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Transportation is an industry full of equipment types. So many equipment types, in fact, that it can sometimes be difficult to understand the use-case of each.
Matching the right trailer to your load is important for facilitating your supply chain.
Yet doing so only gets more challenging with so many options in the mix.
Curtainside trailers are an example of this. This class of semi-trailers is designed for a specific purpose. And, when used correctly, curtainside trailers can become a sound transportation solution.
But what is a curtainside trailer? What are they used most commonly for? And what, if anything, are the limitations of this specialized trailer type?
If you&#;re looking to add additional trailer options to your logistics procedures, curtainsides may fit the bill. However, it&#;s important to have all of the right information before making any decisions.
So, let&#;s go over many of the key details you need to understand about curtainside trailers so you can decide, definitively, whether they will meet your company&#;s needs.
What is a Curtainside Trailer?
A curtainside trailer is a specialized semi-trailer that has a rigid framework mounted onto a flatbed or flat-deck trailer.
Curtainside trailers are comprised of a firmly bolstered front, which features an entry door, horizontal roof supports running the trailer&#;s length, a metal constructed roof (similar to a dry van&#;s), two swing-open rear doors and a sliding tarp system &#; typically made from an 18-ounce (or similar) material.
The tarps on either side of the curtainside trailer can be retracted for loading, sliding in a similar fashion as the tarps on a Conestoga trailer.
Not to be confused with a Conesoga (though they commonly are), curtainside trailers are different in a number of ways. Most notably, curtainsides only feature tarps on two sides (the left and right). Conestogas have a larger curtain system which creates its roof and rear as well.
Additionally, curtainside trailers feature a far more rigid framework than Conestogas do. The roof of a curtainside trailer is immobile and not retractable &#; the same cannot be said of Conestogas.
Curtainside trailers come in both 48 and 53-foot variations. Here is a list of the maximum cargo dimensions for this trailer type.
Maximum Cargo Dimensions For Curtainside Trailers
Maximum Cargo Width
8 feet, 4 inches (100")
Maximum Cargo Height
8 feet (96")
Maximum Cargo Length
48 and 53 feet
Maximum Cargo Weight
40,000-43,000 pounds
Note: Maximum cargo dimensions will change based on the make and model of the trailer on your load. Always consult a trusted transportation provider for your exact trailer's dimensions.
How are Curtainside Trailers Commonly Used?
Curtainside trailers can be used for any freight that requires protection from the elements during transport &#; provided it can be loaded from the side or back.
Products that fit this mold include, but are not limited to, many palletized commodities, raw materials (such as lumber, steel and iron) and moisture-sensitive machinery.
Additionally, since these trailers provide such great protection, traditional dry van commodities like food and beverage freight, general retail goods and hospitality-industry items (to name a few) are also hauled in them.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Curtainside Trailer?
Like any other trailer type, curtainside trailers have a unique list of pros and cons users should be aware of. Compared to its closest alternative, the Conestoga trailer, curtainsides boast the following list of pros and cons:
Advantages of using a curtainside trailer over a Conestoga:
- Better protection from the elements thanks to its tight seams and hard top.
- The durability of an aluminum roof.
Disadvantages of using a curtainside trailer over a Conestoga:
- Curtainsides are heavier, which makes it more challenging to move high-weight, full truckload volumes.
- Due to their rigid framework, curtainside trailers can only be loaded from the sides via forklift or from the back. Loading using an overhead crane won&#;t be possible.
Looking For Protection From The Elements? Here&#;s Another Alternative!
Like Conestoga trailers, curtainsides are a relatively unique trailer type, making them difficult to find in some markets and driving up the cost of using one. Sure, curtainside trailers provide excellent protection from the elements and reduce instances of cargo damage during transit, but, in many situations, you simply don&#;t need one.
Tarping your open-deck freight will leave you with far more solutions to source from, cutting down the rates you pay in many instances.
That said, using tarps instead of one of these more specialized trailers will be a decision that is, once again, based on research.
Read this article which provides all of the information needed for deciding whether tarping your freight makes the most sense for your company.
And, after completing it, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We&#;re always happy to help you in any way you need.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Luyi.
Choosing The Right Flatbed Trailer
[Read: 3 Types of Flatbed Semi-Trailers]
A lot depends on what you want to get out of your trailer. Choosing the right flatbed trailer for you is going to depend on what youre hauling, where youre hauling, and how long youre holding onto the trailer.
If youre looking for something flashy, maybe an aluminum trailer is the way to go. But, if you want something to go to work, maybe youre looking at a combo trailer. If you need something heavy-duty, an all-steel trailer could be right for you.
Aluminum Flatbeds
Aluminum flatbed trailers are typically your lightest option, lighter than steel or combination trailers, consisting entirely of aluminum beam, side rails, and floors.
These trailers cost more than a combo and steel trailers, but on the upside, they do have a higher resale value.
Because aluminum deflects more than steel, these flatbeds are built with an arch (camber) in the trailer, which allows the beam to level as weight is added.
Combination Flatbeds
Combo flatbed semi-trailers are comprised of a steel beam, aluminum floor, and aluminum side rails. They provide the weight-savings of aluminum with the strength of the steel beam.
Combo trailers are less expensive than aluminum trailers and slighter more expensive than steel.
Steel Flatbeds
Steel trailers are built entirely of steel, including the beam, side rail, and suspension hangers, making them heavier than aluminum or combo.
They are a lower upfront investment; however, you wont get as much on the resale value. Its built to last and will be a good work trailer.
Pros:
- Steel trailers have a wood floor that provides nearly unlimited options for dunnage securement.
- Most durable out of the three. Since the entire trailer is steel fewer issues with corrosion due to dissimilar metals.
- Cheapest upfront option
Cons:
- The wood floor will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced
- Steel is more susceptible to rust, especially in the northeast.
- Lesser resale value
What Are Curtain Side Trailers Used For?
[Read Conestoga vs Curtainside Trailers]
A curtainside trailer, or curtain van, is a dry van and a flatbed trailer combined into one trailer. It loads like a flatbed but protects like a van with a ceiling, front wall, and rear doors. The sides are open to allow access for loading, and the rear swing doors will enable it to be dock-loaded, similar to a dry van.
Curtains hang from the roof on each side of the trailer, slide open, and close to provide an enclosed trailer. On the Curtain side trailer, the frame does not move, and therefore top loading is not possible.
Curtain side trailers are an excellent option for loads that require more protection and special handling or when its more efficient to load from the side. Its also a good option if you have multiple stops to make.
- Curtain side trailers have a rear door like a dry van.
- Typically has a support system for the roof, side and center supports, and a rear door frame.
- Can be retrofitted to any flatbed but requires more modification to the flatbed trailer than a Conestoga kit.
- Its a heavier setup than the Conestoga kit because the system includes a roof, frame system, front bulkhead, and rear door.
- It gives the option to side load or rear load the trailer.
5 Ways to Reduce the Weight of Your Flatbed Trailer
[Read 7 Ways to Maximize Your Payload on a Flatbed Semi]
The way to increase your payload is to take weight off of your flatbed trailer. Below are some ways to do that.
- Start with the right flatbed.
Most importantly, you want to start with the right flatbed. Lightweight options include the all-aluminum MAC and the AE, which at lbs. competes with all-aluminum flatbeds.
- Aluminum cross members.
Going with aluminum vs. steel cross members saves approximately 400 lbs.
- Increase cross member spacing.
Increasing the cross members spacing from 12 to 18 saves approximately 300-400 lbs.
- Wheels and tires.
Low Pro 22.5 tires on aluminum wheels are approximately 500 lbs. lighter than 11R 24.5 on steel wheels.
- Closed tandem slider vs. spread axle.
Spread axle weighs up to 500 lbs. less than a closed tandem sliding axle.
Why Are Some Semi Trailers Bowed?
[Read Beam Ratings on a Flatbed Semi-Trailer]
Aluminum trailers are lighter and less rigid than steel and flex a lot more than steel, so theyre built with an arch (Camber) to allow for flexing as the trailer flattens out when loaded heavily.
This arch might not be ideal for transporting long flat materials. Use dunnage racks to help fill that gap between the trailers arch and the product.
Increase Cross Member Spacing.
Space aluminum cross members closer together than steel cross members to support the additional weight from deflection, especially in applications where youre rearing-loading with a forklift.
Combination and All-Steel Trailers.
* Photo of a combination trailer with steel beam
* Photo of a combination trailer with steel beam
Combination and all steel trailers have less camber with the steel beam and, therefore, are flatter trailers.
Combination trailers typically include cross braces for additional support. The weight of the load is distributed through the cross braces and back to the steel beam itself.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit truck trailer axles features.
How To Keep Screws from Popping and Waves in Your Flatbed Floor
Most flatbeds are not properly set up to back up to a dock with a forklift loading from the rear. Consider your cross member spacing and composition to help prevent those popping screws and waves in your floor.
Read [5 Ways to Prevent Damage to Your Flatbed]
Aluminum Crossmember Spacing
If you are rear loading or have concentrated loads, we recommend decreasing your cross members to a maximum spacing of 12 because aluminum cross members have more deflection than steel.
Steel Crossmember Spacing
Steel cross members are stronger, so you can get away with spacing your cross members at 16; however, you might still want to consider 12 spacing.
Know What your Trailer is Capable of Hauling
It is important you need to understand how your trailer is specd and the load its equipped to handle.
A trailer with 24 cross member spacing, and no side cross braces, should not be rear-loaded, and be mindful of the load toward the outside of the rail because the trailer is not set up to support the weight.
Load Securement Options for a Flatbed Semi-Trailer
For more information, please visit side curtain trailer.
Winches and Straps
Available in steel, galvanized steel, low profile for use with toolboxes and drop decks, winches are a very common way to secure a load on a flatbed.
They can be mounted on the driver side, curbside, or both sides of the trailer. It all depends on your philosophy. For the driver, its easier to work with straps on the drivers side; however, its safer to adjust your load from the curbside if youre pulled off the side of the road.
You might consider load securement points on both sides for taller loads to help prevent the load from shifting. Utility has a proprietary side rail with the winch tracks built into it, allowing winches to be placed on both sides of the trailer.
Spools and Pockets
Depending on the manufacturer, you may or may not be able to use a pocket to secure a load.
Spools working load limits (WLL) will vary depending on the manufacturer. Be sure to check with them to understand the pipe spools rating.
For example, wrapping a chain around one spool can have one rating, but the rating may change if you wrap it around two spools. The angle at which the chain comes off the spool will also determine the load limit rating on the spool.
Consult with the manufacturer for chain ratings. Also, check with the DOT for load securement regulations, tie-down requirements for heavy equipment, chain ratings, etc.
J-Hooks
J-Hooks (Flatbed J Plates) are an adjustable load securement system used with flat hook straps or chains.
The J Hook plates slide into the tracks located on both sides of the deck, and can be placed anywhere along the track.
- J Plates provide many options for placement throughout the length of the trailer.
- They are removable and can be stored on a standard bar rack or a toolbox.
- J Hook ratings can vary based on manufacturer.
[Read: Pop Up Chain Adapters, D Rings, and Container Locks.]
Step Deck vs. Lowboy, Which is Best?
Due to the lower rear deck height, step decks can be a great option for hauling equipment, tall loads, and other cargo.
Generally, any load under 10 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide can be loaded onto a step deck trailer. Small loaders, skid steers, small excavators, or bulldozers are examples of equipment you can potentially haul on a step deck.
We recommend going with a Removeable Gooseneck (RGN) or a Lowboy for larger or heavier equipment. A Lowboy can carry cargo up to 12 feet high and heavier loads.
Step decks are an excellent option for hauling midsized equipment and provide the versatility to haul other loads.
[Read more about: Hauling Equipment on Step Decks and Flatbeds]
What is The Best Bulkhead for My Flatbed Semi-Trailer?
What is a bulkhead on a flatbed?
Bulkheads are important to cargo control. They are affixed to the front end of a flatbed trailer to prevent forward movement of cargo and protect the driver carrying heavy loads.
What type of bulkhead is best for my flatbed?
There are two basic types of bulkheads for flatbed trailers, the wrap around and the flat.
Choosing the right bulkhead is important for both safety of the driver and the cargo. You want something durable enough to stand up to shifting cargo while not adding weight to your trailer.
Flat Bulkheads:
- A flat bulkhead is sufficient if you wont be loading cargo that requires additional reinforcement on the sides.
- With the flat bulkhead, youre not sacrificing any deck space, allowing pallets to be loaded up against the bulkhead.
- Flat bulkheads are available in both corrugated and flat metal.
Wrap Around Bulkheads:
- A wrap around bulkhead, or turnback bulkhead, has a return on either side which can provide extra support to help keep a load in place, and the turnback makes it easier to secure the load with side rail kits and panels.
- Wrap arounds are available with returns of 10 or up to 24 in length.
- Both bulkheads come DOT or Non-DOT rated.
[Read more about: Bulkheads and Accessories]
Flatbed Accessories
Toolboxes
Many configurations are available depending on your needs, including bolt-on kits, steerable lift axles, and front and rear configurations.
Mount toolboxes between the spread axle or anywhere along the flatbed on either side.
Dunnage Racks
What is a dunnage rack?
A dunnage rack provides storage on your semi-trailer flatbeds for the wood (or dunnage) while transporting unpalletized loads.
Theyre mainly used on flatbed, drop-deck, and gooseneck trailers to free up space on your trailer bed to allow you to carry more cargo.
And, they come in many styles and configurations, including baskets styles with or without a floor, side mounts, cross trailer mounts, and can be designed to hold dunnage as needed.
[Read more about: Lift Axles, Rear Axle Dumps, and Additional Accessories]