Most common industries using B-Train Side Curtain Systems:
Building Construction Materials - Lumber /Drywall / Windows / Doors / Trim & Molding
Side Curtain Advantages to Consider:
If you need a temperature control side curtain system, the ALCS bulkhead will accommodate a forward mounted heating unit combined with custom insulated curtains to maintain a consistent temperature in harsh winters. Special attention is required with the critical dimensional gap between the lead & pup to ensure the rear trailer can accommodate such a set up and not hinder the turning radius.
FRONT TENSIONING MECHANISM:
LCS uses only top UK manufactured components. We know the importance of a front tensioner that is quick and easy to operate while delivering the aggressive ratcheting required to apply maximum horizontal side curtain tensioning. Bolt on for easy replacement with grease nipple to ensure your mechanism is always functioning correctly.
REAR FRAMES:
Constructed with a Heavy-Duty 6" Structural Steel Channel Frame and finished in a Hot Dipped Galvanized coating to prevent corrosion with three options available to enclose the rear end of an ALCS Side Curtain System. All our frames are bolted on through the top, side and rear sill and can be removed and replaced if damaged quickly.
TRAILER MODIFICATIONS: ALCS frames typically do not require trailer corner cut outs if your trailer comes with standard pockets & rub rail and if you are going with a forward mount chamfered bulkhead. However on square flush mounted front bulkheads and on some occasions like when a full width 102" trailer side rail exists without exterior pockets and rub rail, trailer cut out modifications are required at the front rear in order to allow the ALCS 6" channel frame to fit. Once the trailer side rail & rear sill are cut & separated LCS provides a H.D. custom fitting combination corner bracket & support gusset that welds and reconnects the rear trailer sill to the side rail. If this is not done correctly you will have long term rear corner trailer and frame stress issue over time.
REAR TENSIONING RELEASE MECHANISM - Optional:
All curtain side systems rear curtain pole is anchored at the rear channel frame and access to the interior trailer from the side is only available once the front tensioner and curtains buckles are released. With the same ALCS ratchet tensioner as the front located at the rear, you can quickly side access the rear side of the trailer interior without disturbing the front.
ALUMINUM SIDE CURTAIN ROOF:
Notice Special Off-Set Roof Support Posts (Read More below)
BREAKAWAY ROOF SUPPORT POSTS:
ALCS uses specifically removable roof support posts that breakaway easily to allow side loading and unloading access to the trailer load. On a 48ft trailer it is recommended to have 4 posts, 2 per each side, while on a 53ft 6 post, 3 per side. Typical posts weigh 22lbs and slip into an upper pocket inside the roof rail and a lower pocket set inside the stake pockets with a 1" hole or slot. It is recommended to only remove one roof post at a time allowing typically 27ft - 32ft clear span opening to load. Failure to follow proper instructions will result into roof failure.
WARNING: By removing more posts then recommended or an entire side the roof can drop as much as 9" and roof support posts will no longer engage easily. Operators will need to call upon a forklift operator to lift the roof up inorder to reinsert the breakaway post and that can only lead to roof damage.
LCS has options available if Rolling Break Post are absolutely required, but beware, by making it easier to remove more posts then necessary your roof damage and system maintenance cost will increase.
Custom Over-Width Roof Support Post are available for Over-Dimensional Veneer Loads most commonly used in West Coast Regions. Posts breakaway same as ALCS standard posts and when in place can increase the width to 110" inside width. Carrier is responsible to know the specific DOT Regulations and if Wide Load Permits are required. Curtains are made special to accommodate the change in width. When post revert back to 102" standard width when the off-set is turned parallel to the deck length.
SIDE CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION:WARNING: Although in some world countries curtain sides are preceived as being load bearing in North America LCS mandates all loads need to be secured in accordance with Federal DOT regulations regardless of the robust structural integrity that a curtain side provides.
(Photo below) All ALCS STD., Curtains come with a horizontal PVC welded reinforcement strap, intersected with a series of vertical tension straps on 24" centers to provide the structural support & van-like smooth wall appearance.
(Photo Below) Optional 2nd & 3rd PVC horizontal straps are commonly added to create a sectional "RIP STOP" for side damage like when tree branches come in contact on narrow roads, in hopes to minimize the length of tear to a curtain. BEWARE! These extra straps do take away from the exterior smooth wall appearance by being more visibly noticed and may not be recommended if promoting corporate advertising over the road. These extra straps in no way sacrifices any structural integrity of the curtains longevity or operation by not being present.
Q: What is the Importance of a Buckle & Strap?
A: It applies the maximum vertical tension to a curtain side wall after the curtain is tensioned horizontally from end to end.
ALCS curtains use only the highest quality tried & tested UK hardware that has proven to stand up to the longevity of the curtain and beyond. With many choices in hardware, the ALCS curtain keeps it simple and functional. Our stainless steel overcenter buckles have the least working parts elliminating spring loaded pinch points that DO NOT stand up to harsh NA weather conditions. Each strap has a polyester 2" wide lower strap with hook that latches under the trailer side rail allowing the buckle to apply maximum tension to the curtain.
CURTAIN ROLLERS:
ALCS Side Curtain uses a sealed ball bearing tapered roller combined with our captive aluminum extruded tapered roof rail & track for an EZ-Glide performance. Don't be fooled in thinking that all curtains roll easily because they don't. Most systems use a flat roller with or without bearings and a flat track rolling surface. These designs tend to make the sliding of a curtain cumbersome over time leaving the operator fighting with the curtains. With an ALCS side curtain, stand at one end and as fast as you can grab the exterior buckles pull the curtain towards you. Don't be surprised if it only takes you 1 minute to gain side access to your load on 32ft / 28ft Lead & Pup set of trailers.
BEWARE: Some curtain system designs have a two-part track that enables the curtain rolling track sections to be replaced once the extrusion wears out with constant rolling of flat rollers. WOW, WHAT A COST THAT IS! With an ALCS Side Curtain, you will never have that problem if your curtains are tensioned taut front and rear, and overcenter buckles tensioned correctly.
Note: Average Graphics Life Expectancy depending on the application is 7 years. Based on your original Capital Investment for an LCS Tarp System & amortized over 84 months, its costing you only $381.00 / month to promote your corporate messaging.
ALCS - HARD TOP / SOFT SIDE CURTAIN SYSTEMS FOR B-TRAIN TRAILERS
Thank you for taking the time to visit our ALCS product pages and to familiarize yourself with a Load Covering Side Curtain System. I trust based on your load requirements you can make an informed decision by better understanding the differences between it and our many models of rolling tarp systems you can compare on our site. Feel free to contact our Load Covering Solutions technical sales experts to learn more about LCS and please continue to browse our indepth website.
ALCS - Alternate Load Covering Solution
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