Flatbed Truck Tarps: Types, Sizes, and Accessories

While transporting dump, lumber, or steel, it is of paramount importance to cover it right with the best flatbed truck tarp. It is not as simple as you may think to find the best tarp. There are variety of sizes, materials, and designs available and you would have to be sure that the one you choose will transport your load securely. The best tarp for a dump truck won’t necessarily be the best for covering lumber or steel. It is not like there is a one-size flatbed truck tarp that would cover anything and everything. Be sure to understand fully your hauling needs before you select the tarp. Also keep your flatbed chain and binders ready at hand to secure your cargo.

Main types of flatbed truck tarps

Lumber tarps: A lumber tarp is designed with flaps at the end to cover the ends of a load, protecting the lumber or other cargo from the elements. It is generally used for long haul truckers to protect lumber, hay, pallets, and other bulky cargo.

Steel tarp: Steel tarps are sometimes sized slightly smaller than a lumber tarp and is four-sided to protect loads of steel rods, sheets, cables, etc. that have a lower profile.

Dump truck tarps: Roll tarps for dump trucks are waterproof and designed not only for traditional dump trucks, but also many similar style trucks like grain trucks, grain carts, fertilizer tenders, trailers, and more.

Smoke Tarps.

A smoke tarp (also sometimes called a nose tarp) is smaller and more square than a regular steel or lumber flatbed truck tarp, as it's designed to cover the top front of a load, protecting it from exhaust smoke, soot and dirt.  As an added benefit, it can help stop wind from creating an annoying and distracting whistling sound if you are hauling PVC pipes or steel pipes. Its 10'x12' size also makes a great option when hauling smaller cargo and you don't want the weight or hassle of using a full size tarp. A smoke tarpaulin can also be used in conjunction with lumber or steel flatbed tarps that don't have flaps, as a way to cover a full load.

Tarp sizes

While heavy duty lumber and steel flatbed truck tarps often come in 16×27, 20×27, or 24×27 configurations, you’ll find that heavy duty smoke tarps are only 10×12 in many cases.  A dump truck tarp looks much different from both of these configurations coming in at 9’10×41 or 10’6×42.

Tarp tie downs

Just as with tarps, there is also a wide variety of tie downs and other accessories for use with truck tarps.

Rubber tarp straps

Rubber tarp straps are quick and easy to secure items in place. These heavy duty tarp tie downs are available in natural rubber and EPDM composite rubber. While natural rubber tarp ties have a strong consistent stretch to the cord, EPDM straps have a strong stiff stretch to them. A natural rubber tarp strap is best for cold, Northern areas because the rubber won’t crack, tear, or become brittle even in freezing temps. An EPDM rubber tarp strap is best for hot climates as they can withstand extended sun exposure.

Shock cord

A shock cord also called a bungee cord or an elastic strap, is a stretchy rope with a heavy duty polyester fabric covering a rubber core. It can be best used if you need to make a custom length strap, by adding a coated bungee hook.

Tie-downs or Ratchet Straps

Tie down straps also called ratchet straps, lashing straps or tie downs are fasteners are used to secure cargo or equipment during transport. These ratchet straps are essentially webbing that is outfitted with tie down hardware.

Ratchet straps are designed for light or heavy duty tie down applications on a variety of trucks and trailers. Ancra Rachet Straps are the best in the industry. The Ancra standard ratchet straps have met the demands of the road for more than 40 years.  Ancra's straps are stringently tested for strength and durability in order to bear the Ancra name

Chains and Binders

A binder is a chain tensioning device used to bind, clamp, anchor or tie down large cargo loads for transport

Tarps4Less has a vast array of trailer flatbed chains and binders of substantial quality with the grab hooks robust and guaranteed to hold

Rubber Rope

A rubber rope is a fast, efficient way to create custom length tie down straps. It’s available in a hollow style for lightweight applications or a solid core for more heavy-duty jobs.

Corner protectors

Corner protectors are also known strap protectors, corner guards, etc. A plastic corner protector for tarps comes with a rounded edge, allowing the tarp to curve around the edge rather than get pulled tightly over the sharp corner.