Lambrequins are not just a decorative element for trucks, but an important part of protecting the body from wind loads, dirt and moisture. Properly installed side curtains (or "skirts") reduce fuel consumption by improving aerodynamics, prevent road dust from getting onto the load, and extend the life of the body. However, their fastening requires precision: errors during installation can lead to the blade breaking at speed, damage to the body, or even fines for failure to comply with the dimensions.

In this article we will look at all stages of installation of lambrequins - from the choice of materials and fasteners to final adjustment. We will place special emphasis on trucks with vans, refrigerators and on-board equipment, since each body type has its own nuances. You will also learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the lambrequins “walk” when moving.

The material has been prepared taking into account the current requirements of GOST and the rules for the transportation of goods in 2026, as well as the experience of professional installers. If you plan to install lambrequins yourself, this instruction will help you save on service station services and do everything according to the standards.

1. Types of lambrequins for trucks: which one to choose?

Before fastening, you need to decide on the type of lambrequins. They differ in material, design and method of fixation. Not only the appearance, but also durability, as well as the complexity of installation, depend on the choice.

Main types:

  • 🔹 Fabric (tarpaulin) - the most common, light and inexpensive. Suitable for onboard vehicles and vans. Disadvantage: they fade over time in the sun and require replacement every 2-3 years.
  • 🔹 PVC (vinyl) - durable, waterproof, resistant to UV rays. Ideal for refrigerators and long-distance trucks. Service life - up to 5 years.
  • 🔹 Aluminum (rigid) — used on special equipment and trucks with increased aerodynamic requirements. Expensive, but reliable.
  • 🔹 Mesh — for cargo ventilation (for example, when transporting agricultural products). They do not protect from rain, but prevent windage.

Lambrequins are also divided according to the method of fastening:

  • 🔧 Velcro (Velcro) - quick installation, but unreliable in strong winds.
  • 🔧 With buttons or rivets - semi-permanent mounting, requires drilling of the body.
  • 🔧 On belts with buckles - a universal option for removable structures.
  • 🔧 On magnets — suitable only for metal bodies, they can fly off at high speed.

For most trucks the best choice is PVC lambrequins on belts with buckles or buttons. They combine strength and the ability to quickly dismantle if necessary.

📊 What type of lambrequins do you use?
Fabric
PVC
Aluminum
Mesh
Haven't installed it yet

2. Necessary tools and materials

To attach lambrequins to a truck, prepare the following kit:

Tool/material Purpose Notes
Drill with a set of drills For attaching buttons or rivets Metal drills (∅3–5 mm)
Riveter (rivet gun) Installation of aluminum rivets For rigid mounting
Tin scissors or utility knife Cutting lambrequins to size For PVC - it is better to use a knife with a serrated blade
Tape measure and marker Marking of fastening points It is better to use an alcohol marker - it does not smudge
Silicone sealant Sealing holes after drilling Prevents corrosion

Additionally you may need:

  • 🔨 Clamps — for fixing lambrequins when marking.
  • 🔨 Anti-corrosion primer - if you drill the body.
  • 🔨 Heat shrink tubing - for insulating metal fasteners.
  • 🔨 Construction hair dryer — for heating PVC lambrequins before installation (makes the material more elastic).

If you have refrigerator or a truck with thermally insulating body, avoid drilling - it is better to use fastening with straps or Velcro so as not to break the seal.

💡

Before purchasing lambrequins, measure the height of the body from the threshold to the roof. Standard sizes: 2.4–2.7 m for vans, up to 3 m for tall refrigerators. If the height is non-standard, order lambrequins with extra length (they can be trimmed).

3. Body preparation: marking and drilling

This is the most critical stage. Errors in markings will lead to skewed lambrequins, and incorrect drilling will lead to corrosion of the body. Follow the steps:

  1. Clean the body from dirt and rust at fastening points. Use a wire brush and a degreaser (eg white spirit).
  2. Attach the lambrequins to the body and align to the bottom edge. They should close the gap between the body and the wheels, but not touch the road.
  3. Mark with marker places for fastenings. The standard pitch between buttons or rivets is 30–40 cm. For belts with buckles, 4–6 attachment points per side are sufficient.
  4. Drill holes diameter 0.5 mm smaller than the fastener. For example, for a ∅4 mm rivet, use a ∅3.5 mm drill.
  5. Apply sealant on the edges of the holes and let dry for 10-15 minutes.

For flatbed trucks (for example, GAZon Next, ZIL-5301) fastenings are usually installed on the side frame. For vans (for example, Mercedes Atego, Volvo FH) - on the vertical body pillars.

What to do if the body is thermally insulated?

If the body has sandwich panels (for example, in refrigerators Schmitz Cargobull or Krone), you cannot drill it - this will break the tightness. In this case use:

- Fastening with powerful magnets (at least 50 kgf).

- Belts with buckles, hooked onto existing body elements (loops, hooks).

- Adhesive-based Velcro (for example, 3M VHB), but they require a perfectly clean surface.

Important: if you are drilling the body, after installing the fasteners, machine all holes anticorrosive (for example, ML spray) and cover with heat shrink tubing.

4. Step-by-step instructions for attaching lambrequins

Let's look at a universal installation method using an example PVC lambrequins with button fastening. For other types of fasteners, the steps will be similar with minor adjustments.

Body prepared (cleaned, degreased)

Holes marked and drilled

The sealant was applied and dried

Lambrequins are adjusted to size

Tools at hand (drill, riveter, scissors) -->

Step 1: Attaching buttons or rivets

Install bottom of the button (with thread) into the drilled holes in the body. Secure it on the reverse side with a nut or rivet. For reliability, use washers.

For rivets:

  1. Insert the rivet into the hole.
  2. Secure with a riveter by pulling the rod until it clicks.
  3. Trim off the excess stem with wire cutters.

Step 2: Fixing the lambrequins

Place the lambrequins over the buttons and snap the top part into place. If you use belts with buckles:

  1. Thread the belt through the loop on the pelmet.
  2. Tighten the buckle as far as it will go, but do not overtighten as the material may tear.
  3. Secure the free end of the belt to the body (on a button or hook).

Step 3: Adjust Tension

Lambrequins must be tensioned evenly, without sagging, but not tight - otherwise they may tear when moving. Check:

  • 📏 The distance from lambrequins to wheels is at least 10 cm.
  • 📏 The bottom edge should be parallel to the road.
  • 📏 When opening the van doors, the lambrequins should not interfere.

If lambrequins walking on the go, add additional center mounts or use shock absorbing belts (for example, from HellermanTyton).

💡

The most common mistake is incorrect tension. Too weak results in flapping in the wind, too strong results in tearing of the fabric. The optimal tension is checked as follows: press the lambrequin with your hand - it should spring, but not sag.

5. Features of fastening on different types of trucks

The design of the body dictates the nuances of installation. Let's look at the most common cases.

🚛 Vans and refrigerators

The main problem is tightness. If the body has thermal insulation (for example, Carrier or Thermo King refrigerators), avoid drilling. Optimal options:

  • 🔹 Magnetic mount - Suitable for metal bodies. Use magnets with a force of at least 50 kg (for example, NeoMagnets N52).
  • 🔹 Belts with hooks - Hook onto existing door hinges or van fastenings.
  • 🔹 Adhesive-based Velcro - only for smooth, pre-cleaned surfaces isopropyl alcohol.

🚚 Flatbed trucks (GAZon, ZIL, MAN)

Here the lambrequins are attached to side frame or awning posts. Features:

  • 🔹 If the sides are wooden, use wood screws with anti-corrosion coating.
  • 🔹 Rivets or bolts with nuts are suitable for metal sides.
  • 🔹 On tilt trucks Lambrequins are often attached together with the awning on common hinges.

🛻 Dump trucks and special equipment

For KamAZ, MAZ and other high-slung equipment, lambrequins are needed primarily for protection from dirt. What's important here is:

  • 🔹Use reinforced PVC lambrequins thickness of at least 0.8 mm.
  • 🔹 Fasten not only on the sides, but also front (on the bumper or radiator protection).
  • 🔹 Avoid magnetic mounting - off-road vibrations can knock down the magnets.

For timber trucks and long trucks lambrequins are often made removableso as not to interfere with loading. In this case, belts with quick releases are convenient (for example, fastexes).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes when installing lambrequins. Here are the most critical ones:

⚠️ Attention: If the lambrequins are attached only at the top (for example, with Velcro on the top of the body), when moving they will “sail” like a sail, increasing fuel consumption and creating noise. Always fix them at least 3 points: top, center and bottom.
Error Consequences How to avoid
Drilling without sealant Body corrosion, rust stains Always apply sealant to the edges of holes
Too much tension Tearing of fabric or fastenings at speed Check the tension by hand - there should be slight play
Using weak magnets Lambrequins fly off on bumps Minimum magnet strength - 30 kgf per point
Front or rear mounting only Flapping in the wind, vibration Fix the lambrequins along the entire length of the body
Ignoring dimensions Traffic police fines for being oversized Check that the lambrequins do not increase the width by more than 5 cm on each side

Another typical problem is icing of lambrequins in winter. If they freeze, they lose elasticity and may crack. Solution:

  • 🌡️ Use frost-resistant PVC lambrequins (operate down to −40°C).
  • 🌡️ Process them silicone grease before winter.
  • 🌡️ If there is severe icing, do not try to bend the frozen lambrequin - warm it up with a hairdryer.

Critical error: attaching lambrequins to trucks with air suspension without taking into account changes in ground clearance. When raising/lowering the body, the tension of the lambrequins changes, which can lead to their breakage. The solution is to use elastic straps or telescopic mounts.

7. Care and maintenance of lambrequins

To make lambrequins last longer, follow simple rules:

🧼 Cleaning

  • 🧽 Wash the lambrequins soft brush with car shampoo (for example, Karcher).
  • 🧽 For PVC, avoid aggressive detergents (they destroy the material).
  • 🧽 Dry after washing - moisture can cause mold on fabric lambrequins.

🔧 Current repairs

  • 🧵 Sew small tears nylon thread or seal it PVC glue (for example, Cosmofen).
  • 🔩 Check the fastenings every 5-10 thousand km. Tighten loose buttons or straps.
  • 🎨 Burnt areas can be touched up vinyl paint (for example, Spray.biz).

❄️ Winter operation

  • ❄️ Treat the lambrequins before winter silicone grease - this will prevent freezing.
  • ❄️ If the lambrequins are frozen, do not bend them - warm them with warm air.
  • ❄️ After traveling through reagents, wash off the salt with water - it corrodes fabric and PVC.

Service life of lambrequins:

  • 📅 Fabric — 1–3 years (depending on the intensity of use).
  • 📅 PVC — 3–5 years.
  • 📅 Aluminum — 7+ years (subject to anti-corrosion treatment).
⚠️ Attention: If the lambrequins begin to “slap” at speed, this is a sign that they have stretched or have loosened the fastenings. Do not ignore this signal - on the highway, if there is a gust of wind, the track can completely come off and create an emergency situation.

The installation of lambrequins must comply Traffic rules and Technical regulations of the Customs Union. Basic requirements:

  • 📜 Dimensions: lambrequins should not increase the width of the car by more than 5 cm on each side (clause 23.5 of the traffic rules). Otherwise, an oversize permit will be required.
  • 📜 Color: if the lambrequins cover side lights or reflectors, they need to be duplicated (clause 3.6 of the Technical Regulations).
  • 📜 Fastening: It is unacceptable for lambrequins to interfere with the driver’s view through the mirrors (Section 4.7 of the Traffic Regulations).

Fines for violations:

  • 🚔 For speaking out about size (without permission) - RUB 1,500–2,000 (Part 1 of Article 12.21 of the Administrative Code).
  • 🚔 For closed side lights - 500 rub (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

If you are transporting oversized cargo, lambrequins should be orange or have reflective stripes (GOST R 41.69-99).

For international transport check the requirements of the route countries. For example, in the EU, lambrequins must have reflective markings according to standard ECE R104.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about lambrequins on trucks

❓ Is it possible to attach lambrequins to double-sided tape?

✅ Yes, but only how temporary solution. Double sided tape (eg. 3M VHB) can withstand the load, but in strong winds or rain the lambrequins may come off. For permanent attachment, use snaps, rivets or straps.

❓ Which material is better - PVC or tarpaulin?

✅ PVC stronger, waterproof and lasts longer (3-5 years), but more expensive. Tarpaulin cheaper and lighter, but fades in the sun and requires replacement every 1–2 years. PVC is optimal for long-distance transportation, and tarpaulin is optimal for seasonal transportation.

❓ Do I need to remove lambrequins at the car wash?

✅ Preferably. High pressure washing systems (especially Karcher) may damage the fasteners or tear the material. If removing is inconvenient, wash by hand with a soft brush.

❓ How to attach lambrequins to a truck with an awning?

✅ There are two options:

  1. Fasten the lambrequins directly on the awning (if it is durable, e.g. PVC awning).
  2. Install them on the body under the awning, if the awning is removable.

For awnings use plastic eyelets (rings) so as not to tear the material.

❓ What to do if the lambrequins are torn at the seams?

✅ This means that:

  • Low quality material (often found in cheap canvas lambrequins).
  • Too much tension when fastening.
  • The fasteners are installed unevenly.

Solution: Hem the seams nylon thread or tape it up PVC glue, then adjust the tension.