TARPS TARPS TARPS! Repair, buying, etc..

Anyone have any tips for repairing these suckers? I know I know, they shouldn't have to be repaired in the first place. But when you have an ugly 15+ shipment LTL load it's hard to get it right. I cleaned with brake clean until paper towels were clean, then used some either, used glue on both tarp and patch, pushed it on, and tried to squeeze it out the sides as much as possible. I used a large bolt with a rounded top to really squeeze the glue out, hoping the patch wouldn't lift. Mostly successful, then I put a bit of extra glue at the seam. Are there better ways to do this? It seems to take a long time, no wonder tarp repairs are so costly. Maybe I'm just a little too nuts.

Second issue is tarp purchasing. I ordered a 4 piece 13 oz system, 8 foot drops, 4 D-ring rows, nothing special. Same system I have now but a better brand and hopefully higher quality. I was thinking of doubling up the o-rings on the drops, I'm constantly wanting to put a bungee right in the middle in no mans land, especially the rear flap. Should I spec anything differently than standard? I also bought a 12x12 smoke tarp.

 

Ah you let it dry a bit first. I find it tricky to get the right amount of glue. Too much and it just makes a mess, and the patch slides everywhere, too little and you don't have any squeeze out.

Where would somoene buy this tarp tape? Would be nice to have it on the road.

 

Actually I'm looking for a real lightweight tarp for a particular customer, would really speed things up. 26 feet long, 5 foot drops, front flap. Two rows of d-rings and have rope through the bottom row. Rather than breaking out the front and rear tarp.

 

Winkler canvas only does 13 and 18 oz, but they have a very good reputation. That's why I bought the four piece system from them.

I wonder if this 9 oz stuff is parachute material.