Putting a tarp on a trailer effectively involves securing your cargo against the elements and potential damage during transport. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, emphasizing safety, proper tarp selection, and securement techniques to ensure your load arrives safely and intact.
Why Secure Your Load with a Tarp?
Protecting your cargo with a tarp during transport is paramount for several reasons. First and foremost is weather protection. Rain, snow, and even excessive sunlight can damage or degrade certain materials. A tarp shields your load from these elements, preserving its integrity and value. Secondly, a tarp helps prevent shifting and loss of cargo during transit. This is crucial for road safety, preventing accidents caused by falling debris or unstable loads. Finally, many jurisdictions have laws requiring loads to be properly covered, making tarping a legal necessity in many situations. Neglecting this vital step can lead to fines and delays.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tarping Your Trailer
Here’s a detailed process to ensure your trailer tarp is properly secured:
1. Assessing Your Load and Choosing the Right Tarp
- Load Analysis: Begin by carefully examining your load. Consider its size, shape, weight, and susceptibility to weather damage. Is it a neatly stacked collection of lumber, or an oddly shaped pile of construction debris? Understanding the characteristics of your cargo will dictate the size, shape, and material of the tarp you need.
- Tarp Selection: Select a tarp that is appropriately sized to completely cover your load with sufficient overlap for securement. Common materials include polyethylene (poly), which is lightweight and inexpensive, but less durable; vinyl, which is heavier, stronger, and more weather-resistant; and canvas, which offers excellent breathability and resistance to sparks, but requires regular treatment to maintain its waterproof properties. Consider the climate and the type of cargo when making your choice. Heavy-duty tarps are recommended for large, valuable, or vulnerable loads.
- Hardware Inspection: Before you start, inspect your tarp for any tears, rips, or compromised grommets. Damaged tarps can fail under stress, jeopardizing your load and posing a safety hazard. Ensure you have an adequate supply of bungee cords, rope, straps, or tarp straps in good condition for securing the tarp.
2. Positioning and Drape the Tarp
- Strategic Placement: Carefully position the tarp over the load, ensuring it provides full coverage. Center the tarp to evenly distribute the stress during securement. Avoid dragging the tarp excessively, as this can cause damage.
- Overlapping Edges: Ensure sufficient overlap beyond the edges of the trailer. This overlap is crucial for creating a tight seal and providing ample material for secure attachment. At least 12 inches of overlap on all sides is generally recommended.
- Dealing with Irregular Loads: If your load is unusually shaped, you might need to use multiple tarps or employ specialized tarping techniques to ensure full coverage and securement.
3. Secure the Tarp
- Grommet Placement and Usage: Utilize the grommets strategically spaced around the tarp’s perimeter. These reinforced holes are designed to withstand the tension of the securement devices.
- Choosing Your Securement Method: Select the appropriate securement method based on the size and weight of your load and the type of tarp you are using.
- Bungee Cords: Bungee cords are suitable for lighter loads and situations where quick adjustments are needed. Ensure the bungee cords are the correct length and have sufficient tension to hold the tarp securely. Overstretched or damaged bungee cords should be discarded.
- Rope: Rope provides a more secure and customizable option. Use appropriate knots to create secure loops and tie-downs. Be sure the rope you use is in good condition and does not show signs of fraying.
- Straps (Tarp Straps or Ratchet Straps): Straps offer the most robust and reliable securement option, especially for heavy or valuable loads. Tarp straps are designed specifically for this purpose and are easy to use. Ratchet straps provide even greater tensioning capability, but require careful adjustment to avoid damaging the tarp.
- Equal Tension Distribution: Distribute the tension evenly across all securement points. Avoid over-tightening individual straps or cords, as this can lead to tears or grommet failure. Check your progress frequently as you go.
- Addressing Potential Abrasion Points: Consider placing padding or protective material between the tarp and any sharp edges on your load or the trailer. This will prevent abrasion and extend the life of your tarp.
4. The Final Check: Ensuring a Secure and Safe Load
- Thorough Inspection: Once the tarp is fully secured, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that there are no loose edges, gaps, or areas where the tarp might flap excessively in the wind.
- Re-Tightening: After driving a short distance (perhaps 15-30 minutes), stop and re-tighten the straps or cords as needed. The initial movement of the load can cause the tarp to settle and loosen the securements.
- Regular Monitoring: Throughout your journey, periodically check the tarp to ensure it remains secure. Be especially vigilant after strong winds or rain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What size tarp do I need for my trailer?
The size of the tarp depends entirely on the size of your load and the trailer itself. Measure the length, width, and height of your load. Add at least 12 inches to each dimension to ensure sufficient overlap for securement. Always err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger tarp if you are unsure.
2. What’s the difference between poly tarps, vinyl tarps, and canvas tarps?
- Poly Tarps: Lightweight, inexpensive, and water-resistant. Ideal for temporary or light-duty applications.
- Vinyl Tarps: Durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant. Suitable for heavy-duty applications and prolonged exposure to the elements.
- Canvas Tarps: Breathable, resistant to sparks, and offer good protection against the sun. Require regular treatment to maintain their waterproof properties. Best suited for covering materials that need to breathe or for welding applications.
3. How do I prevent my tarp from flapping in the wind?
Ensure the tarp is tightly secured and that there are no loose edges or gaps where wind can catch. Using a combination of securement methods, such as bungee cords and straps, can help prevent flapping. Consider using tarp savers (small rubber discs) to further tighten the tarp and prevent grommet tear-out.
4. Can I use duct tape to repair a torn tarp?
Duct tape is a temporary fix at best. For a more durable repair, use a tarp repair kit specifically designed for the material of your tarp. These kits typically include patches and adhesive that will create a strong and lasting bond.
5. How often should I check my tarp during transport?
Check your tarp at least every two to three hours during long journeys, and more frequently in adverse weather conditions. Always inspect after major bumps or changes in road conditions.
6. What are tarp straps, and how do they work?
Tarp straps are rubber or elastic straps with hooks on each end. They’re designed to provide a secure and flexible attachment point for tarps. To use them, simply hook one end to the tarp’s grommet and the other end to a secure point on the trailer. The elasticity of the strap allows for some give, preventing the tarp from tearing in strong winds.
7. How do I protect my tarp from sharp edges?
Use protective padding such as old blankets, cardboard, or specialized tarp protectors to cushion the tarp from sharp edges on the load or trailer. This will prevent abrasion and extend the life of the tarp.
8. What’s the best way to store a tarp when not in use?
Clean the tarp thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before storing it. Fold it neatly and store it in a dry, sheltered location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
9. Are there any regulations regarding tarping loads?
Yes, many jurisdictions have regulations regarding the proper tarping of loads to prevent debris from falling onto the roadway. Check your local and state regulations to ensure you are in compliance.
10. What are tarp savers, and are they worth using?
Tarp savers are small rubber or plastic discs placed between the tarp and the tie-down point. They help distribute the pressure and prevent the grommets from tearing out, especially in high winds. They are highly recommended, as they significantly extend the life of your tarp.
11. Can I use a single, very large tarp instead of multiple smaller tarps?
While a single large tarp might seem more convenient, it can be more difficult to manage and secure, especially in windy conditions. Multiple smaller tarps often provide a more secure and manageable solution, particularly for complex or irregularly shaped loads.
12. What if my tarp rips while I’m on the road?
If your tarp rips while on the road, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Assess the damage and try to repair it temporarily with a tarp repair kit or duct tape. If the damage is extensive, consider purchasing a replacement tarp at the next available opportunity. Prioritizing safety and preventing further loss is the key in this scenario.