What is a Curtainsider or Tautliner Trailer?
One of the most common forms of truck and trailer (or semitrailer) a curtainsider has canvas curtains down each side which can be drawn back to allow a forklift to load onto the deck. It’s a flat-bed truck with a roof structure supported by a headboard and tailboard that has roof rails and supports.
They are most useful for palletised freight, i.e. freight that can be lifted using a forklift. However, large bags and other types of loads can be carried if secured properly – basically, anything that can be loaded from the side that is contained within itself or can be contained using dunnage or by other means.
Some curtainsiders also allow loading from the top and can be used to carry woodchips and other loose freight.
What is a Curtainsider or Tautliner Trailer?
The curtains themselves will provide some level of load restraint (the curtains are rated), although not as much as a box body trailer, therefore loads need to be restrained properly using straps or chains. They are mainly designed to provide security and aerodynamics to the trailer, and to protect the load from the weather.
If you’re buying, using or hiring a curtainsider, then you need to know how to open and close them and what to check for as it can be dangerous:
Don’t open a curtainsider which is bulging – freight could have moved and might fall on you. Open it from the back or the opposite side to check
In strong or gusty winds, open the lee side of the trailer first (i.e. the side that’s not exposed to the wind
When opening any curtain in gusty winds, take care as the wind can take the curtain pole and swing it into your head, knocking you out
What is a Curtainsider or Tautliner Trailer?
Loose buckles can flap around and hit passing cars – make sure all buckles are tight
Make sure you check the rating and the expiry date on any curtains to make sure they will be fine for what you are carrying
Make sure you have enough load securing restraints available to restrain the load properly
Watch where you are going while you’re walking backwards as you slide the curtains back – it’s easy to trip.
