How to stay clean tarping

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Flightline, Jan 16, 2012.

  1. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    OMG, don't let the icky tarp touch me. I've heard it all now. Please tell me how you move around an 8 or 10' drop tarp. I know Jfaulk's strategy, he doesn't.



    On topic, does anyone make a lightweight breathable set of durable coveralls? I've always resisted since 50%+ of may loads begin, terminate or both in FL and the idea of slipping into some with the heat and humidity here seems insane to me.
     
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  3. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    There's a difference between the normal amount of contact with a dirty tarp and the guys who hug them. I've seen enough guys just trying to throw the tarp on a side kit use their arms and back. It is possible to tarp a load without looking like you crawled out of coal mine.:biggrin_25525:

    But yes a conestoga is the only way to fly, but if you must hand tarp remember it's a dirty tarp not your prom date, stop trying to make love to it. Pretend your dancing with your grandma, keep it at arms length and don't allow it to touch any exposed skin.:biggrin_25522: If you look as if you cleaned out a chimney your doing it wrong.
     
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  4. Mommas_money_maker

    Mommas_money_maker Road Train Member

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    So you have no problem at all carrying a wet (90 lbs when dry and clean) tarp at arms length without it touching you? RIGHT, just when you think you have heard it all... Dickies coveralls seems to be about the lightest and most breathable along with some baby wipes to clean up the rest.
     
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  5. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    Tractor supply has dickies coveralls that are like a mechanics coverall, theyre non-insulated and about as heavy as a dickies work shirt.
     
  6. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    dang it man, imagine ya might get dirty on a flatbed. usually i just stop and take a shower after loading. and keep cleanup material in truck and i own more than one pair of pants, lol
     
  7. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It's possible to keep the dirt away from you. I did it when I pumped gas, drove a tow-truck, lumped off 44 k of freight or tarped a load. I still do it today when I change my oil. Look pretty clean when I'm done. Not clean enough to hit a fancy restaurant, but not like some grease monkey either.
     
  8. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    I like the idea of NOT TARPING.......now if I could just find the loads that pay $3.50 mile w/o tarps on a consistent basis.
     
  9. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I prefer not tarping also, but when good freight is low or cheap, I'll tarp.
    Coveralls works well to keep me clean but can be hot and sweaty. I tried the idea of taking my shirt off under the coveralls and that was a blessing.
    I've can't beleive anyone could hold an 8' or 6' drop tarp at arms lenght let alone wet. My 8' drop weighs in around 100 lbs. Now my coil tarps are great when they can be used.
     
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  10. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    And a shower would be great after tarping but it can be hard to find time for 2-3 showers in a day if your doing more than one load in a day or multiple drops.
    Unless one has a shower in their truck.
     
  11. Mommas_money_maker

    Mommas_money_maker Road Train Member

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    Yes this is quite possible but can you hold a 90lb tarp in your hands completely away from your body and manuever it?:biggrin_25519: If you can I need whatever you are eating/drinking
     
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