Truck tarps come in two types, dump truck and flatbed. While either could be made from polyethylene, vinyl, or mesh depending upon what is being transported, each has a different shape. Dump truck tarps, for example, are flat and fit on top of the truck. Often, these tarps are applied mechanically by the truck for a better fit. Flatbed truck tarps, on the other hand, need to fit around the load, and then the load with the tarp is secured to the flatbed of the truck. These tarps are more difficult to apply, as they come in a box-like shape to fit around the load, and need to be done manually. To see, visually, how a truck tarp is applied, watch this video from YouTube:
Flatbed truck tarps are harder to come by, although various dealers of tarps carry sizes large enough to cover a load for either a flatbed or dump truck. For tarping your own flatbed, here are some of the highlights in the video:
• Have a forklift driver bring the tarp up to the top of the load. Applying the tarp needs to start from the top of the load and go down.
• Once the tarp surrounds the load, bungee cords need to go through all D-rings. The bungee cords are either attached through two D-rings or attached from a D-ring to the side of the flatbed truck.
• Flatbed tarps designed to cover a load of lumber in the video have side flaps. Although the tarp around the load is secured under the flaps, the flaps themselves shouldn’t be blown about by the wind, as any wind getting under the tarp can cause wind whip and tearing. This portion of the tarp should be secured with bungee cords after the rest of the tarp has been.
• All hooks attached to D-rings should face outward. Otherwise, the metal might cut through the tarp.
