What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Curtain Side Semi Trailer

Benjamin

Jun. 05, 2025

3 Benefits of Curtain Side Trailer

For certain loads, no conventional semi-trailer beats the open access of a flatbed. However, the bad news about flatbeds can be expressed in two words: the tarp. Many flatbed loads require tarping for protection from the elements as well as security. Any driver who regularly manhandles tarps can tell you about heaving a 65 to 100-pound canvas cover over a load, adjusting its position, tucking in corners, and tying it all down neatly with straps and bungies. This painstaking, arduous process adds at least an hour to the driver’s schedule at every pick-up. In bad weather, it can be hazardous work as well.

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The curtain side trailer combine the advantages of a flatbed with the covering and containment benefits of an enclosed trailer. Consisting of durable yet flexible PVC-coated vinyl side curtains which can be retracted from either the front or rear of the trailer, and van-style swinging rear doors, a curtainside totally encloses the load for weatherproof protection and security. First developed in Europe where back-in loading docks are a rarity, curtainsides in North America now haul loads that run the gamut from expensive automobiles, to raw lumber, to delicate manufacturing components.

Three standout benefits of the curtain side trailer include:

Speedy load and unload. Once the curtains are pulled back, the trailer can be accessed from both sides as well as the rear door by multiple forklifts simultaneously. Drivers are in and out and back on the road quickly.
Simplified partial deliveries. The limitations of “first on/last off” loading are a thing of the past. Independent access to all parts of a load at any point along a route means multiple drop loads are easily doable from a single trailer.
No tarp required. While federal regulations require cargo inside curtainsides to be tied down, most loads can be quickly and conveniently secured with straps. Drivers devote time to driving, not struggling with a tarp, and experience a safer work environment as well.

To see several of the different options of curtainside trailers that we cary please view the Curtain Side Trailer Products page or click the link below to get more information specific to your needs.

Conestoga vs Curtainside Semi-Trailer

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.

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.

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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.

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

Are you interested in learning more about Curtain Side Semi Trailer(pt,es,vi)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!