Black_Rose2007/07/29 19:04:07조회수 78

2.00.10 - Curtainsider

2.00.10 - Curtainsider

Curtainsider is a European invention, which quite recently – approximately 20 years ago – got over to across the ocean. By today, the curtainsiders have already thoroughly pressed traditional vans in the North American cargo transportation market and their popularity keeps on growing. The matter is that having the same external dimensions, a semitrailer with an awning has a number of advantages over a van, in particular a lower curb weight that allows higher carrying capacity. Also, the convenience of loading-unloading and ability to accommodate large-sized lengthy cargoes, for example, units and modules of aviation technics up to fuselages of small planes. And it's real due to design of the trailers – the absence of ramps and the design of curtain awnings which are removed in no time (just few minutes), completely exposing the internal space of the semitrailer. There are versions of curtainsiders where even the roof is folded, which enables loading from four sides: from the back (through the rear door), from the sides and from above.
In other words, a modern curtainsider is, as a matter of fact, a flatbed, with addition of the framework covered by an awning. The framework racks are usually sliding, which allows adjusting the distance between them depending on the dimensions of a cargo which is put on the pans fixed with special fixtures to the platform floor and on the whole semitrailer perimeter. For manufacturing an awning high-strength, dust- and moisture-resistant synthetic materials are used. The curtainsiders roof can be rigid, not folding (for example, made of aluminium) or "soft", made of the same material, as the side curtains.
Thus, curtainsider has strong points of both a platform and a van: "Loads like a flatbed, protects like a van". It is curious to note, that practically any curtainsider is also a mobile advertisement in addition to all – advertisement images are printed right on the side curtain surfaces of a trailer. Painting, including the use of full-colour digital prints, and replacement of awnings are included into a standard set of services of many firms, engaged in manufacturing of curtainsiders.
Typical curtainsider characteristics:
dimensions – (48') 53' x (96") 102" x 102";
capacity – till 65,000 lbs and more;
weight – 15,000 lbs.