Our Trailer Pelmets Explained

Curtainsider trailers, also known as tautliners, are an integral part of the freight and logistics industry. Not only do they give you a streamlined look, but they also help to protect your roller mechanisms and provide a variable solution for many goods requiring transport.

While the curtain-sided design of these trailers is a key feature, the curtain pelmet – black rubber / PVC – lorry pelmet is an often-overlooked component that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and weatherproofing of these vehicles.

What are Curtainsider pelmets?

In the context of a curtain-sided trailer, a pelmet is a protective covering or shield typically placed over the top edge of the curtain to prevent water ingress into the trailer. The PVC pelmet serves as a shield, diverting rain and other elements away from the load. This protective component is essential for securing cargo and ensuring its safe, dry arrival at its destination.

Our pelmet sections help protect curtain-sider trailers and truck roller mechanisms and ensure a watertight seal to the cargo area, keeping transported goods dry.

In addition to ensuring zero water ingress into the load area, our thoughtfully designed pelmet section adds a streamlined, polished look to the finished trailer.

How are our Curtainsider Pelmets Manufactured?

Since the early eighties, we have formulated special blends of tried-and-tested PVC materials.

For over 40 years, we have continually researched and evolved our PVC materials to be suitable and sustainable for today’s ever-changing environment. Consequently, our pelmet materials have exceptionally increased resistance to ozone and chemical attack.

Thus, Abbey Extrusions consistently ensures that its pelmet is popular among truck, trailer, and lorry manufacturers, carriers, shippers, and hauliers.

We can also design and manufacture curtain-sided pelmets in the UK to individual specific requirements. Ultimately, we have created curtain-sided pelmets for most leading trailer manufacturers as replacement parts or as original equipment.

Our standard stock comes in 14-metre lengths in black or white.

Colour matching to suit haulier-specific livery and style is also available.

Where are these Pelmets fitted?

These pelmets are typically fitted on the exterior of the curtain, effectively sealing the gap between the top of the curtain and the trailer’s roof. This design works as a barrier against water, dust, and debris that might otherwise infiltrate the trailer and damage the goods inside.

UK Commercial Vehicle Trailer Manufacturers, our Pelmets can be used with

We have manufactured and produced our pelmet sections for many leading trailer manufacturing companies during the past 40 years; these include:

Collier, Alltruck, Boalloy, Southfield, CVR, Grahams, Baileys, CBF, Drysdale, Robinsons, John Paul, Doughty, Smiths, NTC, Euro Truck, Truck Engineering, Nationwide, Artic Trailers,  Don-Bur, Cargobull, JC Payne, Truck & Trailer, Cartwrights, Lawrence David, Montracon, SDC, Service Metals, Bodywork Solutions, Bodyline, Tiger, Walkers, Moore.

What are the benefits of PVC Pelmets?

While PVC trailer pelmets may seem minor in the grand scheme of the trailer’s structure, we cannot overstate their importance. Here’s why:

Protection Against Weather Conditions

The primary function of a pelmet is to provide a weatherproof seal for the trailer. It shields cargo from rain, snow, and other harsh weather, ensuring goods remain dry and undamaged throughout their journey.

Preventing Cargo Damage

Pelmets reduce the risk of cargo damage by keeping out the elements. This reduction of interior damage is significant when transporting sensitive goods such as electronics, paper products, or food items that could be adversely affected by moisture.

Extending Curtain Life

Pelmets also help extend the curtain's lifespan. By shielding the top edge from direct exposure to the elements, they prevent premature deterioration and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

High-Quality for Durability and Strength

Our curtain-sided trailer pelmets are made from our specially adapted bespoke PVC material,

ensuring vital material strength and tenacity, particularly against ripping and ensuring long-term reliability and durability.

Customisable to Meet Your Requirements

We understand that every business and industry does have specific and unique

requirements. Therefore, we can offer customisable trailer pelmets tailored to

your requirements. Whether you need long lengths supplied in 200ft coils or short distances, we can produce our pelmets to meet your individual needs.

Easy Installation for Improved Efficiency

Our trailer pelmets are easy to install, whatever the length of the trailer, allowing you to improve the

efficiency of your trailer without wasting time and effort. The easy installation process means

you can return to the road quickly, maximising your productivity.

How easy is it to maintain these Curtain pelmets?

Just like any other trailer part, PVC trailer pelmets require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in top condition and function effectively. Here are some tips:

Regular Inspections

Regularly check the pelmet for signs of wear, such as cracks, tears, or areas that pull away from the curtain. Early detection of such issues can prevent more significant problems down the line.

Cleaning

Clean the pelmet regularly to remove dirt, grit, and other debris that can cause deterioration over time.

Replacement

Although pelmets are designed to be robust, they are not meant to last indefinitely. If a pelmet shows significant wear or damage, you must replace it promptly to maintain the protective seal.

Unbeatable Quality, Value and Service

We are committed to providing our customers with the best value and service.

We can offer our unique daily 24-hour turnaround service, generally

used for fast pelmet replacement repairs.

Curtain Sided Lorry Pelmet Dimensions & Sizes

We carry a wide range of curtain sider pelmet material from stock, which generally suits most requirements. However, we can also cater for custom orders. We can also accommodate colour matching to specific livery and corporate branding.

Part Numbers & Product Codes We Can Manufacture

When it comes to these truck parts, we can manufacture them in the following sizes:

• AP1
• AP2
• AP3
• AP4
• AP5
• AP9
• Ap10
• AP12
• AP15
• AP16
• AP17
• AP19
• AP22
• AP23
• AP25

Require a Trade Account?

If you require a trade account, please contact our team, and we can get you set up in our system.

Contact us today

Contact us today to learn more about our pelmets sections and how they can benefit your

business, and improve your fleet of curtain-sided trailers.

Updated Lorry Pelmet Swatches Now Available

Call To Find Out More

01530 416177

Trying to match a new lorry pelmet to your old pelmet section?

The dies below will fit most truck trailers currently in use. Can't find what you're looking for? Send us a sample, and we'll match it for you.

Diagram	PIP Size	Depth	Tolerance
	6.6 - 7.0mm	135mm	±5mm
	6.3 - 6.5mm	135mm	±5mm
	6.6 - 6.9mm	120mm	±5mm
	6.6 - 6.9mm	135mm	±5mm
	7.75 - 8.50mm	124mm	±5mm
	7.75 - 8.25mm	135mm	±5mm
	8.75 - 9.25mm	165mm	±5mm
	8.9 - 9.1mm	165mm	±5mm
	6.7 - 6.9mm	135mm	±5mm
	5.9 - 6.1mm	115mm	±5mm
	9.9 - 10.1mm	90mm	±5mm
	10.75 - 11.25mm	135mm	±5mm
	7.7 - 8.3mm	140mm	±5mm
	6.6 - 7.0mm	165mm	±5mm
	6.7 - 6.9mm	140mm	±5mm