Follow a packed unit through the side opening
A packed unit's dimensions, mass and handling orientation determine the opening it needs, including anything projecting beyond the pallet. Plot its path with the forklift or other loading method. Stored curtains, posts, catches and fitted equipment all reduce the space available along that path.
On a multi-drop route, the next pallet must stay accessible while the remaining load stays restrained. A drawing of the load after each delivery reveals that sequence. A photograph of the full truck shows only its starting condition.
The KEEYAK curtainsider family provides three body-duty references. Their internal dimensions help with the initial size check; clear openings and floor height still need to be shown for the selected installation.
Internal size and loading access are different measurements
A curtainsider has flexible side curtains that slide along a roofed cargo deck. The catalog ranges below describe internal body dimensions. They do not give the clear gap between posts. To judge whether a pallet or forklift can pass, use a drawing of the selected truck that shows the side aperture, rear doors, floor height and space needed for the opened curtain.
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| Body family | Internal length × width × height | Loading check |
|---|---|---|
| Light duty | 4.2–6.2 m × 2.35–2.45 m × 2.4–2.6 m | Check posts, stored curtains, rear doors and the clear opening separately. |
| Medium duty | 6.8–7.6 m × 2.4–2.48 m × 2.5–2.7 m | Check posts, stored curtains, rear doors and the clear opening separately. |
| Heavy duty | 9.6–13.6 m × 2.45–2.48 m × 2.6–2.8 m | Check posts, stored curtains, rear doors and the clear opening separately. |
Specify which parts restrain the cargo
A body may enclose cargo against weather without providing the required load restraint. The body supplier should identify the securing points, posts, curtains, boards or partitions that carry a restraint role, with their ratings and conditions. Those documents need to cover the intended load and the remaining cargo after delivery stops.
The UK DVSA loading guidance distinguishes these body and restraint arrangements. It is a UK reference. Destination requirements and approval evidence for the supplied body must be confirmed separately.
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| Loading situation | What can go wrong | Item to settle on the drawing or order |
|---|---|---|
| Side forklift loading | A unit fits inside but cannot pass the post opening | Clear aperture and loading-equipment clearance |
| Dense or concentrated cargo | Acceptable total payload hides a local floor problem | Floor and point-load assessment for the actual handling |
| Several delivery drops | Remaining cargo loses effective restraint or blocks access | Loading sequence and restraint arrangement after each drop |
| Restricted receiving yard | Curtains or an alternative body cannot be opened as planned | Space for the complete opening and handling movement |
When a wing van or a box body deserves another look
A wing van is another side-access option where the site has room for its raised panels. On a route dominated by rear docks, a box body's enclosure and handling arrangement may deserve comparison. All proposals need the same cargo and site sketch for that choice to be useful.
The wing van and curtainsider comparison covers the opening systems. Keep this checklist focused on what will be fitted: door arrangement, posts, curtain handling, roof and floor construction, securing equipment and any lifting or access accessories.
Curtains, tracks, rollers, fasteners and restraint fittings need identifiable replacement parts and a practical inspection and service arrangement at the destination. A body-size quote alone can hide these differences between suppliers.
Review completed mass and demonstrate a representative load
Body, tail lift and handling accessories contribute to the completed truck's mass, together with equipment carried in service. The axle assessment needs the intended cargo positions. Neither body volume nor floor strength substitutes for that completed-vehicle calculation.
A representative loading demonstration should use the intended packed units and handling equipment. Opening operation, access and restraint can then be checked against the approved drawing, with exceptions recorded for closure. The pre-delivery inspection guide helps tie the result to the actual vehicle.
Curtainsider purchase questions
Does a curtain secure the load by itself?
Rely on it for restraint only where the supplied body documentation permits that role for the actual cargo and loading condition. Otherwise specify the separate restraint arrangement. Ask for the relevant ratings and conditions before the cargo plan is approved.
Can pallet capacity be calculated from internal floor area?
Area gives an initial estimate, but the finished pattern also needs usable dimensions, access through openings, restraints, obstructions and axle loading. Check a dimensioned loading plan rather than dividing floor area by pallet area alone.
What is missing from a body-only quotation?
Establish whether it includes mounting, subframe, connections, doors or curtains, restraint equipment, final vehicle checks and documentation. If another workshop will install it, assign those responsibilities and confirm the receiving chassis before comparing the price with a complete truck.
Sources and applicability
KEEYAK catalog fields considered in this guide: side aperture, sliding posts, internal dimensions, rated securing points, floor point load, pallet pattern. Confirm the selected chassis, equipment and signed specification. Catalog options are not results from a vehicle test.
Sources checked:
UK guidance distinguishing open bodies, standard curtainsiders and rated structures. UK enforcement conditions are not universal export requirements; destination rules and exact body documentation control.
Sources checked: