For dealing with tarps in high winds, don't be afraid to move the truck. I always tried to find a spot on the leeward side of a building or wall that would block the wind for me. If you can't find that, parking the truck into the wind as was previously suggested can also help.
As for folding them up, search 'folding tarp' on youtube and you'll find videos that show exactly what nailbender was describing.
Im looking for tips on dealing with tarps
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Glimmer, Jan 26, 2012.
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In freezing rain/ icing conditions, I spray my tarps with cheap windshield washer solvent before folding up. I try to keep a spray bottle of it. Doesn't seem to take much.
Sometimes the receiver will let me spread my tarps out inside while waiting to unload which helps to get them dry also.Glimmer Thanks this. -
Since you are a little feller I would get a rope with a good clasp type hook on the other side. This might help you untarp as you throw the hook (with rope) over load, hook it to d ring and pull back. I have used this when undoing a frozen tarp. Dont put it in the middle just do the ends. Always pay attention to "older guys" who look like they have been flatbedding for 40 years. They can teach you all kinds of tricks to keep from "looking like a monkey trying to screw a football" when tarping or securing a load.
Glimmer Thanks this. -
A lot of helpful tips y'all have given.
I was also wondering, what are some of the most common mistakes drivers make that cause them to rip holes in their tarps. Ive heard of it happening but some of them lumber tarps seem to be thick enough that it wouldnt be very easy to rip holes in or am I wrong? Is it easier to rip holes in the steel tarps? Their a little more lightweight are'nt they? -
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What do you use for padding? Anything you can find or do you keep something specific to use for padding?
I sorry if some of my questions seem to be dumb but I would rather ask than to assume and get it wrong. -
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cardboard will not last long & hard to store, but useful at times. movers blanket is nice. a lot of times you can pick up scrap felt pieces at steel mills laying around. also finding old pieces of old tore tarps some one may have discarded & cut into pieces. old carpet is good too. that is always free, if you run across it. the problem for me is not what to use or where can I get it, but where to store it. with all the stuff you MIGHT need to take a load, you can fill your spaces beyond capacity & have more empty weight than you want.
Glimmer Thanks this. -
Go to a carpet place and get some of their discarded carpet samples. Have a sharp utility knife so you can cut them into smaller pieces as needed.
I carry a jar of 3/4" roofing nails and nail the carpet pieces on sharp corners of crated loads. They are short enough you can easily pull them off of the corners when your'e untarping.
My biggest frustration tarping was not being able to keep corner protectors in place when I was rolling out my tarps. The nails make it much easier.heavyhaulerss Thanks this. -
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