Semi-Automatic Tarp Systems

Lessen the load on operators with our spring-assisted, ground-operated tarp systems that cover loads without electrical wiring or climbing onto the bed. Users pull the tarp out over the load with a rope and the roller’s spring tension does the work on the way back. Six models span open frames for light hauling, with fully-welded 12-gauge steel housings for the harshest falling-debris environments.

Lifetime hardware warranty · 6 models · Made in California

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Choose Your Semi-Automatic System

Select one of our six semi-automatic systems according to the level of falling-debris protection desired and by bed length, ranging from open 16-foot to 40-foot truck bodies.

Flagship Model

Strongest, most durable semi-automatic system

SuperShield Pulltarps System

Heavy-Duty Protection · Up to 40ft

SuperShield™ 9500M System

40FT

Max Bed

12GA

Welded Steel

SPRING

Assisted

Our strongest, most durable semi-automatic system, its fully-welded 12-gauge steel construction offers the best protection from falling debris, and is designed for longer applications up to 40 feet. An external ratcheting spring adjustment lets you re-tension the spring in the field, so no disassembly is required.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Welded Steel Housing · Arm Pivots · External Ratcheting Spring Adjuster · Spring Shaft Anchor

Fully-welded 12-gauge steel housing

External field spring tensioning

Covers beds up to 40 feet

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Heavy-Duty Compact

Welded-steel protection for shorter beds

SuperShield™ 8500M System

Heavy-Duty Protection · Up to 18ft

SuperShield™ 8500M System

18FT

Max Bed

12GA

Welded Steel

SPRING

Assisted

With the same strong, durable build as the 9500M, our 8500M is sized for smaller dump bodies up to 18 feet. Its fully-welded 12-gauge steel gives you the best protection from falling debris, and a powder-coated finish guards against corrosion. Choose the 9500M for bodies up to 40 feet.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Welded Steel Housing · Arm Pivots · Spring Shaft Anchor · Powder-Coated Finish

Fully-welded 12-gauge steel housing

Powder-coated for corrosion resistance

Sized for beds up to 18 feet

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Balanced Protection

Galvanized housing for falling-debris protection

Close-up of a metal tarp roller mechanism with a mounting bracket and the PULLTARPS label visible.

Mid-Duty Protection · Up to 28ft

Steel Protector +™ (Semi-Automatic) System

28FT

Max Bed

GALV

Housing

SPRING

Assisted

Our Steel Protector + System holds 28 feet of tarp and works with all types of dump trucks. The galvanized housing protects the system from falling debris and loader contact for years of reliable operation. A steel bolt-in spring shaft anchor and mounting brackets are included, and the system covers you for all state laws and regulations.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Galvanized Housing · Arm Pivots · Steel Bolt-In Spring Shaft Anchor · Mounting Brackets

Galvanized debris housing

Steel bolt-in spring shaft anchor

Works with all dump body types

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Compact Protection

Galvanized housing for smaller dump bodies

Tarp roller mechanism with a metal housing labeled 'PULLTARP' for extending a trailer tarp

Mid-Duty Protection · Up to 18ft

Steel Protector™ (Semi-Automatic) System

18FT

Max Bed

GALV

Housing

SPRING

Assisted

Great for smaller dump bodies that still need some protection from falling debris, our Steel Protector™ (Semi-Automatic) System holds 18 feet of tarp and mounts against the cab shield so material rolls off the housing and into the box, instead of onto your tarp system.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Galvanized Housing · Arm Pivots · Spring Shaft Anchor · Cab-Shield Mounting

Galvanized steel housing

Cab-shield mount sheds debris

Sized for smaller dump bodies

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Best Value

Most economical semi-automatic system

Open 9000M System

Best Value · Up to 30ft

Open 9000M System

30FT

Max Bed

OPEN

Frame

SPRING

Assisted

Our most economical semi-automatic system, our Open 9000M System holds up to 30 feet of tarp and is for applications where falling debris and loader damage are not a concern. The open design has no housing, and it includes black powder-coated end plates and a steel bolt-in spring shaft anchor.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Powder-Coated End Plates · Arm Pivots · Steel Bolt-In Spring Shaft Anchor

Most economical semi-auto option

Black powder-coated end plates

Holds up to 30 feet of tarp

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Entry Level

Most basic, least expensive system

Open 6000M

Entry Level · Up to 16ft

Open 6000M System

16FT

Max Bed

OPEN

Frame

SPRING

Assisted

The Open 6000M System is our most basic and least expensive system, built for smaller dump trucks. The open design has no housing and holds up to 16 feet of tarp. The operator pulls the tarp out over the load with a pull rope, and it retracts on the spring tension stored in the roller.

Includes: Tarp Roller Tube · Open Frame · Arm Pivots · Pull Rope · Spring Shaft Anchor

Lowest-cost semi-auto system

Pull-rope deploy, spring retract

Sized for smaller dump trucks

Compatible w/ all 4 tarp materials

Not sure which model fits your truck? Use the configurator or call 1-800-368-3075.

Black tarp roll with metal end cap and PULLTARPS branding visible at an angle.]

Not Sure Which Semi-Automatic Model Fits Your Truck?

The configurator walks you through truck class, bed dimensions, and hauling material — then recommends the right semi-automatic system, the level of debris protection you need, and a compatible tarp. No electrical install, no guesswork.

Or call: 1-800-368-3075

Compatible Replacement Tarps

All Pulltarps semi-automatic systems accept the same four tarp materials. Choose by hauling material, not by system.

Waterproof Vinyl

For most loads — sheds rain, contains dust

HD Mesh

Lightweight, airflow — for mulch & compost

Super HD Mesh

For demolition & aggregate loads

Asphalt Vinyl

Heat-resistant — for hot asphalt loads

Why Choose a Semi-Automatic System

No Electrical Install

Spring-assisted operation means there’s no motor to wire, no battery draw, and nothing to short out. Mount it, tension the spring, and go. It’s ideal for trucks without a 12V kit.

Lower Cost of Entry

You get the same rugged Pulltarps hardware and tarp compatibility at a lower price than an automatic system. The Open 6000M and 9000M are our most economical ways to get a truck covered and compliant.

Ground-Operated – No Climbing

The operator deploys and retracts the tarp from the ground with a pull rope, so they never have to climb on the bed or step into traffic. Enjoy a safer crew and a faster turnaround than a hand cranked tarp.

Built Tough, Made in California

Welded 12-gauge steel and galvanized housing options stand up to daily falling-debris punishment. Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, with same-day parts shipping and a lifetime hardware warranty.

Semi-Automatic Tarp System FAQs

A semi-automatic tarp system uses a spring-loaded roller and a pull rope to cover a dump truck or trailer bed from the ground. The operator pulls the tarp out over the load, and the spring tension stored in the roller retracts it on the way back. There’s no electric motor and no in-cab switch, just spring assistance that does most of the work, so no one has to climb on the bed.

Automatic systems are electric and in-cab controlled — fastest to deploy, best for high-cycle Class 7–9 operations. Semi-automatic systems are spring-assisted and ground-operated with a pull rope — lower cost, no electrical install, and still no climbing. EZ-Fit kits are bolt-on solutions for smaller landscape and work trucks. See the full comparison.

No. Semi-automatic systems are entirely mechanical — spring tension does the work, so there’s no motor, no battery draw, and no 12V kit to install. That makes them a good fit for trucks where adding electrical isn’t practical or where you want the lowest-maintenance option.

When paired with a properly sized tarp, Pulltarps semi-automatic systems meet or exceed federal load-covering requirements and the load-covering rules in all 50 states. View state and federal tarping regulations.

Pick by falling-debris protection and bed length: the welded-steel SuperShield 9500M (up to 40ft) and 8500M (up to 18ft) for the harshest debris, the galvanized Steel Protector + (28ft) and Steel Protector (18ft) for balanced protection, and the open-frame Open 9000M (30ft) and 6000M (16ft) where debris isn’t a concern. Use the configurator to match a model to your exact truck.

Ready to Cover Loads Without the Wiring?

Talk to a real person with 35+ years of tarp-system experience and find the right spring-assisted system for your truck. Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM PT.