Question:
What/s the differance between a van and curtain side trailers?
I know the obvious, one has hard sides and the other has curtains, what else?
Thank you,
Bigjeff

Answer:
Curtain side can haul flatbed type loads such as drywall or lumber. Load doesn't have to be tarped. Offload/onload from the sides or thru the doors like a van. A van can only be loaded thru the rear doors, usually from a dock. BOL

Answer:

Unless you have a side door moving van with side doors in addition to the rear doors.
A van may need a washout depending on the type of freight you haul, or good 'ol elbow grease and a broom. Both will need load securement equipment such as tie down straps, load locks, decking (plywood for a van). Tarp repair kit will come in handy for a curtain side van, caulking for a van (for those little repairs).

Answer:
[quote="Retread (Rose)"]
Question? Where do you put load locks on a curtain side?
It's a flatbed with a movable tarping system is all it is........
Answer:
Your load must be secured as if it was on a flatbed -- which it basically is. The curtain system is just a more permanent tarp.

Answer:
The loadlocks were for the van trailer.

Answer:
A curtainside load doesnt necessarily need to be strapped. There are center poles that keep the roof from sagging. If the load fits well between the center poles and outer poles, the poles and curtains are enough to keep the load in the trailer and from shifting. Once the curtain is tight and all buckles are buckled, its amazingly secure.
The drawbacks of pulling a curtainside is that the curtain latching/tightening system is always bent, broken or out of adjustment and very seldom will you pull one that isnt ripped. The trailer frames arent built as strong as a flat, they twist really easy if loaded heavy on one side. It can also be dangerous for the uninitiated when pulling the side poles out. Ive seen a number of new drivers get their noggin dented by a pole.

Answer:
That curtain side is considered a "tarped deck' and your load better be secured under new regs. Even loose chains are considered an insecure load.
Be Safe