Wear bands are additional strips of PVC material that are HF bonded to the inside of a PVC HGV curtain. Their purpose is to protect the main curtain material from repeated rubbing against components within the vehicle body.
They are positioned wherever regular contact is expected, helping to extend curtain life by reducing abrasion in high-wear areas.
Why are wear bands needed?
Commercial vehicle bodywork naturally flexes during normal operation. Components such as side pillars, secondary decks, specialist load restraint equipment and side raves can move slightly against the inside of the curtain, creating friction over time.
Without additional protection, this repeated abrasion can eventually wear through the curtain material, potentially causing fraying, holes, water ingress or allowing part of the load to protrude from the curtain.
Where are wear bands fitted?
Wear bands are fitted on the inside of the curtain in positions that correspond with components likely to create wear. Their exact size and location vary according to the body specification and the equipment fitted to the vehicle.
They are commonly specified for:
- Curtainsiders with side pillars.
- Double deck trailers and rigid bodies.
- Vehicles fitted with specialist internal load restraint systems.
- Applications where regular contact with the side rave or other internal components is expected.
When are they specified?
Wear bands are not normally fitted as standard. They are typically discussed during the curtain specification stage so that reinforcement can be added wherever the vehicle design is expected to create wear points.
Limitations
Wear bands are intended to reduce abrasion rather than eliminate it completely. Incorrect loading, damaged body components or sharp objects can still damage a curtain despite the presence of wear bands.
What is a wear band on an HGV curtain?
A wear band is an additional strip of PVC material that is HF bonded to the inside of a PVC curtain to protect the main curtain from abrasion caused by internal vehicle components.
Where are wear bands fitted?
They are fitted on the inside of the curtain wherever repeated contact is expected, such as adjacent to side pillars, secondary decks, specialist load restraint equipment or side raves.
Are wear bands fitted to every curtain?
No. They are not normally standard equipment and are usually specified where the vehicle design is likely to create regular wear points.
What are wear bands made from?
They are typically manufactured from PVC and HF bonded to the curtain to provide a durable protective layer.
Can wear bands prevent all curtain damage?
No. They reduce abrasion caused by normal contact but cannot prevent damage caused by incorrect loading, sharp objects or poorly adjusted vehicle components.
