Curtain side vehicles are one of the most versatile commercial vehicle conversions available, providing quick and convenient access to cargo from both sides of the vehicle while maintaining excellent protection for goods in transit. Ideal for logistics, palletised freight, distribution, manufacturing, and event support industries, curtain side conversions offer the flexibility businesses need to maximise efficiency.
At Van Guru, we design and manufacture bespoke curtain side van conversions tailored to your operational requirements. From standard curtain side bodies to specialist hybrid designs incorporating Luton sections and tail lifts, we can provide a solution that perfectly suits your fleet.
What is a Curtain Side Vehicle?
A curtain side vehicle features a rigid body structure with sliding side curtains that can be quickly opened to provide full side access to the load area. This allows faster loading and unloading compared to traditional panel vans while offering protection from the weather and improved load security.
Curtain side bodies are particularly popular for transporting palletised goods, building products, retail stock, exhibition equipment, and other large or bulky loads.
Standard Curtain Side Conversions
Our standard curtain side conversions provide excellent accessibility and load protection, making them ideal for businesses that require frequent loading and unloading operations.
Benefits of a Standard Curtain Side
- Full side access for loading and unloading
- Faster turnaround times
- Excellent load security
- Weather protection for transported goods
- Suitable for forklift loading from either side
- Maximised load volume
Typical Applications
- Logistics and distribution
- Palletised freight transport
- Retail deliveries
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Event and exhibition logistics
Curtain Side Conversions Without Tail Lifts
For businesses operating from loading bays or using forklifts at both collection and delivery points, a curtain side body without a tail lift can be the ideal solution.
Benefits:
- Increased payload capacity
- Reduced vehicle weight
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Lower initial investment costs
- Simplified vehicle operation
This configuration is commonly used by transport operators moving palletised goods between warehouses and distribution centres.
Curtain Side Conversions with Tail Lifts
Adding a tail lift to a curtain side vehicle provides greater loading flexibility and allows operators to handle goods where loading facilities may not be available.
Benefits of a Tail Lift Curtain Side:
- Easy loading and unloading of palletised freight
- Reduced manual handling
- Greater delivery flexibility
- Improved workplace safety
- Increased operational efficiency
Tail Lift Options
We can supply and install various tail lift systems depending on vehicle specification and operational requirements, including:
- Column tail lifts
- Cantilever tail lifts
- Heavy-duty pallet loading platforms
Curtain side vehicles fitted with tail lifts are particularly popular with multi-drop delivery operators and logistics providers.
Half Curtain Side and Half Luton Conversions
For businesses requiring maximum load volume combined with side-loading accessibility, a hybrid curtain side and Luton conversion offers the best of both worlds.
This design incorporates a Luton pod above the cab to increase load capacity while retaining the practical side-loading advantages of a curtain side body.
Benefits of a Half Curtain, Half Luton Conversion:
- Increased cubic load volume
- Full side-loading access
- Ideal for bulky but lightweight goods
- Improved operational flexibility
- Suitable for removals, exhibitions, and specialist logistics
This configuration is often chosen by businesses transporting high-volume loads that require rapid access during loading and unloading.
Rear Door Options
The rear of a curtain side vehicle can be configured to suit your loading requirements.
Barn Doors
Barn doors provide traditional hinged rear access and are a popular option for businesses requiring simple, durable operation.
Benefits:
- Robust and reliable design
- Full-width rear access
- Cost-effective solution
- Suitable for a wide range of industries
Roller Shutter Doors
Roller shutters offer a modern and convenient loading solution, particularly for urban delivery operations and multi-drop routes.
Benefits:
- Quick and easy operation
- No door swing clearance required
- Enhanced security
- Ideal for restricted loading areas
- Reduced risk of accidental damage
Our team can advise on the most suitable rear door configuration based on your loading environment and operational requirements.
Additional Curtain Side Conversion Options
Every curtain side conversion can be customised with a range of optional features and equipment.
Available Options:
- Internal load restraint systems
- Cargo tracking rails
- Load securing straps
- Side curtain branding
- LED interior lighting
- Reversing cameras
- Parking sensors
- Tail lift integration
- Fleet graphics and livery
- Anti-slip flooring
Why Choose Our Curtain Side Conversions?
Our curtain side conversions are designed to deliver durability, flexibility, and maximum operational efficiency. We work closely with every customer to create a vehicle that meets the exact demands of their business, whether that involves pallet transport, logistics distribution, event support, or specialist freight operations.
From standard curtain side bodies and tail lift-equipped vehicles to hybrid curtain side Luton conversions, our experienced team can provide a bespoke solution built to enhance your fleet and improve productivity.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how a professionally designed curtain side conversion can benefit your business.