You’ve probably seen them hundreds of times. A row of buckles running along the bottom of a Curtainsider, opened and closed whenever access to the trailer is needed.
They might be a relatively small part of the trailer, but they’re there for a reason.
Curtain buckles help secure the bottom edge of the curtain and keep it properly tensioned, forming part of the trailer’s overall curtain securing system.
Look a little closer, though, and you’ll notice something else.
Not all curtain buckles are the same.
What are Curtainsider curtain buckles?
Curtain buckles are positioned along the bottom edge of a Curtainsider’s curtain, connecting the curtain straps to the trailer.
When secured, they help hold the bottom edge of the curtain in position and maintain the correct tension.
It’s one of those trailer components that can easily go unnoticed. Drivers and operators may use them regularly without giving much thought to why they’re there.
Their job is relatively straightforward, but important: help keep the curtain secured and properly tensioned.
Why does curtain tension matter?
A Curtainsider needs its curtain to be correctly secured.
The buckles positioned along the bottom edge contribute to this by maintaining tension and forming part of the wider system used to secure the curtain to the trailer.
Rather than thinking about an individual buckle in isolation, look at the complete row. Each buckle contributes to securing the curtain along the length of the trailer.
That explains why something relatively small appears repeatedly along both sides of a Curtainsider.
Are all Curtainsider buckles the same?
No.
Depending on the trailer specification, different types of curtain buckle can be used.
Some of the types you might come across include:
- Overcentre
- Euro Buckle
- Positive Lock
- Ancra Type
- Heavy Duty Positive Lock
Although they perform a similar overall role within the curtain securing system, the designs themselves are noticeably different.
Why are there different types of curtain buckle?
There isn’t necessarily one curtain buckle specification that is right for every Curtainsider.
Different operations and trailer specifications can call for different securing solutions.
It’s a good example of how detailed a commercial trailer specification can become. The larger elements of a trailer naturally receive plenty of attention, but there are decisions to make right down to components that might initially appear relatively minor.
The important question isn’t necessarily “Which buckle is best?”
It’s “Which option is right for the trailer being specified?”
Small components are still part of the specification
Running gear, flooring, body specification and load requirements are likely to be some of the bigger considerations when choosing a Curtainsider.
Smaller components shouldn’t necessarily be overlooked.
Curtain buckles are something drivers can interact with regularly, and they perform a specific role every time the curtain is secured.
Knowing what these components do also gives fleet operators a better understanding of the details that can be considered when specifying new trailers.
Next time you see that row of buckles running along the bottom of a Curtainsider, you’ll know exactly why they’re there.
Looking for new Curtainsider trailers? Speak to our team about your operation and the specification you need.
