How to Install Flatbed Tarps and Truck Tarps

When hauling a load in a truck or trailer, using a tarp is practically mandatory. A1 Tarps can help you learn how to do so safely.

When someone becomes a pickup truck owner for the first time, it doesn't take long for them to realize keeping a couple tarps handy in the cab is a pretty good idea. They usually wait until it rains to actually use those tarps, unfortunately.

The truth is that nine times out of 10, drivers are better off covering their loads with a tarp, because a tarp protects two important things: Their stuff and other drivers. Improperly tarped and secured loads can, at worst, fall out of a trailer and into oncoming traffic.

Using truck tarps is easy, however. Here are a handful of tips to get you started.

Cover Most Loads

Groceries, furniture, moving boxes, lawn equipment, tools - all of those and much more should be covered while on the road. Covering loose material such as gravel, mulch or dirt, however, is even more important. The wind from driving will shear the top layer off, leaving it behind you along your route. Additionally, the tarp is needed to ensure those little bits don't cause damage to vehicles behind you.

Tight Is Right

The goal is to get your flatbed tarps as tight as possible. Every part of the tarp must be secured, because if left loose, it will be subject to flapping and whipping. That action will damage your tarp, and also expose whatever is underneath. This is especially important on flatbed trailers, which don't have the sidewalls of a pickup bed to create a bit of a vacuum.

Bring Bungee Cords

You'll need a few of these in your cab as well. They are your best friend for making sure a tarp is tight or, at the very least, contained. The thing about bungee cords, however, is that they are lighter duty. If you have a heavier load, you will want to rely on ratchet straps or other strong cables.

Think Aerodynamically

When loading a pickup truck bed, pushing your cargo as close to the cab as possible is recommended - drivers can take advantage of a vacuum effect. But on a flatbed, that may not be the best idea. A flatbed implies a particularly heavy load, so when you tarp it, you'll want to make it as aerodynamic as possible.

Tarp Back to Front

If you are using more than one tarp, start at the back. That way, the overlap between tarps will get pressed down while driving. If you lay tarps down front to back, you'll create a flap that air will scoop and lift.

Tuck In

Most of our tarps are equipped with metal grommets at the border of the tarp to make the attachment of cables much easier. However, if the cargo size leads to an awkward fit where those grommets can't be used, take steps to tuck in the ends of each tarp. Again, your goal is to eliminate flapping.

Get More Help at A1 Tarps

Our tarp experts can help you out with more advice and tips for successful use of flatbed tarps. Contact us today, and let us help you make the most of your tarps.