7 Tips to Help You Pick the Right Tarps

Some parts of the country require loads on flatbeds, dumps, and other hauling vehicles to be covered. While not all states have such a law in place, it’s always a good idea to properly cover the goods you are transporting wherever you might be going. A tarp for your dump truck will not just protect your load—it will also provide added protection for other motorists on the road as it prevents debris from flying off and causing accidents.

That said, not all heavy-duty truck tarps are the same. They come in different types and materials that are suitable for specific purposes. Matching the right heavy-duty tarp to the job is crucial for functionality and safety reasons. Here are some tips on figuring out what type of sheeting can best meet your requirements.

Choosing the right materials

Tarps have to withstand extreme weather and strong winds, so they have to be very strong. Don’t settle for a lower-quality product, even if it’s much cheaper. You will likely need to replace it after just a few uses, so it will end up costing you more.

Heavy-duty truck tarps can be made out of mesh, canvas, vinyl, and polyethylene. How do you know what to choose?

• Canvas is the weakest of these materials, but it has its uses. A heavy-duty canvas tarp can be used for transporting produce and products that need both airflow and sun protection. It’s not ideal for covering items with sharp edges, which can cause it to rip and tear.

• Mesh is usually used in the construction industry to cover loads of gravel, rock, and sand. These heavy-duty truck tarps are typically made of polyethylene, which can withstand the sharp and jagged edges. 

• Vinyl and poly are all-purpose truck tarps; it’s no wonder they are the most widely-used. These versatile coverings are not just waterproof—they are also resistant to UV, rot, and mildew. What’s more, they don’t tear in the wind. A heavy-duty tarp made of polyethylene or vinyl is perfect for transporting loads that need to be protected from the rain.

Automatic or manual placement

A dump truck tarp can be applied automatically or by hand. Here are some considerations when choosing a tarp system.

• Manual tarps are cheaper, but they have to be attached and unattached by hand so they won’t be as tight as a cover that has been applied automatically. If budget is an issue, manual is a good option.

• It might be worth getting a special attachment for automatic placement if you have the money for one. After all, truck tarps are heavy. An automatic cover mechanism can certainly come in handy if you don't have people to help you maneuver the sheet into position every time you need to cover a load.

Other considerations

There are other things to think about aside from material and placement. Here’s two of the most important:

• Strength and density are functions of the cover's weave count per square inch. You should also look at the denier—a measurement of the material’s thickness. In both cases, higher is better. 

• Colors have a larger role in tarp utility than you might think. In general, silver and black tarps can provide more cooling for the load, while white tarps allow some light to pass through. 

The key is to choose a durable tarp that is suitable for your load. A cover that rips after just one or two uses doesn’t just waste your money—it also puts you and your fellow motorists in danger.

Ready to shop? Tarps4Less is a great source for heavy-duty tarps for dump trucks. They carry a wide variety of products for all kinds of requirements. Visit the Tarps4Less website for quality products, great prices, and superb customer service.