Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Trailer: Utility vs. Dump Trailers

Tarps for trailers keep payloads contained and secure, protecting against external elements and ensuring safety on the road. To get the most value from your trailer tarp cover, it’s essential to choose one that best matches your operational requirements. Whether you need a utility trailer tarp for lighter landscaping loads or a dump trailer tarp for heavier construction materials, selecting the right trailer tarp system helps ensure reliable coverage.

This article explains the differences and specific requirements of utility and dump trailer tarps to help you choose the right trailer tarps for your application.

Trailer Tarp Covers: Essential for Protecting Your Load

Tarps for trailers are heavy duty, durable covers designed to protect cargo during transportation. They keep loose materials contained while meeting state and federal compliance regulations. Tarps also shield the load from environmental factors such as rain, wind, snow or debris.

Trailer tarp covers are used across a wide range of applications, from hauling stone, sand and gravel to covering equipment, mulch or yard waste. Dump trailers are built for hauling heavier materials like dirt, gravel and debris. They use hydraulic lifts to tilt the bed for easier unloading and typically require automated tarp systems for safe and efficient operation. Utility trailers are flatbeds used to carry lighter items like tools, equipment or supplies. With low or no side rails, they’re best suited for use with straight tarps and semi-automatic systems.

Tarping Applications for Utility Trailers

Utility trailers are used to transport lighter and smaller loads like tools, soil, equipment and supplies. Their flat, open bed and low height make it easier to load and unload, offering a cost-effective and efficient hauling solution for smaller operations.

For utility trailer tarps, we recommend the Pulltarps SuperShield™ 8500M Tarp System. Designed for utility trailers and smaller dump truck bodies up to 18 feet, this is the strongest, most durable semi-automatic tarp system available in the industry. The Supershield 8500M utility trailer tarp system features fully welded 12-gauge steel construction and offers the best protection from falling debris.

For more open-style applications where load damage or falling debris isn’t a concern, we recommend Pulltarps Open Systems. The Open 9000M System can hold up to 30 feet of tarp and uses a manual pull-rope to cover the load and spring tension to retract the tarp, making it a practical option when full housing isn’t needed. The Open 6000M can hold up to 16 feet of tarp and is suitable for smaller applications.

Tarping Applications for Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are widely used in construction, landscaping, agriculture and waste management to handle bulk material transport like mulch, gravel, debris and dirt. These trailers feature open-box beds with hydraulic lifts, allowing for quick and efficient unloading of materials. A durable dump trailer tarp system helps protect the load by keeping materials securely contained and protected during transport.

For large dump trailers and truck bodies up to 40 feet, consider the Pullarps automatic SuperShield™ 9500E System. This system is the strongest and most durable automatic tarp system available in the industry. It comes with a black powder-coated finish that adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, enhancing the tarp system’s longevity.

The Core™ Semi-Automatic Tarp System is another economical, universal fit system that is perfect for lighter applications where falling debris and loading damage are not a concern. It’s a cut-to-fit electric system that installs easily with no welding or fabrication required.

Selecting the Right Tarp Material

Choosing the right tarp material for your system is essential for reliable performance. Poor fit or low-quality materials can reduce protection, allowing debris to fall out or leaving your load exposed to rain and wind.

The most common tarps for trailers include mesh and vinyl. Mesh tarps are made from synthetic fibers with an open weave design that lets air pass through. Available in different weaves and weights, they can be tailored to specific needs, including added UV protection when required. Mesh tarps are ideal for loads like landscaping debris, mulch or loads that don’t need full waterproofing.

Vinyl tarps are heavy-duty, solid tarps that offer complete, waterproof coverage. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these trailer tarp covers are exceptionally strong and built to withstand tough weather conditions. They’re essential for protecting loads in industries like recycling or landscaping.

When choosing between vinyl and mesh for your utility trailer tarp or dump trailer tarp, consider your hauling requirements. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Durability: Vinyl tarps offer waterproof coverage and UV resistance, making them ideal for rugged loads. Mesh tarps might be better suited for lighter jobs where full coverage isn’t necessary.
Weather Resistance: Mesh tarps are breathable, making them a good option for lighter items like tools or equipment. For heavier or more moisture-sensitive materials, like gravel or mulch, vinyl tarps provide better protection from the elements.
Size and Fit: A properly fitted trailer tarp cover ensures your load stays protected and secure. Flatbed utility trailers can often use straight or universal tarps that work with semi-automatic systems. For larger or uneven loads, heavy-duty vinyl tarps paired with automated tarp systems may be a better choice.

For irregularly shaped dump bodies or uneven loads, custom tarps can offer optimal coverage and protection. Pulltarps provides a system configurator to help you determine the best fit for your dump truck, ensuring your loads always stay safe and secure.

Protect Your Load with High Quality Tarps for Trailers

Understanding your trailer and hauling needs helps you choose a tarp for trailers that offers reliable protection and improves workflow. Durable, high-quality materials reduce frequent tarp swaps, lower costs, and increase ROI. We hope the insights and tarp systems covered here help you select the right utility trailer tarp or dump trailer tarp for your needs.

The Pulltarps® System Configurator makes selecting a trailer or truck tarp system easy. Start customizing your perfect truck or trailer tarp system today. If you’re ready to order, but have some questions, contact our customer service team.