The significance of choosing the right trailer tarp to secure the cargo or the load cannot be overstated.
There are a variety of options available to choose from, ranging from heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials to asphalt tarps as well. Then there are other lightweight and flexible trailer tarp variations as well.
Each type of tarp serves its unique purpose through its specific characteristics and is also preferred for particular kinds of hauling or transportation requirements.
In this article, we help you choose the right tarp for your trailer through various tips and recommendations.
Choosing The Type Of Trailer Tarping System
Asphalt Tarps
Asphalt tarps are specifically engineered to handle high temperatures (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Hence, they are perfect for transporting hot asphalt on construction sites. They provide the necessary heat resistance and durability required for such demanding tasks.
Mesh Tarps
This tarp for trailers is constructed from durable mesh material, allowing for air circulation while providing protection from debris and light rain. They are ideal for covering loads that require ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Heavy-Duty Vinyl Tarps
Manufactured from high-quality vinyl, these tarps are completely waterproof, making them suitable for transporting materials that need to be shielded from rain and other moisture. They are robust and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Choosing From Automatic And Semi-Automatic Tarp Systems
Tarping a trailer can be quite time-consuming and hassling when you’re using hand-crank systems. Since the tarping should make things easier and more secure for your transits, it is essential to opt for either automation or semi-automation tarp systems, especially for frequent haulers.
Automatic Tarp Systems
Automatic tarp systems are specifically designed to make the installation easy and highly efficient. They are powered by an electric motor that enables the tarp to swiftly cover your trailer with the flip of a switch.
The hauling process tends to host some risks throughout but integrating an automated trailer tarp cover will completely eliminate any manual labor required for covering the load, hence offering additional security.
This helps haulers improve efficiency and enjoy more secure tarping and overall transportation of loads across various industries.
Semi-Automatic Tarp Systems
Semi-automatic tarping systems provide a great balance between cost efficiency and optimum functionality.
So, if you want improved safety, more efficiency, and an easy tarping solution without compromising much on the cost, you can go with semi-automatic tarp systems. With minimal manual intervention, these systems can retract, requiring merely an easy pull.
Also, they are much easier to operate as compared to fully manual tarps. If you’re a frequent hauler but do not want to directly upgrade to a fully automated tarping system and want to save cost, this is the best option.
How Trailer Tarps Protect Your Cargo?
Here are the following primary ways in which trailer tarp systems protect your cargo using their particular technical specifications:
UV Resistance
These types of trailer tarp covers are treated with UV resistance layering, which helps not only increase their lifespan but also protect the cargo or the haul items. You can check this by assessing the parameters measured by the number of hours items can be exposed to the sun without getting degraded.
Strength & Durability
Trailer tarps offer high tensile strength with long-term sustainability against the wear and tear of hauling. For example, PVC tarps are extremely sturdy due to their strong and tightly woven fibers, preventing fewer tears and providing great ventilation for an easy condensation process.
Waterproof
Waterproofing is an essential factor when you haul items from one place to another. Tarps, especially heavy-duty waterproof vinyl tarps, prevent any moisture from seeping and causing damage to the hauling items.
Breathability
Trailer tarps like mesh tarps not only offer high strength and durability but also optimum air circulation. For items that need breathability, such tarping solutions are essential as they prevent moisture buildup, which leads to mold.
Chemical Retardation
Dump trucks and trailers haul various hazardous materials that require transportation with coverings that are chemical-resistant to prevent causing damage to the covers themselves.
Selecting The Right Tarp System For Your Trailer
When you’re opting for tarp systems, you need to first examine your specific needs, industrial application, and budget. However, the top priority should always be optimal safety and efficiency.
Here are the various factors you should consider while selecting the right trailer tarp system:
- Type Of Trailer & Load: Trailers come in different sizes, axle types, and a variety of models, along with additional hitches or gate styles. Pulltarps offers you resources to find the right type and size of tarps for your specific needs.
- Type Of Tarps: Depending upon what type of trailer you have and the load you will be transporting, you can choose the specific type of tarps to meet your operational requirements. There are various types of tarps, such as mesh tarps, waterproof vinyl tarps, straight tarps, lumber tarps, asphalt tarps, side flap tarps, and many more.
- Semi-Automatic vs Automatic: Semi-automatic tarping systems are best for frequent haulers with limited flexibility or adaptability to a new type of system along with a cost-efficiency factor. The automatic tarping system is ideal for haulers, with a priority on optimum efficiency, automation, and additional safety.
- Budget & Application: It is essential to set your budget wisely, as setting too low a budget can end up costing more over the long run through maintenance or replacement. So make sure you invest in high-quality tarping solutions that support more safety and efficiency in the long run.
- Frequency Of Use: If you’re a more frequent hauler, the best is to go with an automatic tarp system, whereas others can choose semi-automatic or manual tarping. However, we highly recommend at least going for semi-automatic as it reduces manual labor, boosts efficiency, and offers more security than manual tarps.
Invest In PullTarp Tarping Solutions For Your Trailers
Trailer tarps are indispensable when it comes to hauling or transporting cargo items. Thus, it is critical to invest in quality tarping systems such as SuperShield™ 9500E System, offering optimum security and operational efficiency. Also, ensure compliance with regulations. Make sure to choose a reputed brand for the trailer tarping solution you choose, like we at PullTarps, which has been known for years for our premium and diverse tarping systems for multiple industrial applications.
