Tarps

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by cpfoster, Jan 2, 2009.

  1. cpfoster

    cpfoster Bobtail Member

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    Jan 2, 2009
    Westfield PA
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    I have never owned any tarps but seems the possibility of getting loads now is better if you have some. Are the lightweight tarps as durable as the regular ones? Are 3 piece tarps a good option? What should I plan on spending? How many bunges would I reasonably expect to need? I would appreciate any other advice that you may have. Lumber would probably be the predominate cargo hauled. Thanks C.P.
     
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  3. broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    3 piece are harder to put up IMO....i like two piece with end flaps

    no tarp is durable if you dont treat it right, i know i have seen many goin down the road gettin destroyed by wind sheer

    price is gonna be around the $1000 to $1600 area...depending what ya get, what they are made out of and who made them

    urathane tarps are the best, but they will get stolen as they are ultralight and very spendy

    i dont like the one-size fits all utility tarps...mine all have the flaps

    i personally would go with a 18oz top section with 14oz sides....they will be lighter than normal lumbers

    i know a guy here in MT who can custom make them to your spec.s and color's

    as for bungies.....at least one box minimum...you can never have too many and you want that tarp tight for fuel mileage (noone likes draggin a parachute) and to keep wear to a minimum....and replace them when they get worn or start to deteriate...it sucks when pulling down on a bungie to have it break and whack ya in the melon

    hope this helps some
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  4. pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

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    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
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    Watch the "air bag" type material that some people are making light weight taprs out of. The material makes the tarp unbelievely light, but it's not waterproof and if it gets a hole you have to have a patch sewn on. Also I would suggest getting D rings instead of the normal eyelets. The D rings can take a lot more abuse.

    I agree, get the tarp and bungees as tight as you can. You may already know this but it's worth repeating in cause somebody doesn't know it. Pinch the S hook together on the side that the bungee atttaches to. Also when you hook the bungee to the tarp have the hook facing away from the tarp. I have seen so many tarps just ruined cause of all the hole from thi
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  5. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    Jul 25, 2008
    kicked back in my lazyboy...
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    Also carry rope! Bungies will stretch and break if it is real windy, the rope will take it better!

    If you go with a regular tarp, not a lumber tarp, make sure it is a double drop.
     
    broncrider Thanks this.
  6. broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    go with a coated canvas....14-18 oz....strait 18 oz will be heavy, but it is alot tuffer than 12

    the lightwieght un coated stuff definatly stay away from.....that stuff will get shredded just sitting in the side box

    and always make sure all of your tarp is tight.....cant tell you how many i have seen wrecked by flappin in the breeze

    sounds like im beatin a dead horse dont it???

    LOL
     
  7. thomas

    thomas Light Load Member

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    Jun 29, 2007
    Athens,Al.
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    I carry 8 foot drop lumber tarps,two 20x24 steel tarps(just flat tarps), and a 12x16 tarp for coils. I had a coil bag but it got gone.......
     
  8. Hregino

    Hregino Bobtail Member

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    Sep 15, 2011
    California, USA
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    When searching for truck tarps it is important to have a high mesh count and a heavy denier. There are truck tarps that also have a very thick poly coating. This assures durability yet keeping the material lightweight. Lightweight tarps are durable as the regular one's because it has a high standard in trucking industry. There is a lot informative facts when you are planning to buy trucking tarps in TarpsPlus.
     
  9. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    4,099
    Jan 12, 2011
    Levittown, PA
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    I was always told to alternate rope and tarp straps. The rope limits the amount of give you get from the bungies.
     
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