Rigid Curtainsiders are rigid body structures fitted to 7.5–32 tonne chassis cabs, providing full side and rear loading access. They are widely used in secondary distribution, multi-drop work and mixed delivery environments where fast ground-level access improves efficiency.
The design combines the structural integrity of a rigid body with the flexibility of sliding side curtains. Full side access supports forklift loading and rapid pallet handling, while rear access accommodates loading bays or tail-lifts. Specifications can prioritise durability, reduced weight, lower noise output, aerodynamics or sector-specific requirements.
Typical applications
- Urban and regional distribution
- Multi-drop palletised freight
- Operations requiring frequent side access
- Mixed loading via bays, forklifts or tail-lifts
Core Construction Features
Rigid Curtainsiders are engineered for structural integrity, service life and ease of maintenance in daily distribution use. Construction methods and corrosion protection are selected to support varied duty cycles and road conditions.
- All-bolted construction for serviceability and repair
- Extensive galvanisation to improve corrosion resistance
- Heavy-duty subframes to suit higher duty cycles
Lightweight and Low-Noise Options
Material selection and component specification can reduce unladen weight and operating noise. Lower body weight can increase available payload, while noise-reducing features support early morning, late night or urban delivery operations.
Lightweight options
- Aluminium crossbearers
- Aluminium side raves
- Aluminium plank flooring
- PVC roof
- Lightweight shutters or doors
Low-noise options
- Pneumatic roller shutter
- Low-noise flooring
- Noise-insulated bodywork
- PIEK-certified tail-lifts
Aerodynamic Options
Aerodynamic refinements can reduce fuel consumption and support lower whole-life operating costs, particularly on higher mileage routes.
- Teardrop bodywork profiles
- Side skirt options
- Cab top deflectors matched to the vehicle
Brewery and Drinks Distribution
Specialist configurations are available for brewery and drinks distribution, where higher payload density, manual handling and frequent stops place additional demands on the body structure.
- Low floor height for easier handling
- CO2 bottle racks
- Plank stowage and sack truck provision
- Integrated load restraint systems
- Heavy-duty sacrificial flooring
EN 12642-XL Load Containment
EN 12642-XL is a European whole-body load containment standard applying to the complete body structure. When specified, the body provides a recognised method of load containment accepted by the DVSA.
Loads must remain positive-fit and correctly restrained in accordance with operator procedures and current load securing guidance.
360 Viewer
Take a virtual walk around an example Rigid Curtainsider in our 360 panoramic viewer.
Scene menu buttons on the left of the viewer window allow you to navigate around the trailer to look at specific features.
Example shown is a brewery specification with specialist load restraint and CO2 racks.
What our customers say
Don-Bur was a reassuring choice to provide a solution to our operational challenges. The new rigids are bespoke to our operations and the quality of the builds meet our exacting standards.
We've developed our highly bespoke brewery vehicle specification over many years in close partnership with Don-Bur, DAF and our contract hire providers. Their shared experience and sector knowledge have been instrumental in delivering a fleet tailored to our unique operational needs.
Image gallery
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National Grid Teardrop -
Curtainsider Rigid Side Nets -
Ryder Greene King London Glory -
Grundon Rigid Curtainsider -
Marstons Rigid Curtainsider -
Slide-a-side Rigid Open -
Greene King East Coast Rigid Body -
Curtainsider Rigid Joseph Holt -
Pedro Petfoods 32t Rigid Curtainsider -
Slide-a-side Rigid Bodywork -
Curtainsided Rigid Buckleless -
Hobgoblin Curtainsider Rigid Teardrop -
Carlsberg Rigid Curtainsider -
Tradeteam Rigid Curtainsider -
Wickes Curtainsider Rigid Bodywork -
Curtainsider Rigid DAF -
Aerodynamic Side Skirts Rigid -
Curtainsider Rigid 26t -
Curtainsider Rigid 7.2t -
Curtain Rigid -
Curtainsider Rigid Pedigree
