Kevlar Tarps Fact or Fiction ??

Everywhere that I have pulled out of that is very particular about the load not getting wet, they provide plastic for the load. I have loaded at one place with steel tube that makes you use plastic if your going to certain places with there product. If you dont the consignee will refuse the load for being exposed to weather.

 

I'm with cpape I have 4 ground tarps that are a canvas material. They were used as a under tarp for rack kits that had heater inside to haul temp. sensitive steel. We cut it into 4 pieces and put eyelets all around it. The material heavy enough that you drape it over in the wind and not worry about it blowing off but flexible enough to go around sharp corners. It's not waterproof but it's water resistant enough that I've used it as an outer tarp on occasion. Mine are 15 years old are still in good shape.

 

I have 4 tarps from peaks tarps made out of that Cordura material.

They are lightweight and haven't really had any issues with water as long as there are no holes. Mine have so many holes it looks like a sail from a pirate ship. They really balloon out in the wind. The Cordura tarps are the most difficult tarps to repair as to do it right you really have to sew the patches on. I have 2 8' drops, one smoke tarp, and one utility tarp. I've replaced the 8' drops with vinyl as this is easier to repair although I keep one Cordura on the truck for any loads I don't want to tear up a new vinyl on or one of those "keep the plastic from tearing" loads. Hot tubs out of LA was the last one.

However if you insist on buying them I will follow with instructions on how I've repaired mine in the past.

1. I obtained spare cloth from Peaks Tarps in the color of my tarps (red and black) BTW your tarps will be whatever color of material he had at the time.

2. I found a product called "Seamgrip" that worked the best for adhereing the patches. Peaks said some people use superglue but try buying that in bulk. Repairs would get really expensive. Seamgrip is used for tent repairs (that's what these tarps are sort of made of) and can be found at Bass Pro Shops. I found a large tube online for around $20.

3. Best to find a large area to spread the tarp out inside facing up as you patch from the underside (product side). Make sure the surface is clean and dry (goes without saying for using glue). Most holes in Cordura will be a slit tear so it won't be like there is a big piece of material missing.

4. You'll also need some plumbers flux brushes (very short bristle brush) to apply the glue evenly. Acetone for cleaning up. Wax paper. Some heavy objects to hold down the patch overnight i.e. free weights work well, try to get something that will cover the whole patch area.

Process:

A. Stretch out cleaned tarp taught as possible. Once you begin patching do not move tarp for at least 12 hours, preferebly 24 hours.

B. Advisible to locate all repair spots prior to begining work as this enables you to move from area to area instead of going back and forth. Using a contrasting chalk stick to circle each spot works. It also helps to use a tray or similar device to hold all your supplies to make it easier to move from spot to spot a cushion for your rear.

C. Cut the perimeter of the patch two inches beyond the size of the tear to have enough good material for the glue to adhere to. Round the corners on any squared patches.

D. Apply Seamgrip with the flux brush to both the patch and the area being patched. Place the patch on the tarp. The glue does not need to "set" like vinyl cement.

E. Cut some wax paper a little larger than the patched area and place over patch.

F. Place a heavy object on wax paper to compress patch in place. The wax paper prevents any glue from sticking to the object. Leave the compress in place at least overnight.

This was the best procedure I have found to repair a Cordura tarp other than sending them back to be sewn and I haven't found anyone locally that will repair them. I tried that "Tear-Aid" tape but it doesn't stay. There is no quick fix for Cordura like vinyl.

Regarding the "boat plastic tape":

You can find that along with the boat plastic at Uline.

Hope this helps!

 

Shoe goo is great for patches and can be bought in a caulking tube.

 

Down side is some customers are getting to where they won't load trailers with that system on it. Has to be fully open.

 

I'm starting to believe that they are a myth like dave26027 says i have searched up and down for these kevlar tarps and cannot find them anywhere. the only thing i can find is cordura tarps. my question is if they do exist were can i buy them?

 

Where are you hearing that from? I was thinking about getting one of those systems.

 

I would have to say the opposite is true. I see more and more requests for conestogas for machinery and other high value items.

 

I let my customer know that tarps aren't "waterproof", only weather resistant. If load needs absolute waterproof it needs to be plastic wrapped by the shipper before it gets tarped. Or they could order a side kit or conestoga if it fits.

 

Do you lose any bedspace with the cornetega?