Tarp help...

If your load is 48 ft long then two 24 ft tarps would not be long enough. They have to be able to overlap.

Also, when you use more than one tarp, you need to tarp the back of the load first, then work your way up, so the front tarp overlaps the back tarp. That way as you are going down the road the wind and rain can't work their way under the tarp.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Airbag-Parachute-Fabric-Ultra-Lumber/dp/B07DQSYXJ6

Of course these are 8’ drop.
I’d say having them, plus a set of 6’ you use for steel tarps.
4’ drop are good, but usually are just short enough to not cover to the rub rail.
These are like 79-80 lbs
The 6’ are like 65 lbs

 

My tarps are 27' long. That can cover 53' with a 1' overlap. If you get new tarps, I'd get two of those, instead of three shorter ones. And at 27', you can cover 12 pallets with one tarp.

 

I had a 3 piece light weight 8' drop set of tarps. Both end pieces had the flap and a smoke tarp. They were easy to move around. Most of my tarping was on machines and port crates. Odd sizes. I didn't do many loads that required 4' - 6' drop.
I still carry my smoke tarp but stopped carrying the larger set, they rest in the shed.

With the light weight drop tarps. If you have water puddling on the sides. It will seep through, If it sits for a couple hours. I didn't have trouble while driving. The tarp sheds the water while moving. You can treat the tarp with a product for Tents to repel water.
Good luck

 

Look for 26” wide at least. Covers 8`6”tall and wide loads. Length at least 27. Can’t stress the width enough

 

Some people hate big tarps. I get it lol. Worth it IMO to have 2 sets big wide and long, and the simple “steel” tarps

 

Lightweights are worth it IMO, sometimes tarp shops can be cheaper, if around west Memphis area a place called best tarps used to be reasonable, haven’t bought flatbed tarps in a few years.

 

I'm just starting the lightweight tarp learning curve. I'm going to add a moving blanket and a painter's cloth I saw at Lowe's that has anti slip dots all over. I have felt pieces but the last load was slick stuff that I couldn't tape or stick the felt so it moved and I got some corner tears. I think the felt might stay put if it's over a canvas drop cloth.
But for the extra steps needed they are still so much easier to move its worth it. 14oz all over. 8ft lumber 2pc set. 27ft long ea on my 48ft deck cover everything fine.