The LoadFix Full Canopy Bungee System is designed for loads that cannot be effectively restrained using individual straps alone. Using the standard Sapphire LoadFix suspension system, a continuous canopy is pulled down over the entire payload before being tensioned between the side raves, providing continuous downward restraint across the complete load.
Sapphire manufactures the complete system in the UK. The full canopy assembly is EN 12195-2 rated and, when used appropriately, provides a DVSA-recognised rave-to-rave load restraint solution for curtainsider vehicles.
Designed for difficult loads
Individual restraint straps are highly effective for many palletised products, but some loads naturally change shape or settle during transport. Mixed loads can also present a challenge because a single restraint solution may not adequately control every product carried on the vehicle.
The Full Canopy system is intended for loads that are prone to movement or deformation during transit. Typical examples include bagged aggregates, bagged concrete products and mixed consignments where different products require continuous restraint across the entire payload.
Unlike individual restraint straps, the continuous canopy envelopes the load, helping to prevent movement across its full width and length while maintaining downward restraint as the load settles.
Continuous PVC or mesh canopy
The canopy is manufactured as one continuous cover and is available in either PVC or mesh, depending on the application. The required canopy width is determined by the approximate height of the intended load, while its length is designed to suit the vehicle. A typical 13.6m curtainsider would use a canopy approximately 13.5m long.
The canopy connects to standard 50mm EN 12195-2 restraint straps along each side, allowing the complete assembly to be tensioned between the side raves using conventional ratchet mechanisms.
Restraint across the entire payload
Unlike wide restraint straps, which protect individual areas of sensitive products, the Full Canopy version provides continuous contact across the entire payload area. This helps restrain loads with uneven heights, mixed products or items that may change shape during transport.
The continuous cover also helps prevent smaller products from moving between individual restraint positions while providing additional lateral containment alongside its primary downward restraint function.
Operation
The canopy uses the same suspended LoadFix operating principle as the standard and Wide-Strap systems. The operator progressively pulls each section of the continuous cover down over successive portions of the load before tensioning the associated restraint straps. This process continues until the entire payload has been enclosed beneath the canopy.
Several roof-mounted bungee assemblies support the weight of the canopy. Once released, the complete cover retracts into the dead roof space, remaining clear of the loading area until required again. Although some natural sagging occurs because of the size of the canopy, it does not significantly affect loading access.
Vehicle compatibility
The Full Canopy system can be specified for most curtainsider trailers and rigid bodywork, including double-deck vehicles. It is generally unsuitable for tilt bodies because of their different structural design.
The system can be installed on new vehicles or retrofitted to suitable existing trailers following an assessment of the roof structure and its suitability for the roof-mounted tracks and supporting assemblies.
EN 12195-2 compliance
The complete restraint assembly, including the canopy, is designed and rated in accordance with EN 12195-2. Each restraint strap assembly is individually labelled by Sapphire, with the overall restraint performance determined by the lowest-rated component within the complete assembly.
Each tensioned strap section typically provides a lashing capacity of 2 tonnes. The canopy itself does not require separate identification because it forms part of the complete rated restraint assembly.
