Why do tarps get pinched so easily?

Trick is not to use them, or

Just keep using an old patched up ratty one that’s been on the truck forever. Nothing seems to hurt them?

There can be a huge quality difference in tarps too. You usualy get what you pay for in tarps I think?

 

What's doing the pinching? Do you strap over or under? If under, shouldn't be any pinching. If over, you're doing it wrong. JMO

 

You can patch tarps with extra vinyl and a special kind of cement glue. Some load are better strapped over the tarp to help prevent flapping, some loads are far better to tie down first.

Just got to be careful when running bungees, some d-rings are better skipped if they’re going to cause downward pressure on a corner/angle. Sometimes you need to run a bungee in the other direction in order not to promote tension on a corner.

 

What do you mean pinching?

 

The question about what you meant is that a lot of people use the term pinching to refer to the damage that happens to a tarp under a strap.


Common causes of tarp damage is pinching between the straps and the load (if you do it that way), sharp edges that are not padded out, and loose tarps that flap in the wind or slap against straps or product. Semi sharp corners that someone left a little loose to avoid damage tend to flap and cause more damage than if they had been pulled nice and tight.

 

Old school trucker taught me to use a hammer to gently beat down corners on crated freight. I’ve done it a couple of times after asking permission

 

I know OP, It's a darn shame isn't it?
You gotta have an Army of Moving blankets to get your monies worth on tarps- No other way around it.
Its frustrating seeing a 6 inch tear once you get to your destination,Almost like you wanna throw that tarp right in trhe dumpster- Or Yell at the Customer-lol.....

Load up on Blankets- Never have too many.

Actually....The Devil is Bungee straps- They are the DEVIL-
Why?????

Their either too long or too short when your securing- They always break when your tying down- They Get Hung up on stuff when you don't want them too..And Fall off D rings when your trying to secure under the trailers crossmembers- They Don't Store away Easy-Unless you just Toss em in the tarp before you fold. When you try to "Speed" bungee- They always get hung up on something.

They Are the Devil- Im Waiting for one to snap back and Rip my eye Out.