The curtainsider design offers a very efficient means of loading and unloading a truck, especially compared to units with rigid sides that do not deliver nearly as much convenience for situations which require repeated access to the body of the vehicle. And Mercedes-Benz builds some of the best trucks for curtainside use in the business, with a range of operating weights and cab configurations available second-hand. From compact curtainsiders built on the Sprinter platform to full tri-axle trucks with 28ft bodies, this manufacturer has many requirements covered with its range. And since used models make acquiring one of these versatile vehicles more affordable, it is worth examining the models for sale.
Starting out at 18 tonnes, the outgoing Axor and new Antos range of trucks from Mercedes-Benz features curtainsider models which are designed for reliable, productive distribution in a range of environments. Newer models are equipped with Euro VI compliant engines which enable improved fuel consumption figures compared with rival units. Even the cabs, which are explicitly designed to be compact and aerodynamic, offer good levels of driver comfort and visibility. And the safety features are particularly impressive, with the latest versions offering the option to add things such as automatic braking to the mix. Of course, even older variants of this truck and the other ranges offered by Mercedes-Benz feature technologies which were ahead of their time, so buying second-hand does not mean you have to make compromises.
Typical Used Mercedes Atego Curtainsider
The Atego range comes with a number of curtainsider bodies attached, with day cabs offering excellent features to keep drivers content while handing distribution through urban streets or on longer trips. Sleeper cabs are even included as part of certain used units, which may be a feature that buyers seek to help increase the range of their fleet. Other Mercedes-Benz curtainsider trucks to look out for include the Axor and the newer Actros.
Buying a used Mercedes Curtainsider
When buying a truck with a curtainsider body, there are several things to consider, especially if you are looking at second-hand Mercedes-Benz units, which may be reliable but should nevertheless be subjected to scrutiny before a purchase is completed. Establishing the type of curtainsider body that is present is important, as you not only need to work out the length, weight and maximum load capacity of a given vehicle, but also what the load space consists of behind the curtain. Some models are multi-purpose and feature a standard flatbed configuration, while others may offer internal structures to support and secure loads to make transporting them safe and simple. It is also possible to procure curtainsiders with refrigerator units affixed at the rear, making them suited to a more specialised style of deployment involving perishables.
Mercedes-Benz has a good track record in terms of reliability, and most of its trucks should be simple to maintain when necessary. But working out whether any significant servicing costs are just around the corner before you buy a used unit is a good idea. And checking obvious elements for wear and tear, such as the brakes and tyres, will let you invest in a curtainsider with all the information you need to be confident in it.
