Belly dumps (bottom dumps) move large loads over long trailers and peak in the middle. For these, we recommend a Pulltarps automatic system — an electric motor retracts the tarp into its housing at the flip of a switch, covering applications up to roughly 40 ft with arms that lift the tarp up and over a peaked load.
Type: Bottom Dump · Peaked Load
Max Length: Up to ~40 ft
Recommended: Automatic
A belly dump — also called a bottom dump — unloads through gates underneath the trailer rather than out the rear or side. It lays material in a windrow as it rolls, which is why it’s favored for spreading aggregate and road base over distance. The trade-off is size: belly dumps are large, long trailers carrying heavy loads.
Two things define how you tarp one. First, length — an automatic Pulltarps system covers applications up to roughly 40 ft, which is what a belly dump needs. Second, profile: belly dumps peak in the middle, so the tarp has to ride up and over that crown. Pulltarps arms lift the tarp up and over the peaked load and pull it down both sides, which is exactly why an automatic system — not a manual pull — is the right answer here.
At a Glance
Trailer Type
Bottom Dump
Unload Direction
Bottom (gates)
Max Coverage
Up to ~40 ft
Recommended System
Automatic
Load Profile
Peaks In The Middle
Three automatic configurations rated for long belly dump trailers. All use arms that lift the tarp up and over a peaked load and retract it into the housing with a cab switch. Configure for your exact length on the system page.
Automatic · Long Length
Heavy-duty 12-gauge steel housing and 1.3 HP electric motor built for the longest applications — arm reach and torque to clear a peaked load up to ~40 ft. 5-year warranty.
Automatic · Peaked Load
Versatile electric automatic with arms tuned to lift up and over the center crown of a belly dump and pull the tarp clean down both sides. Steel housing, sealed motor.
Automatic · Open Arm
Open-arm electric automatic — a lighter housing for shorter belly dump configurations that still need full up-and-over peaked-load clearance and cab-switch operation.
Best tarp depends on the material you haul and your preference — Vinyl, heavy-duty Mesh, waterproof, or Asphalt Vinyl. Final configuration depends on trailer length and arm clearance for your peaked load. Configure each system for pricing on its product page.
Already Have A System?
The best tarp depends on what you haul and your preference — vinyl, heavy-duty mesh, waterproof, or asphalt. Sized for long belly dump trailers up to ~40 ft, cut to ride up and over a peaked load. Same-day shipping in most cases.
Reference
Find the right tarp system for every truck and trailer class we serve.
Compare
How the three Pulltarps system families differ and which fits your work.
Compliance
The federal rule plus a state-by-state breakdown of load-covering laws.
Questions buyers ask about tarping belly dump (bottom dump) trailers. Real queries from the field.
Belly dumps are large, long trailers carrying heavy loads, and they peak in the middle. A manual pull would mean dragging a long tarp up and over that crown by hand. A Pulltarps automatic uses an electric motor and arms to lift the tarp up and over the peaked load and retract it into the housing with a switch — far faster and safer over a 40-ft trailer.
Pulltarps automatic systems are rated for applications up to roughly 40 ft, which covers the great majority of belly dump trailers. If your trailer runs longer than that, call us — we’ll spec the right arm and motor combination for the length.
The arms lift the tarp up and over the center crown of the load, then pull it down both sides for full coverage. That up-and-over geometry is built into the arm spec, so a peaked belly dump load tarps as cleanly as a flat one — no manual tugging at the high point.
It depends on what you haul and your preference. Vinyl is the general-purpose pick; heavy-duty mesh sheds wind and is lighter for long trailers; waterproof material protects moisture-sensitive loads; and asphalt vinyl handles hot-mix. Browse options on our replacement tarps page.
Yes — federal regulation 49 CFR § 393.100 requires secured cargo on commercial vehicles, and most states add dump-specific rules. Hauling aggregate, road base, or bulk material means you tarp it. Coverage requirements vary by state — see our state-by-state guide.
A trained installer typically completes an automatic belly dump system in 4 – 6 hours, including arm clearance setup for the peaked load and cab wiring. Use the installer locator to find a shop near you, and review coverage on the warranty terms page.
