevents expensive replacements. Clean curtains regularly to remove road salt and debris that accelerate wear.

Lubricate track systems quarterly using silicone spray. This prevents binding and reduces opening force. Check tensioning systems monthly, adjusting as needed to maintain proper curtain tautness. Replace worn buckles and straps before they fail completely.

Store spare curtain sections for emergency repairs. Keep repair kits including PVC patches, adhesive, and heat guns readily available. Train drivers on proper opening and closing procedures to prevent damage from improper handling.

SKP Material’s Recommended Curtain Specifications

At SKP Material, we recommend these proven tarpaulin specifications for curtainside trailers based on 25 years of manufacturing experience:

Rolling Tarp Specifications

	650g Rolling Tarp	680g Rolling Tarp	700g Rolling Tarp	900g Rolling Tarp
Weight	650gsm / 19oz	680gsm / 20oz	700gsm / 20.6oz	900gsm / 26oz
Max Width	3.5m / 11.48′	3.5m / 11.48′	3.5m / 11.48′	3.5m / 11.48′
Color Options	Standard / Printed	Standard / Printed	Standard / Printed	Standard / Printed
Operating Temperature	-30c – 70c	-30c – 70c	-30c – 70c	-30c – 70c
Finish	Glossy / Matt	Glossy / Matt	Glossy / Matt	Glossy / Matt
Tensile Strength (N)	2500	2500	2800	3500
Tearing Strength (N)	230	230	350	500
Adhesion (N)	100	100	100	100
Additive Options	UV Resistance, Aging, Anti-Mold, Self-Cleaning, Fire Retardant (FR)	UV Resistance, Aging, Anti-Mold, Self-Cleaning, Fire Retardant (FR)	UV Resistance, Aging, Anti-Mold, Self-Cleaning, Fire Retardant (FR)	UV Resistance, Aging, Anti-Mold, Self-Cleaning, Fire Retardant (FR)

Each specification serves different operational needs. The 650gsm (19 oz/yard²) material suits standard freight operations, while the 900gsm (26.5 oz/yard²) option provides maximum durability for heavy-duty applications. All materials feature our advanced coating technology for superior weather resistance.

Partner with SKP Material

If you are among curtain side truck body manufacturers or a distributor of curtain material, please reach out to us. We will help pick the best material that fits your specific needs. As a leading PVC tarpaulin manufacturer for over 25 years, we understand the unique requirements of curtainside applications.

Our engineering team provides custom solutions including specialized widths, colors, and performance additives. We maintain extensive inventory for quick delivery and offer technical support throughout your project. Contact us to discuss your curtainside trailer material requirements.

Cost Considerations and ROI

Initial investment in quality curtain materials pays dividends through reduced maintenance costs. Premium 900gsm (26.5 oz/yard²) fabric costs more upfront but lasts 5-7 years versus 2-3 years for lighter materials. The improved durability reduces replacement frequency and associated labor costs.

Fuel savings from reduced weight add up quickly. Curtainside systems weigh 30-40% less than comparable rigid-sided trailers. This weight reduction can save thousands in fuel costs annually, especially for high-mileage operations.

Increased loading efficiency translates directly to profitability. Faster turnaround times allow more deliveries per day. The ability to load from multiple sides reduces labor costs at busy facilities. These operational improvements typically provide full ROI within 18-24 months.

Future Trends in Curtainside Technology

Smart curtain systems represent the next evolution in trailer design. RFID tags embedded in curtain fabric track opening cycles and maintenance needs. GPS integration alerts fleet managers to unauthorized curtain openings, improving security.

Advanced materials continue improving performance. New nano-coatings provide self-cleaning properties, reducing maintenance requirements. Photovoltaic curtain materials generate electricity for auxiliary systems. These innovations promise enhanced functionality without significant weight increases.

Automated curtain systems gain popularity for high-frequency operations. Electric motors controlled by remote systems reduce driver effort and injury risk. Integration with warehouse management systems allows automated opening when trucks arrive at loading docks.

Conclusion

Curtainside trailers revolutionize modern transportation through superior flexibility and efficiency. The right curtain material selection ensures reliable performance and maximum return on investment. Understanding material specifications, maintenance requirements, and application benefits helps operators make informed decisions. As technology advances, curtainside systems will continue evolving to meet changing industry needs.

Links: PVC Tarpaulin Material, Truck Side Curtain, Additive Guide, Guide to pick you thickness,