Allvan Curtainsiders

Side Load Solutions

Curtainsiders are versatile, sideload solutions used extensively around the globe. In the US, curtainsides remain niche but are true game changers for fleets adopting them. They maximize driver recruitment and retention, productivity and safety. No BS. We know a fair bit about softsiders because Allvan’s own Bob Brown imported Tautliner designs/parts from the UK in the 70s. Allvan built the very first curtainsider unit in North America, and we are still hard-at-it 50 years later. No one else can say that. If they do, they are fake newsing you.

Interesting, Tell Me More

Why curtainsiders-why today? Flatbeds are dangerous. A flat driver battles heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind while climbing on and off the deck multiple times/day to tarp and untarp. Tarps are heavy; wet or frozen tarps are even worse. Wind and tarps? Hello work comp claims and injuries.

Curtainsiders allow drivers to ALWAYS keep their feet on the ground and only throw straps – not tarps. Eliminating tarps = loads that can be delivered more quickly, more efficiently and more safely. We never tire of helping our customers maximize productivity and ROI.

Curtainsider bodies and trailers are not for every fleet of course, but when they are right – they are very right. Ready to learn more? Read on…

Curtainsider Trailers

We build and upfit any existing third-party flatbed trailer with our curtainsider systems. New or used. This includes flatbed trailers from Great Dane, Wabash, Fontaine, Utility, Clark, Fruehauf, Manac, Hyundai, Dorsey, etc. Please call your trailer guy or call us directly for an Allvan quote.

Curtainsider Bodies

Allvan also builds a ground-up, purpose-designed curtainsider body (bodies include our proprietary base-floor*) and install these on any medium or heavy-duty, single- or double-axle truck chasses. New or used. We mount to any/all: Kenworth, Peterbilt, International / Navistar, Freightliner, Mack, Hino, Ford, etc. Again, need a quote? Just call your truck guy or reach-out to us direct.

*No dispersions here, but not all curtainsider bodies are built the same-regardless of what ‘they’ may try to convince you. A generic freight body base + 3rd party C-side upfit kit is not the same level of robust as our purpose-built solution. Our base-our superstructure. We never skimp. We overbuild. We galvanize. We innovate and evolve. We don’t outsource, we source. Your decision of course, but please know that you don’t need to pay more and settle for less.

A Quick Tutorial + #tarpingsucks

What a Curtainsider Is Not

People often confuse Conestoga / rollback / slider kits with a curtainsider. There are material differences. A sliderkit is a crisscrossed exoskeleton-esque set of small tubes covered with stretched vinyl (sides and roof are vinyl.) All of this sits on wheels in tracks. Visualize an accordion. When the accordian is opened, big sections of the load can be exposed. Sliderkit operators often need to still tarp to keep multiple loads protected. #tarpingsucks Plus, we hear the criss-crossed tubes and tracks are susceptible to load shifts or forklift newbies and even modest damage can = full system inoperability until repaired. If you need load access from above, a sliderkit is your solution today. BTW, it is important to know Allvan is absolutely not anti-rollback kits. They are simply a different piece of equipment serving their niche vs what we build for the niche we serve. Choices are good! Need a Conestoga? We are happy to refer you to our friends at Aero Industries.

What a Curtainsider Is – Overview

A curtainsider, Tautliner or curtain system is typically more dry van-durable with retractable side curtains and a fixed aluminum roof. (Ps – our curtainsiders can have retractable roofs.) Vinyl side curtains are attached to the top rails with rollers, and an operator can open either side curtain fore and aft to quickly access loads. The curtains are secured by retention poles and rachets (front and rear) and by straps and buckles (at bottom.) The aluminum roof is supported by support posts, aka pillars. A curtainsider comes in two flavors: curtainsider trailer (an upfit enhancement to an existing flatbed trailer) and curtainsider body (complete unit – including base/floor- then mounted to a truck chassis.) Same for both is that you have full side- and rear-access to your always protected loads.

- Allvan Fronts and Rears

Allvan fronts and rears can be custom spec built to your needs.* More important is HOW we build these core components. Our baseline spec is galvanized steel + we also use composite panels for front wall and rear doors. HUGE wins for you vs painted steel, wood and even alum upper structures. Galvanized steel is inarguably superior; anything else is a compromise. Not everyone builds/quotes the same, so please call us to discuss if you have questions. *Ex: rear customization can be swing doors, a rollup door, a fixed wall or even a simple vinyl flap. You spec. We build.

- Allvan Roofs

Our fixed aluminum roofs keep your loads covered even when the side curtains are open. Curtainside drivers do not need to tarp. #tarpingsucks Fixed roofs do hinder crane/top loading, but the roof and all the integrated support/connect points is why the expected life of a curtainsider unit is decades. Our roofs are are also supported by sliding roof posts/pillars so these cannot be left behind or fall off deck at speed. Lastly, if you prefer a curtainsider with a retractable roof, please call Dave.

- Attach Points (Allvan's Secret Sauce)

It is evident but worth discussing just the same. A curtainsider is subjected to maximum stresses: up-down, back-front, side-side + there is camber, side winds, road speed and mother nature in general. Even better, these dynamic stresses are all happening concurrently. Without proper connect tech, a curtainsider will not survive said forces for the long term.

Allvan curtainsiders have always been built to last long-term. Ours do not fail because our hand built front and rear ends are attached to a body or trailer base with Allvan voodoo (our voodoo, aka patent,) has since expired but we can also offer 50-yrs of real world results.) Some body companies have just started to offer C-side builds adjust another SKU. They are dabbling. Curtainsider equipment is one of our core competencies. Bottom line: please know that not all curtainsiders are built the same. Enough said.

- Allvan Curtains, Including Replacement Curtains

Allvan builds with high-quality, European vinyl fabric specifically designed for curtainsides. We don’t use the junky stuff. Our vinyl is purposefully thick and has a dynamic cross weave and thread count to not stretch or allow a rip to spread. It is readily heat/RF weld ready since curtains must be built. Plus, it is imbedded with UV protectants to survive mother nature. Need/want curtains loomed using your exact corp. brand pantone (color scheme)? We can and do make that happen.

Building curtains properly requires skilled craftsmen, proven engineering and custom equipment. Allvan has these. Of course we build Allvan side curtains (new or replacement), but we can also build any brand replacement curtains for Utility, Centerline, Sliding Systems, Roland, Morgan, Supreme as well as any of the other C-side competitors who have come and gone over the years. Call us; we are ready to help.

- Allvan Curtainsider Fleet Graphics

Fleet graphics is the single best way for you to advertise and brand. Your trucks and trailers are in front of your customers every single day. With side curtain graphics, you have a fleet of rolling billboards. Allvan has a full-service, in-house fleet graphics team. We design, print*, fabricate, install, and can even ship. We do it all.

Profit Center? Yes, potentially. Many of your supply-side vendor-partners would prefer paying to have their logos on your side curtains as better ROI for their ad/support spends. (Rent them out for set terms and then you can afford new side curtains more frequently. New side curtains keep your fleet fresh-fresh.

*Allvan owns a super unique, large-format printer that only some commercial printers in the US have. It employs Israeli magic and allows us to print full-color graphics on any colored base vinyl. The result is that we have no print constraints whatsoever for Allvan finished side curtains. Our curtains or replacement curtains build for whatever brand unit you have! The machine also applies a UV sealant over printed ink. It is all unique and proprietary to Allvan, and we are glad it is. Please compare specs in your quotes to make sure you are getting what you need.

- ROI

We have always overbuilt Allvan curtain bodies and trailers to last for decades. You are investing in a unit that makes multiple deliveries/day, 5-7 days/wk, 52 wks/year, for 15-20 years. Result: Allvan equipment offers the best CAPX ROI (Return on Investment) in the business. Just like that battery bunny on TV, Allvans keep going… and going… and going!

A special ‘thank you’ to our friends at Great Dane and Bluelinx. Since the actual curtainside tutorial video is too large to imbed on our site, you can also link directly to it here: Allvan Training.