Curtainsider Vans for Sale (612)

Curtainsiders are the workhorses of the transport industry.  Extremely flexible, a curtainside truck can be used for such a wide range of delivery tasks. It can obviously do everything a box truck can do.  If you want to load and unload quickly then there are the rear doors – either roller shutter style or with barn doors where the truck can be loaded from a loading bay. Where curtainsiders come into their own is when there are cumbersome objects that do not lend themselves to being loaded on pallets easily, but require the protection from the weather that a flatbed or drop side truck cannot afford. A forklift can load the truck quickly from either side – if you are in a rush and have the resources, the curtainsider can be loaded on both sides at the same time using two forklifts.

Used Curtainside Trucks & Trailers

After the ubiquitous box truck, the curtainsider is the second most popular rigid truck for sale at Truckpages.  If you include the curtainside trailers then they usually top the charts.  The most popular curtainside truck brand is, unsurprisingly, the market leader DAF, whilst the largest choice of curtainside trailers comes from leading manufacturer, SDC .

More Curtainsider Vans Info

Curtainsider Trucks FAQ

c Expand All C Collapse All

Curtainsider

A curtainside truck can be a rigid or articulated trailer where the sides of the body can be slid back like a curtain to reveal the load area. This makes loading easier than with solid sides but safer and drier than an open backed truck.

Both have sides of the bodies that slide back. Curtainisder is a generic term, whilst Tautliner is a brand of body belonging to Boalloy. The Tautliner version runs along rails at the top and the bottom, whereas the curtainsider is typically loose at the bottom and on a runner at the top of the curtain

Both have curtains that slide back, but the title version that is more popular on the continent has the cover all the way over the body sitting on a frame which, when revealed, means that the truck can be loaded from the top using a gantry crane as well as the sides. In the UK these tend to be used only for metal coil carriers.

Since whole vehicle type approval came in, more truck manufacturers are supplying trucks with the bodies already fitted. However, there are a number of specialist curtainside body builders, suc as J C Payne, Alloy Bodies and the Bevan Group. For Curtainside trailers, Montracon, SDC and Schmitz Cargobull.

If you need to be loaded and unloaded by a forklift quickly, as opposed to a raised loading bay or using a tail lift at the rear, the a curtainsider truck is the best solution as the load area can be accessed quickly whilst the load is protected from theft and the elements when travelling.

Buying a Used Curtainsider

Buying a used curtainside truck is no different to making any other secondhand truck purchase.  You must take a good long look over the driveline, check the wheels and tyres etc.  The only additional area you need to consider is the state of the curtains and tracks themselves.

Take your time and undo every clip that holds the curtains in place, then fully slide them along to reveal the while of the loading area.  Make sure the belts are not worn and that there are no tears in the curtains.  Check of any earlier repairs to the curtains – it is not necessarily a terrible thing that they have been damaged slightly in the past, but the repair will need to be solid.

Some curtains look tired when they have had their previous graphics removed, but often, a decent quantity of traffic film remover can sort this out.  Buying a curtainsided truck with the logos simply painted over could be a lot of work to remove and you may be better negotiating a great deal with the seller and investing in a new set of curtains.

Curtain Replacement

It is not the end of the world if you have to replace the curtains – doing so will really smarten up the truck in any case.  Buying new curtains for the truck also means that you can change the colour to one that suits you better.  Bear in mind that there is usually only a choice of base colours – matching your livery may be a lot trickier.

Recycle Old Curtains

If you are buying new curtains for the curtainsider, then don’t just throw away the old ones – there is a company in Switzerland called Freitag (translated as Friday) that buys these curtains to make them into handbags and satchels.

Other Names for Curtainsiders

Tautliner

Over the years there have been plenty of companies making these types of truck bodies.  Sometimes the brand names stick – think Hoover and vacuum cleaners.  You may hear people talk about ‘Tautliners’ – this is a brand of curtainside body that is built by Boalloy in Cheshire.  They differ slightly to many curtainsiders in as much as the bottom of the curtain is never removed and the curtains simply slide along a rail.

Tilt Body

These are a type of curtainsider that is a lot more popular on the continent.  They are essentially a dropside truck with a removable frame and series of curtains.  This means that the truck can be used as a curtainsider, but if there are loads that are too tall for the frame (and are OK being exposed to the weather) then the frame is removed and the truck is a standard dropside.  This type of ‘Tilt’ or ‘Tiltliner’ body is common for semi-trailers in the continent.

In the UK we see the vast majority of trucks as traditional curtainsiders, with a tiny percentage being tiltliners.

Euroliners

These are trailers that look like curtainsiders that are used on the continent.  The main difference is that the roofs slide open to help loading from overhead.  This means that loading long items or heavy coils from an overhead gantry crane is possible.

Megaliners

Mega trailers in general are those that run on smaller wheels and tyres with a low-ride tractor unit.  Using smaller wheels means that the height of the body can be taller giving more load space.  In the UK this is less of a problem, as our motorway bridges are higher than on continental Europe.  We are able to have overheight trailers running on normal wheels and tyres.

 

Latest Curtainsider Vans News

Rare New Volvo FH 8×2 Tridem Double Deck Curtainsider

Timber flooring and surfaces specialist Havwoods has placed a new 32-tonne Volvo FH 8x2 Tridem Globetrotter XL rigid into service to help the business keep pace with its growing demand. Supplied by Karl Davies, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the vehicle – replacing a similar unit supplied by a competitor manufacturer in the customer’s fleet – has been fitted with double-deck curtainside Fred Smith & Sons bodywork, plus a Moffett truck-mounted forklift, for efficient loading and offloading. The truck also features a heavy-duty 10-tonne front axle. Mick Leech, Head of UK Operations, Havwoods, says: “By investing in high-spec…

View More...>

Asset Alliance Group in 29 SDC Trailer Deal

Worldwide Flight Services has taken delivery of 29 new SDC rollerbed trailers from Asset Alliance Group to bolster its freight handling operations. Supplied on a five-year contract hire agreement, the new arrivals join the firm as part of a fleet renewal programme and will be based at its operating centre at Heathrow Airport. Paired with the company’s Renault tractor units, the trailers will be used for air freight forwarding on road feeder service routes to airports across the UK. They join a mixed commercial vehicle fleet at WFS, including 45 trucks and 48 trailers, and will help manage the company’s…

View More...>

Pair of Volvo FM Electric Trucks for DFDS Contract

Hypnos Beds has taken a significant step toward decarbonising its commercial vehicle fleet by replacing two existing diesel trucks with new Volvo FM Electrics, introduced via its transport and logistics partner DFDS. Supplied by Jose Lavarello, Key Account Manager for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, the new additions consist of a 4x2 curtainside rigid and a 4x2 tractor unit. They will deliver the business’ range of luxury mattresses and bed furniture to retail outlets, hotels and distribution centres in London and Milton Keynes respectively. James Ferguson, Regional Operations Manager, DFDS, says: “Introducing these two electric trucks into the Hypnos Beds…

View More...>

New Schmitz S.CS Low Ride MEGA Trailers for Continental Work

Birmingham-based Cargo Express has taken delivery of its first two S.CS MEGA curtainsiders in more than a decade, after being won over by the quality of the Schmitz Cargobull product. The low-riding trailers are fitted with POWER CURTAINS for speedy, safe loading and un-loading. Both the side curtains on the semi-trailers and the roofs incorporate Schmitz Cargobull’s anti-vandal system to protect loads and prevent illegal entry. Joseph O’Reilly, Managing Director at the family-owned transport firm, says: “We’re still running some MEGA trailers we purchased in 2011, so knew from experience that the product is high quality. “The trailers are perfect…

View More...>

Truckpages Issue 242 is out now

If you are looking for a 26 tonne, Euro 6 curtainsider, then it looks like Leicester Commercial centre is a good place to start. Judging by the front cover image, the company has a huge choice of 2015 DAF CF330 trucks all with automatic transmissions with midlift axles and twin steer. Perfect for local deliveries, they are fitted with Moffett truck mounted forklift brackets. Looks like Leicester Commercial Centre has a choice of these truck-mounted forklifts to go with them as well! Click to Read Page Turn Magazine Click Image to Read Use the form at the bottom of the…

View More...>

View all Curtainsider Vans News
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Mercedes
Model
Sprinter
Location
Very nice condition and lovely drive 4.2m. Sprinter curtain side Luton with large close close tail lift. Well maintained and mechanically sound with full service history. Fitted with the higher powered 150Bhp engine. FREE UK delivery with no quibble money back guarantee. No known mechanical faults. Vehicle will come...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
MAN
Model
TGL
Location
MAN TGL 10.180 CURTAIN T/U T/L BARN DOORS - DAY CAB
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Mercedes
Model
Sprinter
Location
Very clean Mercedes Sprinter 3.5t. curtain sider with tail lift and air conditioning. FREE UK delivery with no quibble money back guarantee. No known mechanical faults. Vehicle will come with 12 months mot, new service and full parts & labour warranty. Come and see us or buy over the phone with no obligation and get...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Vauxhall
Model
Movano
Location
Brand new 4m. load length and extra tall 2.4m. (8ft) internal height curtain side with tail lift. Well maintained with full service history. Extras include air conditioning, sat nav and cruise control. FREE UK delivery with no quibble money back guarantee. No known mechanical faults. Vehicle will come with 12 months...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
MAN
Model
TGM
Location
Ready to Go: MAN 18.290 18T Curtainsider - Key Features: - Sleeper Cab - Automatic - Double Bunk - Anteo 1000KG Tuck Under Tail Lift - Rear Barn Doors - Height Indicator - Climate Control - Forward Collision Warning - -
View Details
advertisement
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Montracon
Location
4.5m, BPW drum, pillarless, ENXL, factory fitted Dhollandia RM20, large stock, can go as is or be refurbished to your spec. Finance available from our third party broker. Year - : - - - 2022 - - - Manufacturer - : - - - Montracon - - - Body Type - : - - - Curtainsider - - - Condition - : - - - Used - -...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Tiger
Location
Large quantity available. - Repainted front, rear, wheels and hubs to a high standard. - New ENXL curtains, full ENXL trailer, front pod, SAF drum, pillarless, long MOT's. - These are available from stock in Red &Blue or can be refurbished to your specification and in your livery. - Please enquire for further details...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Krone
Location
BPW Drum - Grey front and rear, blue curtains - Brand New - Wooden boards - In stock ready to go Year - : - - - 2025 - - - Manufacturer - : - - - Krone - - - Body Type - : - - - Curtainsider - - - Condition - : - - - New - - - Overall Height - : - - - 4.0m - - - Internal Height - : - - - - - ...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Don-Bur
Location
Large quantity of these good condition trailers available. Red and blue in stock priced to clear - repainted front, rear, wheels and hubs, new ENXL curtains. - Also one remaining 4.65's available with Moffett kits! - As standard, all come with white headboard and doors, but can be re-painted to your specification with...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
MAN
Model
TGS
Location
Ready to Go:MAN TGS 26.400 6x2 26T Slide-a-Flex with Rear Mount PK27002EH - Key Features - Sleeper Cab - Manual Gearbox - FORS - Gold Kit fitted - Storage Lockers - Toolbox - Rear Steering Axle - Beacon Bar - Cab Sunvisor - Air Conditioning - 3 Seats in Cab - Crane: - Rear Mount PK27002 SH C - 4 extensions - Lifts...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
DAF
Model
LF
Location
Ready to Go: DAF LF 180 Curtainsider - Day Cab - Manual Gearbox - 7.5T - 20ft 6in Curtain - Tuckunder Taillift
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
MAN
Model
TGL
Location
MAN TGL 10.190 23FT SLIDER CURTAIN NO T/L DAY CAB, AUTO, ON STEEL, TWIN PASSENGER
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Concept
Location
2015 Concept 3 Axle 15.6m Double Deck Curtain
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
DAF
Model
CF
Location
DAF CF450 6x2 Truckcraft 30" Curtain with Cantilever Lift 6100mm Wheelbase, Space Cab, Auto Piped for Drawbar
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Tiger
Location
BPW Drum, Pillarless, ENXL, in stock ready to go! Year - : - - - 2019 - - - Manufacturer - : - - - Tiger - - - Body Type - : - - - Curtainsider - - - Condition - : - - - Used - - - Overall Height - : - - - 4.2m - - - Internal Height - : - - - - - - Aperture Height - : - - - - - - Brake...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
DAF
Model
CF
Location
18t DAF CF 230 Curtain With T/U Tail lift , Day cab , rear air suspension , Euro 6
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Schmitz
Location
Large quantity of these Schmitz euroliners available, Schmitz disc, alloy side planks (see pictures), accepted by Amazon as a box. - In livery but can be inked out or have new curtains. Year - : - - - 2015 - - - Manufacturer - : - - - Schmitz - - - Body Type - : - - - Curtainsider - - - Condition - : - - ...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Don-Bur
Location
Pallet Spec Double Decks, BPW Drum, Long MOT’s, 2.47m bottom deck an 1.33m top deck apertures, full ENXL. - Wrap around curtains available - We have stock refurbished to a high standard but they can also be refurbished to your specifications, - large quantity in stock. -   - ‍ Year - : - - - 2017 - - -...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
Citroen
Model
Relay
Location
Very smart big volume 4.5m. (14ft. 7in.) 3.5t. gvw low loader curtain side Luton van with air conditioning. FREE UK delivery with no quibble money back guarantee. with no known mechanical faults. Vehicle will come with 12 months mot, new service and full parts & labour warranty. Come and see us or buy over the phone...
View Details
Body
Curtainsider
Make
MAN
Model
TGL
Location
MAN TGL 10.190 4x2 10t curtain with T/U lift
View Details