Trailer Tarps: Essential Protection for Every Hauling Job

Trailer tarps are a critical component for anyone transporting materials with end dumps, bottom dumps or utility trailers. These tarps offer essential protection, ensuring the load remains secure, protected from the elements and compliant with safety regulations.

Whether you’re working in construction, landscaping, agriculture, or waste management, a reliable tarp is indispensable for both safety and efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore why trailer tarps are essential, the different types available and how to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Why Tarps for Trailers Are Essential

Tarps for trailers play a vital role in various industries such as construction, landscaping, agriculture and waste management. The primary function of any tarp is to prevent loose materials from spilling out during transit which minimizes risks for other drivers on the road. Tarps also protect the load from environmental elements such as rain, wind or snow. Moisture can compromise the quality of loads that contain soil, mulch or asphalt.

Trailer tarps also help ensure compliance with regional regulations. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, penalties, or even legal action, making a reliable tarp an indispensable component of hauling.

Automatic Tarp Systems

Automatic tarp systems are designed for efficiency. Powered by an electric motor, they swiftly cover your trailer with the flip of a switch. Automated systems eliminate any manual labor required to cover a load. These systems are ideal for larger operations hauling multiple loads throughout the day.

Semi-Automatic Tarp Systems

Semi-automatic tarp systems offer a balance between cost and functionality. These systems retract promptly with one easy pull and are easier to operate than fully manual tarps. They are just as effective as fully automatic systems and can cover items such as construction debris, gravel, sand and more. Semi-automatic tarp systems are ideal for mid-sized operations with moderate hauling demands.

Trailer Tarps: The Right System for Your Hauling Needs

Trailers play a critical role in hauling lightweight debris, heavy machinery or moisture-sensitive material. Let’s look at some of the most common trailers and their tarping requirements.

Landscaping Trailers

Open-air utility trailers are beneficial for landscaping businesses because they can transport tools, equipment, soil, mulch and more. They are low to the ground making them easy to load and extremely cost-effective to operate. Depending on what you are hauling, mesh or waterproof vinyl tarps are suitable for this type of hauling.

Construction Trailers

The construction industry requires rugged trailers with a high payload capacity. End dump trailers are particularly common in the construction and demolition markets, while bottom dump trailers are a popular choice for asphalt paving. Mesh or asphalt tarps are suitable for these applications.

Waste Management Trailers

End dump trailers are also used for waste management and recycling thanks to their ability to haul difficult materials. The design allows for easy loading and unloading at waste disposal sites. Depending on what you are hauling, mesh or waterproof vinyl tarps are suitable for this type of hauling.

Many of the industries listed above also leverage dump trucks and other work trucks on a daily basis. Explore all your options with Pulltarps® handy resources to help you find the right type and size of tarp for your needs.

Key Features to Look for in Trailer Tarps

When selecting a tarp system for your dump trailer, it’s essential to focus on features that support ease of use and protect your load.

Durability and Material: Since trailers often handle heavy and abrasive materials, it’s important to find a system manufactured with durable parts. Tarp systems should be made with corrosion-resistant components while the actual tarps should be made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials.

Ease of Use and Installation: Efficiency is key in any hauling operation, so ease of use should be a top consideration. Additionally, look for a tarp system that is easy to install on your trailer and ones that come with universal fitting options for compatibility with different trailer models.

Motor Strength and Power: If you’re investing in an automatic tarp system, motor power is a key feature to evaluate. The motor should be strong enough to handle the size and weight of the tarp, especially for larger trailers. A powerful motor reduces strain on the system and ensures the tarp can be deployed and retracted quickly.

Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Trailer

When choosing a tarp system, several key elements should be considered to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.

Type of trailer and load: Trailers come in many different sizes and axle types with options for various hitches or gate styles. Pulltarps® has resources to help you find the right type and size of tarp for your needs.

Frequency of use: Frequent users may benefit from an automatic tarp system, while occasional users might find semi-automatic or manual tarps sufficient. Remember, the goal is to save time and provide an additional layer of safety.

Budget and specific needs: Sometimes the cheapest tarping systems end up costing more over the long run in truck down-time, maintenance or part replacements. Do your research and invest in a quality system that supports productivity and safety.

Pulltarps® offers the SuperShield™ 9500E System which is designed to meet the rigorous demands of dump trailer operations. It’s considered to be the strongest and most durable automatic tarp system available in the industry. The system comes with a black powder-coated finish that adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, enhancing the tarp system’s longevity.

Next Steps for Selecting Your Trailer Tarp System

Choosing the right tarp system for your specific hauling needs will maximize efficiency and security. Pairing it with the right type of tarp will ensure peace of mind on every job. Carefully evaluate your hauling needs and invest in a high-quality system that will deliver the protection you need.

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.