What Is a Tautliner?
A Tautliner is a term commonly used throughout the UK road transport industry to describe a curtainsider. Strictly speaking, Tautliner was originally the brand name for Boalloy's patented curtainsided body and trailer design, introduced in 1969. Over time, the name became so widely recognised that many operators, drivers and workshops now use ‘Tautliner’ to describe almost any curtainsider, regardless of its manufacturer.
How does a Tautliner work?
A curtainsider uses heavy-duty PVC side curtains suspended from an upper rail. To gain access to the load, the lower buckles or straps are released, the curtain is de-tensioned and then drawn along the upper track. This provides access to much of the vehicle's side for forklift loading and unloading.
Once loading is complete, the curtain is pulled closed, tensioned at the front and rear, and secured along the lower edge. Keeping the curtain taut helps minimise movement while the vehicle is travelling, which is where the name ‘Tautliner’ originated.
Where are Tautliners used?
Curtainsiders are commonly built as:
- Semi-trailers
- Drawbar trailers
- Rigid vehicle bodies
They are widely used throughout general haulage and distribution because they provide rapid side access to palletised and other freight while also retaining conventional rear loading through the rear doors.
Why is the term still used?
Although Tautliner began as a Boalloy product name, it has become part of everyday transport vocabulary. Like some other well-known brand names that become associated with an entire product type, many people now refer to any curtainsider as a Tautliner.
As a result, when operators enquire about replacement Tautliner curtains, they are often referring to replacement curtains for a curtainsided vehicle rather than specifically a Boalloy-built trailer or body.
Frequently asked questions
Is every curtainsider a Tautliner?
No. Tautliner was originally a Boalloy brand name. However, the term is now widely used informally to describe curtainsiders made by many different manufacturers.
Can a Tautliner be loaded from the side?
Yes. Releasing and sliding the side curtain provides access along much of the load bed, making forklift loading and unloading quicker than vehicles that can only be accessed from the rear.
Can replacement Tautliner curtains be supplied?
Yes. Replacement curtains can be manufactured for Boalloy Tautliners as well as for curtainsiders produced by many other vehicle manufacturers, provided the correct dimensions and specification are available.
Was Tautliner originally a Boalloy product?
Yes. Tautliner was introduced by Boalloy in 1969 as the brand name for its patented curtainsided body and trailer design before becoming a widely used generic term within the transport industry.