Tarping

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by drivenmecrazy, Dec 11, 2007.

  1. johnn5272000

    johnn5272000 Light Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2008
    Bloomington in
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    Now you should have let him experience tarping front first...just kidding but i did have to learn that the hard way
     
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  3. Harley

    Harley Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2008
    Missouri
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    I start school on the 24th and then hoping to get into flatbedding but Im curious about this tarp'n thing....
    In the winter time, how do you guys deal with ice build up on the tarps without damaging the tarps? Is there a right way and wrong way or do you just do the best you can on gettn the ice off before unveiling the load? How much of a pain is it to deal with the tarps in freezing temps?
    I dont see them being that easy to fold up when froze. How do you tarp'n pros deal with that?:biggrin_2552:
     
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 17, 2006
    WY
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    I'm not going to kid any one that tarping isn't a pain at times. As for the ice and snow you try to work as much off as you easily can before rolling up.

    One thing that helps is a helper to roll up tarps. One thing that most flat bedders will do is help a bro out. Don't be afraid to ask for a hand if its windy, raining, or snow and ice make it difficult to roll up. We've all done it. I've gone and helped other drivers without being asked if it looked like they were having a hard time.

    If you can make it past the first 3 months of being on your own either you'll make a flatbedder or you'll discover you don't want to be a flatbedder.
     
    cpassey Thanks this.
  5. Harley

    Harley Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2008
    Missouri
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    Thanks for the info. I know if I saw someone having trouble folding their tarps, I would be glad to lend them a hand and as far as getting help, I have wondered about that. I wasnt sure if others would help or just stand there and laugh at you(me).:biggrin_2559: I could be wrong, but I feel like I could be a flatbedder even though Im not as big as some of those guys I feel like I could handle the challenge. I may be skinny but I hold my own pretty good and have suprised some people at my ability for a skinny guy.:yes2557:
     
  6. Lugnut1968

    Lugnut1968 Light Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2008
    Newnan Ga
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    Having been a flatbedder for 3 years a while back I was able to handle the tarping, and securing of loads fairly easy. I am 5'10" and 155. If a scrawny rascal like me can handle it anyone can. Gotta be part ape and part mountain goat most of the time but once you fall off of one load you will get that part figured out :biggrin_25523:
     
    cpassey Thanks this.
  7. Harley

    Harley Light Load Member

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    Jan 13, 2008
    Missouri
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    Well, Im 5'11 and 140 and I get a kick out of people that under estimate the skinny guys:biggrin_25523:, it gives me just that more pleasure to show them that we aint no whimps. :biggrin_25510:
     
  8. cpassey

    cpassey Light Load Member

    I just started with a flatbed Co. a week and a half ago and haven't had to tarp yet...:yes2557:I was told just a few hours ago that I would be helping one of our other drivers tarp a load tomarow so I can learn how to do it...:biggrin_2554:

    I will keep the advice from this thread in mind as I tackle the tarps in the future...:yes2557:

    Thanks Guys!!! :biggrin_25525: BE SAFE!!!
     
  9. Etosha

    Etosha World Citizen

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    Aug 19, 2007
    Edmonton, AB
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    Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
     
  10. Red Fox

    Red Fox Road Train Member

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    Jan 26, 2009
    Acworth, Ga.
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    20 years ago hauling lumber I figured it out, and so I drew up this for the more visual learned of you:
    [​IMG]
    Fold 1-4 it's important to leave the 6" space so the final long fold will not bunch.
    Fold #6 goes to point #7 so the ends come out even and neat.
    When setting the roll up, just put the side with the least folds showing to the center (duh) about 3" to the side.
    After sliding the tail back to the deck, roll out the rest and all you have to do is flop over the second half then flip the wings out. They'll roll off in exactly the place they need to be, centered. Then do the same for the front tarp.

    Of course you know it's a perfect sunny day, a full, flat topped load of boards, and nobody's watching. Yeh, right, but sometimes...:biggrin_25520:
     
    RW., Crotts Trucking, Etosha and 2 others Thank this.
  11. Red Fox

    Red Fox Road Train Member

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    Jan 26, 2009
    Acworth, Ga.
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    Gee, and I thot I gave away a great seeecrit there! Well, you guys were welcome anyway...:tongue2:
     
    luvtheroad Thanks this.
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