Hi, What kind of tarps do you guys like to buy for 53 foot trailers? I’ve seen several going down the highway that I like, but have no idea what brand they are; I’m a company driver and shouldn’t have to worry about getting my own, but unless I get a good set when I’m back at the terminal I might be in the market and would like to make good quality purchases. Best regards, John
Tri-City Canvas in Granite City, IL has some nice tarps. It's where I got mine (for those weeks where the side kit isn't profitable). I got 2 24'x18' lumber (with the end flap) and 2 24'x20' machine (or steel) for around $1300 out the door. Black tarps, three rows of D-rings on all 4 sides of the machine tarps, three rows of D-rings on both side and the flap of the lumber tarps. I've had the tarps over a year. The steel tarps get the most use, only one tarp developed a small tear (due to lack of padding on my part). They aren't the lightest available, but 60 lbs. isn't much weight to throw around. Especially when you see drivers throwing 120 lbs. limber tarps at a short load. Highly recommended.
Do NOT buy your own tarps working for WE. You'll end up in a situation where you'll drop a loaded trailer and pick up an empty and you wont be able to take your tarps with you. You've been out on your own for a week. Who cares if you have junk tarps. Next time you end up somewhere that WE has trailers staged, find a better set thats rolled up on a trailer and swap them out.
But Im glad he started this thread because Im tired of my heavy ### co tarps and I wanna get my own 8ft drops. I was thinking of some lightweight sides, 1 24ft long and 1 25ft long to cover cover 48ft with a foot of overlap, because the times I have a front to back load arent very often.
As mentioned tri-city canvas as the best tarps. I stopped in one day and Steve (guy who makes the tarps) let me right into the warehouse where they make the tarps and I got to feel all the materials and test them out. They have some waterproof backed nylon tarps that are tougher than 18oz vinyl. Everything from 10oz and up. I highly suggest trying to get a trip here.
