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DeutschWhat is a curtainsider on a special trailer?
A curtainsider is a closed or semi-closed superstructure on a trailer, consisting of a frame with PVC tarpaulin or sliding curtains on the sides and a fixed or sliding roof. On standard flatbed or box trailers this has long been common practice. But on special trailers - semi low loaders, low loaders and extendable flat trailers - curtainsider configurations are increasingly popular.
The combination of a low loading profile (the hallmark of a special trailer) with the weather protection and cargo security of a curtainsider makes this configuration particularly attractive for goods that need to be transported both at height and protected from the elements. At Xiffix we regularly trade in special trailers with curtainsider from A-brand manufacturers including Broshuis, Doll, Faymonville, Goldhofer, Nooteboom and Pacton.
What is a curtainsider on a special trailer used for?
A curtainsider on a special trailer is used whenever the load needs to be carried low and protected at the same time. Think of electric construction machinery and hybrid vehicles, which - due to increasingly heavy battery packs and sensitive control electronics - can no longer be transported on an open low loader. Transformers, generators, wind turbine components, industrial equipment and pharmaceutical machinery fall into the same category. For all these loads the same applies: the dimensions or weight require a special trailer, but the contents cannot tolerate rain, moisture or dust. The curtainsider provides exactly that combination.
What types of curtainsider are available?
1. Sliding curtain (tautliner / curtainsider)
The most widely used curtain variant. The sides consist of sliding PVC curtains that can be fully opened for side loading with a forklift or crane. The roof is fixed or sliding. The curtainsider complies with DIN EN 12642 Code XL for load securing and is standard for palletised goods, machine parts and building materials.
- Advantages: fast side loading and unloading, load accessible from front, rear and top
- Disadvantages: less rigid than a closed box, limited anti-theft protection
- Typical use: machine parts, steel structures, building materials, palletised goods
2. Fixed curtainsider (closed body)
A fully closed body with fixed side walls and a fixed roof. Better protection against weather and theft than sliding curtains. Loading only via the rear (rear doors) or via a lifting device. Less common on special trailers due to the extra weight and higher body height, but ideal for sensitive or high-value cargo.
- Advantages: maximum weather protection, highest security level
- Disadvantages: heavier, higher body height, rear loading only
- Typical use: high-value machinery, electrical equipment, sensitive components
3. Sliding tarpaulin system
A special variant where the entire curtainsider structure - frame, roof and curtains - slides as one unit forward or backward over the loading floor. This allows access to the full loading length without dismantling the curtainsider. Particularly suitable for long or irregularly shaped loads on extendable trailers.
- Advantages: full loading length accessible with open curtainsider, no dismantling required
- Disadvantages: more complex construction, higher purchase cost
- Typical use: long steel structures, pipes, profiles on extendable flat trailers
4. Sliding roof (open roof)
A body with sliding roof panels that can be opened for top loading - for example with a crane. The side walls remain closed. Common for heavy equipment that cannot be loaded from the side or rear but needs to be transported protected.
- Advantages: top loading possible, side walls remain closed for protection
- Disadvantages: more limited accessibility than full sliding curtain
- Typical use: heavy industrial components, turbines, reactor vessels
Which special trailer can a curtainsider be fitted to?
Semi low loader with curtainsider
The semi low loader with curtainsider is the most common combination in this segment. The lowered loading floor behind the gooseneck already provides a lower loading profile than a standard flatbed trailer. Adding a curtainsider creates a configuration that can carry taller, weather-sensitive machinery or structural components while keeping them protected.
- Total height with curtainsider: typically 3.50-4.00 m (depending on loading height and body height)
- Load capacity: 25-40 tonnes depending on number of axles and configuration
- Width extendable to 3.00 m for wider loads
- Brands: Nooteboom, Broshuis, Faymonville, Pacton
Note: the total height (trailer loading height + curtainsider height) must not exceed the legal maximum transport height of 4.00 m. Always calculate this in advance.
Low loader with curtainsider
A low loader (Tiefbett) with curtainsider is a rarer but versatile configuration. The extra recessed well provides the most headroom for tall loads within the maximum transport height of 4.00 m. The curtainsider protects the load from rain and wind - ideal for machinery with electrical or sensitive components that need to be transported on a low loader.
- Loading height of well: approx. 40-65 cm - gives maximum room for curtainsider height
- Suitable for: large machinery with electronic components, industrial equipment
- Brands: Doll, Faymonville, Goldhofer, Nooteboom
Due to the low loading point and tall curtainsider, precise height calculation is essential. Contact us for advice.
Extendable flat trailer with curtainsider
The extendable flat trailer (teletrailer) combined with a sliding curtain or sliding tarpaulin system becomes a versatile transport solution for long, weather-sensitive loads. The curtainsider can slide with the trailer or remain at a fixed length, depending on the construction. Particularly suitable for steel structures, profiles and pipes that need to be transported dry.
- Extendable to 30+ m (depending on model)
- Curtainsider extendable or fixed length
- Load capacity: 25-45 tonnes
- Brands: Broshuis, Nooteboom, ES-GE
Technical specifications
- Frame: steel or aluminium, built onto the existing chassis frame of the trailer
- Tarpaulin: PVC, minimum 650 g/m² for standard use, 900 g/m² for heavy-duty use
- Side wall certification: DIN EN 12642 Code XL for load securing
- Rear closure: rear doors (steel or aluminium) or rear tarpaulin panel
- Options: sliding roof, quick-release system, load securing points in side wall, ADR configuration
- Body weight: 800-2,500 kg depending on configuration and length
When to choose a curtainsider on a special trailer?
A curtainsider on a special trailer is the right choice when:
- ✓The load is too tall for a standard curtainsider trailer but still needs weather protection
- ✓Machinery or equipment is sensitive to weather (rain, wind, dust)
- ✓The load needs to be secured against theft or unauthorised access
- ✓Cross-border transport requires the load to be sealed (customs)
- ✓The load needs to be loaded from both the side and the top
Typical loads: generators, transformers, wind turbine components, industrial machinery with electronics, steel structures, paper rolls, pharmaceutical equipment.
Industries: energy, industry, construction, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, steel industry.
When not?
Is the load fully weatherproof and does it not need protection? Then an open trailer is simpler, lighter and cheaper. A curtainsider adds weight (800-2,500 kg) which reduces payload capacity. For extremely heavy transports where every kilogram of payload counts, an open configuration is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions - Curtainsider on special trailers
Can I have a curtainsider fitted to my existing special trailer?+
What is the difference between a sliding curtain and a fixed curtainsider on a special trailer?+
Can I drive through all European countries with a curtainsider on a special trailer?+
What curtainsider trailers does Xiffix have in stock?+
View our current range of special trailers with curtainsider at Xiffix.nl
View our current range of special trailers with curtainsiderComparison: which combination fits my transport?
| Criterion | Semi low loader + curtainsider | Low loader + curtainsider | Flat trailer + curtainsider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading height (bed/well) | 85-105 cm | 30-65 cm | 115-140 cm |
| Max. internal body height | approx. 2.50-3.00 m | approx. 3.00-3.50 m | approx. 2.00-2.60 m |
| Transporting tall loads | ✓ Suitable | ✓✓ Excellent | ✗ Limited |
| Long loads | ✓ Yes (extendable) | Limited | ✓✓ Excellent |
| Weather protection | ✓✓ Yes | ✓✓ Yes | ✓✓ Yes |
| Side loading | ✓ With sliding curtain | ✓ With sliding curtain | ✓ With sliding curtain |
| Top loading | ✓ With sliding roof | ✓ With sliding roof | ✓ With sliding roof |
| Ideal load | Machinery, equipment | Tall machinery with electronics | Long structures, steel, pipes |
✓✓ Excellent | ✓ Suitable | ✗ Not suitable
Not sure? Contact us - we help you choose the right configuration.