For any professional who operates a dump truck or an agricultural trailer, covering your load isn’t just a good idea; it’s a matter of safety, legal compliance, and professionalism. A properly secured tarp protects your payload from the elements, prevents debris from flying out on the highway, and is often required by law.
But as any experienced operator knows, wrestling with a heavy, manual tarp on a windy or rainy day is a slow, frustrating, and often dangerous task. This is where a modern, automated system becomes an essential investment in your business’s safety and efficiency. Choosing the right tarp systems is a key decision that will pay you back in time and peace of mind every single day.
To make the right choice for your truck and your business, you need to consider a few key factors that go beyond just the price tag.
1- Match the System Type to Your Trailer
The first and most important consideration is the style of your truck or trailer body, as this will dictate the type of tarp system you need.
- Front-to-Back Systems: Often called “flip tarps” or “arm tarps,” these are the most common systems for standard dump bodies. They use a set of pivoting arms, mounted at the front of the truck bed, to swing the tarp up and over the load, from the cab to the tailgate.
- Side-Roll Systems: These are the standard for agricultural and grain trailers. As the name implies, the tarp rolls from one long side of the trailer to the other to create a watertight seal.
- Cable Systems: Used for large, open-top transfer trailers (often used for waste or scrap metal), these systems use a series of cables to pull the tarp across the top of the trailer.
2- Consider the Drive System: Electric vs. Manual
Even within a specific system type, you will have a choice in how it is operated. Manual (crank) systems are a more budget-friendly option and are a significant step up from a manual tarp. The driver uses a hand crank, usually mounted on the side of the truck, to deploy and retract the tarp.
On the other hand, an electric system uses a powerful, weather-sealed motor to open and close the tarp with the simple flip of a switch inside the cab. The safety and efficiency benefits of this are immense. Your driver never has to leave the safety of their cab to cover the load, which is a huge advantage in bad weather or on a busy, chaotic job site. It can also turn a five-minute manual task into a 30-second, automated one.
3- Scrutinize the Tarp Material
The tarp itself is the component that is in constant contact with the elements and your payload. The quality of the material will determine its longevity and performance.
For most applications, a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated polyester is the best choice. Look for a high fabric weight (typically 18 oz. or 22 oz.) and a high denier count, which are indicators of its strength and durability. Ensure that the material is treated with UV inhibitors to protect it from breaking down in the sun.
For hauling hot asphalt, you will need a specific, high-temperature-rated asphalt tarp. For hauling debris that doesn’t need to be waterproof, a heavy-duty mesh tarp is a great, lightweight option.
4- Inspect the Hardware and Construction Quality
The arms, the frame, and the motor of your tarp system take a tremendous amount of abuse. Look for a system that is built with heavy-duty, high-quality components that are designed for a long service life.
Pay attention to the details. Are the arms made from heavy-gauge aluminum or steel? Are the pivot points and bearings high-quality and easy to grease? Is the motor from a reputable, well-known brand? These are the signs of a well-engineered system that is built to last.
Finally, remember that in most places, covering your load is a legal requirement. As federal and state-level regulations make clear, an unsecured load is a major safety violation that can come with hefty fines.
A high-quality tarp system is a powerful investment in your operation’s safety, compliance, and efficiency. By taking the time to choose a system that is built with durable materials and is perfectly suited to your specific application, you are investing in a tool that will save you time, protect your loads, and keep your business running smoothly for years to come.
