Overview
Like the Series 1400, the Series 1400L-Pad accommodates a wide range of vehicle and door height variations by the means of a full width head curtain, but the Series 1400L-Pad incorporates unique "L" shaped side pads. The bottom leg of the "L" wraps beneath the trailer body, creating additional contact area and closing the gap at the base of the door opening — a location where standard flat side pads frequently leave a vulnerability. The full-width head curtain conforms to the truck, eliminating the gap between the facility and the vehicle body. This separation of interior and exterior environments allows for a safe loading dock area while ensuring employee comfort and efficiency. The structurally supported head curtain is sloped to ensure adequate drainage while being held taut by tension straps at each end.
Features and Benefits
The Series 1400L uses exclusive polyurethane foam that is highly resilient with full memory. The foam is chemically bonded to a pressure-treated, kiln-dried wood frame for maximum structural integrity. Air exhaust vents on each side pad allow air to escape freely during compression while prohibiting moisture infiltration. High-visibility yellow guide stripes on each side pad facilitate accurate truck positioning, with a sloped head cap designed to shed water away from the dock opening. A weight bar and elastic strap tension mechanism maintain the head curtain in proper position against the trailer top. All hardware carries a heavy-duty galvanized or zinc rust-resistant coating. All stitching is performed by professional seamstresses utilizing bonded, high tensile, multi-cord polyester thread, with lockstitch, proper tension, and backtack sewing techniques throughout. Cover fabric options include Dynalon, warranted against the effects of weathering for five years, including sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), water (atmospheric precipitation), cold, and heat.
Optional upgrades include Dyna-Armor Pleats in 4", 8", or 16" exposure for the side pads; front vertical splits with touch-and-hold attachments and pull rope/pulley systems for the head curtain to accommodate a wider range of vehicle heights at the same opening; reinforced face and reinforced inside panels for the side pads; and end face reinforcement for the head curtain. Formed steel back options — painted or galvanized — and non-rot back materials are also available for the side pad frames.
Applications
The Series 1400L is the right choice when a dock needs both the additional base-level coverage of "L"-shaped side pads and the head height flexibility of a full-width curtain. It is particularly well suited for taller door openings, mixed-height fleets, and operations where trucks approach with varying alignments — where a standard flat side pad or a fixed head pad alone would leave part of the perimeter inadequately sealed. Here is where it performs best:
- Taller dock door openings where the head curtain is needed to accommodate vehicles of different roof heights at the same door
- Docks with recurring base-sealing gaps where flat side pads have not fully closed the space beneath the trailer body
- Mixed-fleet distribution centers receiving trailers of varying heights and widths from multiple carriers
- Cold storage and climate-controlled facilities where energy loss at the sides and head of the opening directly affects operating costs
- Food and beverage processing facilities where complete perimeter sealing against air-borne contaminants, pests, and outside air is an operational requirement
- Operations upgrading from a Series 1400 that have added fleet diversity or identified a base sealing gap requiring the L-pad profile
Selection Assistance
The Series 1400L is best suited for docks that need both greater side sealing coverage at the base of the door and head curtain flexibility for varying trailer heights. Before specifying this seal, confirm your door height and width, the typical range of incoming trailer roof heights, bumper projection, and drive approach grade.
It is recommended that the head curtain or side pads be compressed no more than a maximum of 6", nor more than 45% of total projection. A minimum of 4" compression is advised to compensate for vehicles not evenly spotted against the building. Check the heights of incoming carriers at each door to ensure that the head curtain is of proper elevation to accommodate the height range of those vehicles.
Barron Equipment's team of service technicians has been installing dock seals and shelters for over 43 years. Our experts can replace old seals with new ones or install new seals on openings that have not previously had dock seals. Along with installation, our team is experienced with repairing all types of dock seal equipment. Contact us for a recommendation based on your specific door dimensions, fleet, and approach grade.