Welcome back to our series on How to Buy the Best Flatbed Trailer. Today we&#;re reviewing the differences between a Curtainside and a Conestoga Flatbed Trailer. Both are great options to keep your cargo protected from harsh elements, and both are an easier, safer way of tarping your load than climbing on top and manually tarping it. 

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Both curtainside and conestoga trailers are classified as flatbeds. So what is the difference between the two?

We&#;ll get into some of the similarities and differences here. Some of the questions we&#;ll ask are:

• What is the difference between a curtainside vs. flatbed trailer?
• What is a Conestoga flatbed trailer?
• What are curtainside trailers used for?
• What is a roll top trailer?

Curtainside Trailer

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 allow 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 curtainside trailer, the frame does not move, and therefore top loading is not possible.

Curtainside trailers are a great option for loads that require more protection or when it&#;s more efficient to load from the side. It&#;s also a good option if you have multiple stops to make.

• A curtainside trailer has rear doors like a dry van.
• Typically has a support system for the roof, side and center supports, and a rear door frame.
• They can be retrofitted to any flatbed but requires more modification to the flatbed trailer than a Conestoga kit.
• It&#;s a heavier setup than the Conestoga kit because the system includes a roof, frame system, front bulkhead, and rear door.
• They give the option to side load or rear load the trailer.

Conestoga Kit

A Conestoga trailer, or roll-top trailer, uses a sliding tarp system where the entire system (tarp roof included) slides from the rear to front or front to rear. This accordion-like system maximizes your loading options allowing for rear loading, front loading, side loading, or even top-loading if needed.

The tarp system includes a rollup tarp door, rear support, and a stationary bulkhead in the front. You can retrofit a Conestoga Trailer Kit onto any flatbed trailer.

Keep in mind that with Conestoga Kits, there are many moving parts and should be on a regular maintenance schedule to keep it in good working order.

Pros: 

• More options for loading. 
• Kits can be retrofitted onto any flatbed trailer.

Cons: 

• The entire system is an accordion like system which presents an increased risk of mechanic problems. 
• The frame requires regular maintenance due to all the moving parts. 
• You are limited to the interior width of your tarp system. 

The Conestoga Kit is a great system if it&#;s well maintained and operates properly. You&#;ll defiantly want to have it on a regular maintenance program.

Available options on a Conestoga Kit:

• Man door for added accessibility
• Grab handles for safety
• Steps
• Front bulkhead clearance lights
• Inside lights to increase visibility
• Translucent roof
• Skylights

Ultimately both the Curtainside and Conestoga trailers are safer options than manually tarping flatbed loads. Tarping loads is more labor-intensive and adds increased risk while climbing on and off of loads.

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Utility Keystone works hard at finding the best solution to meet the demands of your hauling requirements.

Read more in this series, How to Buy the Best Flatbed Trailer.

Flatbed Trucking Guide: What is a Curtainside Trailer?

Do you want to get the most out of your flatbed trucking? If so, you may be curious about a curtainside trailer. This can be an important tool during flatbed hauling, and you need to make sure you get the most out of it. We are North American Specialized, and we give you the resources necessary to help you get the most out of your heavy equipment. Take a look at a few important points below, and remember to count on us for all of your trucking needs.

What Is a Flatbed Curtainside Trailer?

So, what exactly is a curtainside trailer? This is usually a flatbed vehicle that has a structure installed on top. Then, there is a tarping system that allows you to drape a curtain around the flatbed, protecting the contents inside. In general, there are two separate types of curtainside trailers.

The first is called a Conestoga curtainside trailer, which is made using a sliding type system. The system works similarly to an accordion. When the system is pulled forward, the tarp will expose the flatbed for easy access. The trailer could be made wider than usual, so you need to think about clearance height.

The other type of curtainside trailer is called a Tautliner. This uses a decidedly different structure that will not alter the width of the trailer. There is a front, a roofing system, and rear doors. It looks just like a van, but it still has side curtains. They open like shower curtains. You should think about the benefits and drawbacks of each option before you decide which one is right for you.

What Products Should Be Shipped Curtainside?

There are numerous products that you can ship using this type of system. For example, if you work in construction, you can use the system to move pipes, lumber, and appliances. You can also use the system to ship landscaping materials. This includes soil, rocks, plants, and trees. Even the auto industry takes advantage of this transportation method. That way, you can shield your motor vehicles from people who are curious about the valuable cargo.

There are even situations where people ship chemicals, military equipment, aerospace devices, and ammunition using this type of trailer. There are security measures you can put in place to improve the safety of the shipping process. This is one of the most versatile options available, so you can customize it to meet your needs. If you have questions or concerns about what you can ship using this method, you should reach out and ask.

Benefits of Using a Curtainside Truck for Hauling

There are several key benefits you will enjoy if you decide to use a curtainside truck for hauling. These include:

• The system allows you to optimize your flexibility, allowing you to accommodate larger freight that might require side access to load and unload.

• You don&#;t have to worry about loading or unloading the cargo in a specific way. You always have access to everything on the truck because you can simply access it from the side.

• You can also load and unload your cargo more quickly. There are multiple points of entry because you do not have to load everything from the back. You can load your items from the side, making it easier for you to handle your deliveries.

The flexibility and versatility of a curtainside system are unparalleled. You are in total control of the vehicle, and you can customize it to meet your needs. At the same time, if you want to maximize the benefits of this shipping method, you need to work with a professional team that can assist you. Our experts would be happy to work with you from start to finish, helping you every step of the way. For more information, read our Guide to Heavy Equipment Hauling and Transport.

Why Choose NAS for Your Curtainside Shipping?

If you are looking for help with flatbed hauling, you should consider using a curtainside trailer. At North American Specialized, we have an unparalleled level of experience when it comes to trucking. We can help you get the most out of your equipment, and we can help you maximize your curtainside trailer. We have more than 50 years of experience, and we are a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. We pride ourselves on the quality of our customer service, and it would be our pleasure to show you what we can do. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

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