Most common industries electing to use Side Curtain Systems:
Side Curtain Advantages to Consider:
ALCS offers a square flat front bulkhead sitting flush to the back side of the GN vertical neck. Trailer corner notched cut out modifications are required to allow the ALCS bulkhead to sit flush to the floor and not exceed the 102" legal width. ALCS bulkheads are constructed with a Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, finished in a Hot Dipped Galvanized corrasion protective coating with a 1" FRP Insert Panel available standard in white or black gelcoat. All bulkheads are preferably bolted on for easy replacement if damaged, however based on trailer design bulkheads may need to be welded on.
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.
Two Other Rear Enclosure Options Not Shown are a Solid FRP Bulkhead or a Crank-Up Vinyl Flap.
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 Add On rear ratchet tensioner similar to the front, the operator can quickly gain access to the side starting from the rear, without disturbing the front locks or all side buckles. Great Option and Huge Time Saver!
TRANSLUCENT SIDE CURTAIN ROOF:
ALCS offers a white translucent roof construction in lieu of the traditional aluminum roof with our STD aluminum 1" arched I-Beam roof bows spaced on 24" centers & ALCS captive combined side rail and roller track. As well, additional roof bows are installed as required and spaced at 16" centers in the 1st 8ft of the front and the last 4ft of the rear to provide additional support where air turbulence is more concentrated.
Q: What is the Advantage?
A: Illuminates the truck bodies interior, eliminating interior lights & reduces interior curtain damage while loading from the rear doors. Its more robust reducing roof skin damage from overhead trees, doors or flying debris. For the minimal extra cost, consider it on your next ALCS Straight Flatbed Gooseneck System.
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 GN trailers it is recommended to have 1 post per each side for 30ft and under while its recommended to have 2 per side for 32ft to 45ft. 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 in order 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.
ALCS Side Curtains are design & engineered from world leading PVC tension fabric at a weight of 26.5 oz. per sq. yd. Tried & tested these fabrics have proven over decades to hold up in every world weather condition known. Its 2x2 Panama woven interior scrim with a 60/40 PVC coating & high gloss exterior urethane appearance provides structural tension while traveling open highways at high speeds. ALCS Combination hot air & dielectric fully welded construction ensures structural strength, integrity and durability.
WARNING: Although in some world countries curtain sides are perceived 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 above) 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 above) 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. By not adding these straps in no way sacrifices any structural integrity of the curtains.
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 less then 1 minute to gain side access to your load on a 30ft truck body ALCS Side Curtain System.
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. With an ALCS Side Curtain, you will never have that problem.
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 $309.00 / month to promote your corporate messaging.
ALCS - HARD TOP / SOFT SIDE CURTAIN SYSTEMS FOR STRAIGHT FLATDECK GOOSENECK TRAILERS
Thank you for taking the time to visit our ALCS product pages and to familarize 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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