Volvo curtainsiders cut an imposing and impressive figure on the road. They are built sturdily by a company that knows all about making vehicles that can stand the test of time.
Volvo curtainsiders cut an imposing and impressive figure on the road. They are built sturdily by a company that knows all about making vehicles that can stand the test of time. And so anyone looking for a used truck of this type will come across a lot of appealing options from this Swedish firm.
A curtainsider body is best suited to making delivery runs, collecting goods and ensuring that a distribution route can be covered efficiently. This is thanks to the variety of access options that the curtainsider set-up affords drivers. And of course, when the need to cover greater distances arises, there are Volvo models that are equally capable of coping with long-haul trips in a practical and productive manner.
Because there are usually quite a number of used Volvo curtainsiders to consider, you will need to narrow your search to models that are both in a good state of repair and also sufficient for your needs.
Size is important, and Volvo curtainsiders start at 18 tonnes, with larger 26-tonne models and even drawbar variants with 44-tonne operating weights available.
The Volvo FL and its successor, the FE, come in at the lighter end of the spectrum, offering bodies measuring up to 28 feet and coming equipped with the usual features you would expect from this type of truck.
These include tail lifts, air suspension and efficient engines. Because engine specifications in particular can vary from model to model, look to see the Euro rating that each has achieved to determine how fuel consumption will impact your bottom line.
The body of a curtainsider can vary in length, which clearly impacts how much space is available within. You will also need to look at the type of doors that Volvo has installed at the rear, since barn or roller doors are specified by certain buyers, and this may be an element that is important to your own decision-making process.
Opting for a newer Volvo curtainsider will grant you access to additional benefits, even if a second-hand model is still in your sights at this point. This includes things such as the latest Euro V engines and a range of driver aids, including digital tachometer, cruise control, auto gearbox and more depending on the model. Sleeper cabs are generally large and well equipped, with many units featuring sun visors to keep the rays out of the driver's eyes, along with additional conveniences such as heated electric mirrors, CD player and so on.
Volvo drivers tend to come back to the same manufacturer for subsequent purchases because of the reliability and value for money that the brand represents. But when buying used, you still need to approach any purchase with caution. Curtainsiders that have been tested and maintained at the correct intervals while also exhibiting no obvious signs of mistreatment can be excellent choices for any operator. And if a second-hand example has tread left on the tyres and life left in the engine, then it can go to work immediately.