Conestoga vs Curtainside Semi-Trailer

Welcome back to our series on how to purchase the ideal flatbed trailer. In today’s discussion, we will examine the distinctions between a Curtainside and a Conestoga Flatbed Trailer. Both options effectively shield your cargo from severe weather, making them safer and easier to use than the traditional method of manually tarping your load from above.

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Curtainside and Conestoga trailers are both categorized as flatbeds. So what sets these two apart?

We will delve into their similarities and differences, addressing fundamental questions such as:

• What distinguishes a curtainside from a flatbed trailer?
• What exactly is a Conestoga flatbed trailer?
• What purposes do curtainside trailers serve?
• What is a roll-top trailer?

Curtainside Trailer

A curtainside trailer, also known as a curtain van, merges the features of a dry van and a flatbed trailer. It loads like a flatbed while offering protection akin to a van, featuring a ceiling, front wall, and rear doors. The sides are open for easy loading, while the rear swing doors permit dock loading, much like a typical dry van.

Curtains hang from the roof on either side of the trailer, easily sliding open and closed to create an enclosed space. Notably, the frame remains stationary, ruling out the possibility of top loading.

Curtainside trailers are an excellent choice for loads requiring additional protection or when side loading proves more efficient. They are also advantageous for deliveries with multiple stops.

• These trailers feature rear doors similar to those found on dry vans.
• Typically include a roof support system, side and center supports, along with a rear door frame.
• They can be retrofitted to any flatbed, though this requires more modifications compared to a Conestoga kit.
• This configuration tends to be heavier than the Conestoga setup, given the inclusion of a roof, frame system, front bulkhead, and rear door.
• They provide flexibility for side loading or rear loading.

Conestoga Kit

A Conestoga trailer, or roll-top trailer, employs a sliding tarp system where the entire setup (including the tarp roof) shifts from the rear to the front or vice versa. This accordion-like mechanism optimizes loading capabilities, allowing for rear, front, side, or even top loading if needed.

The tarp system features a roll-up tarp door, rear supports, and a fixed front bulkhead. Conestoga Trailer Kits can be retrofitted onto any flatbed trailer.

It’s important to note that due to the various moving parts in Conestoga Kits, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal function.

Pros:

• Increased flexibility in loading options.
• Kits can easily retrofit onto any flatbed trailer.

Cons:

• The accordion design may lead to mechanical issues.
• The frame demands regular maintenance due to its moving components.
• Loading capacity is confined to the interior width of your tarp system.

The Conestoga Kit can be highly efficient if maintained well. Ensuring it undergoes regular servicing is crucial.

Available options on a Conestoga Kit:

• A man door for enhanced accessibility
• Grab handles for increased safety
• Steps
• Front bulkhead clearance lights
• Interior lights for better visibility
• Translucent roof
• Skylights

Ultimately, both Curtainside and Conestoga trailers offer safer alternatives to manually tarping flatbed loads. Traditional tarping methods can be labor-intensive and risky, placing drivers at an elevated risk when climbing on and off loads.

Utility Keystone is dedicated to finding the best solutions to meet your hauling needs.

If you seek more information about side curtain trailers, please feel free to reach out to us. We are ready to provide professional insights.

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