For the layman, flatbed tarps are simply a huge tarpaulin cover. They’re useful for covering huge cargo or freight on flatbed trucks. Plus, they come in different types.

For example, a lumber tarp is commonly used for flatbed trucking. The average lumber tarp has a 24’ width and a 27’ length. It’s larger compared to steel tarps. Lumber tarps also come with a flap that allows the tap to cover lumber units together.

The major reason you need flatbed tarps is to protect your cargo from sun rays and rain. These tarps are usually treated to prevent fungus and bacteria from growing on them during the journey. They also have acid resistance to protect against possible fire accidents.

The paragraph above is a testament to why you need flatbed tarps. The next logical question is what type of tarp to buy for your next flatbed trip. And as one of the leading providers of flatbed tarps in Ontario, we’re well-equipped to answer that question.

This blog is your all-in-one guide to all things flatbed trucking. Here, we’ll answer all the questions you have about buying flatbed tarps.

We’ll also highlight the different types of flatbed tarps and when to use them. Let’s get into it!

Benefits of Using Flatbed Tarps

Below are the advantages that come with flatbed tarps:

High-Quality Material

Flatbed tarps are made of different materials. But there’s an indisputable fact that exists regardless of your choice here. The manufacturing material for flatbed tarps is usually hard, strong-wearing fabric coated with PVC for improved resistance to abrasions, tears, and UV rays.

The materials for flatbed tarps are mostly water-proof. They’ll remain functional with prolonged exposure to rain, hail, snow, UV rays and huge wind gusts. This feature offers added durability to the flatbed tarp.

Versatility

Flatbed tarps are primarily for preserving cargo integrity during long trips. But they also serve other secondary functions. Truck tarps are also useful in agricultural, industrial and mining sectors.

You can also use a truck tarp as a roof and side cover for your vehicle. This function adds an extra layer of protection to the cargo you’re carrying. You can rest knowing that you won’t be losing your cargo when you use flatbed tarps appropriately.

Improved Safety

Metal scraps, gravel, stone and wood chips are examples of flatbed freights that can fall off while you’re driving. Falling debris can create dangerous driving conditions. Plus, you’ll lose cargo too.

Flatbed tarps are there to secure heavy and loose cargo. It’ll hold your cargo in place throughout your trip — through stormy weather and bad roads.

Related Article: The Flatbed Hauling Tips You Must Know

Types of Flatbed Tarps: The Primary Ones

The flatbed tarp is a broad industry that serves different verticals. You’re likely to find different kinds of flatbed tarps in your search for a new one.

The different kinds of flatbed tarps exist under two broad groups:

Throw Tarps

Throw tarps are huge coverings designated for protecting stationary objects located outdoors. Huge throw tarps can cover generators, boats, camping machinery and huge outdoor machinery.

Trucking Tarps

These are the best tarps to buy if you want to protect and cover loads on a flatbed truck. Here, the best kind of flatbed tarp depends on your needs.

For example, bee hauling and steel tarps are made for specific cargo types. Conversely, smoke tarps comprise materials specifically for the prevention of certain damage.

What to Know Before Using a Flatbed Tarp for Your Cargo

No one tarp can protect all types of cargo. The quantity, size and tarp shape depend on the specifics of your load.

Here’s what you need to know before you buy a flatbed tarp for your next trip:

Compatibility

Here’s where you answer whether or not your cargo needs a flatbed tarp. Say, there’s no risk to transporting your cargo without tarps. Then, you don’t really need to buy one.

Similarly, you don’t need to buy a flatbed tarp if the cargo can’t blow off the truck or cause damage to others.

Although, it’s important to know this is just one half of the equation. You’ll also need to consider the possibility of environmental damage to your cargo. Here, you’ll assess whether you need a flatbed tarp to protect your freight against the elements.

Load Type

Wood, aluminum cargo, electric coils and huge machinery all require different flatbed tarps. For example, say you’re carrying flatbed cargo that requires partial covering. A smoke tarp is ideal in this scenario since it protects against soot and smoke.

Load Shape

Flatbed cargo with an irregular shape requires super-thick tarps. This tarp choice is deliberate to protect against perforations that can occur thanks to the irregular shape of your cargo.

Load Dimensions

The width, height and length of the load should guide your tarp choice. Use these specific measurements to choose the right flatbed tarp. The same goes for any irregular or protruding shapes in your cargo.

Best Kind of Tarp for Your Flatbed Cargo

The best type of flatbed tarp depends on your load’s size and unique features. Below, we’ll explore the different sizes and materials available for flatbed tarps. We’ll also cover the types of cargo to pair with these flatbed tarps.

Lumber Tarps

Lumber flatbed tarps are best for tall, box-like cargo. They come attached with flaps at each end to cover timber closures. The tail fold and sides of the average lumber tarp have D-rings installed as tie-down points.

Lumber tarps are hugely popular and favoured by most haulers and truckers. This popularity is because they’re versatile enough to work for cargo other than lumber. Depending on the size of your cargo, it’s normal to need two different lumber tarps to cover every corner.

Lumber tarps comprise 18 or 14 oz vinyl, which is super durable. Plus, the D-rings sets on a lumber tarp are adaptable for other cargo.

Sometimes, it’s easy to mistake steel tarps for lumber tarps. While both tarp options are identical, the major difference is in their size. Steel tarps are smaller since steel loads tend to be shorter compared to natural lumber.

Steel Tarps

Steel tarps are arguably the most popular kind of flatbed tarp in use. They’re best for smaller, lower-profile cargo and can be used alongside lumber tarps. Much like lumber tarps, steel tarps come installed with D-rings and grommets.

A steel tarp is a perfect option for drivers who need to meet road and safety regulations for transporting huge steel loads. The specific design of a steel tarp is to cover huge metal cargo during transport. It comprises thick 18 oz vinyl, which will protect and secure heavy steel loads.

There’s a sub-version of steel tarps made from a lightweight material like parachute fabric or 14oz vinyl. The advantage of these models lies in their easy foldability and portability. However, they’re far less resistant to tears and cuts than regular steel tarps. Hence, it’s best to use edge protectors alongside lightweight steel tarps.

Smoke Tarps

Smoke tarps are designed to cover the upper front edge of your flatbed load. This unique positioning protects your cargo from exhaust, fumes and other smoke damage. You can also use smoke tarps together with lumber and steel tarps for extra coverage.

Smoke tarps are the best for cargo that suffers damage under exposure to exhaust, soot and smoke coming from the flatbed itself. For instance, PVC piping will benefit from a smoke tarp’s protection.

You don’t need a smoke tarp for every flatbed cargo. However, it’s better to have one and not need it. Plus, clients may request one for their cargo at any point.

Machinery Tarps

These tarps are designed to protect assembly or machine components from weather factors and street vibration. They’re best described as huge, heavy-duty canvasses with grommets, stitches, and D-line rings for maximum tie-down security.

Machinery tarps are designed to overcome challenges associated with carrying heavy equipment. Machines and equipment come in different sizes and shapes. Hence, it can be challenging to completely cover the cargo or manage excess fabric on oversized tarps.

Similarly, the average equipment is likely to have sharp edges that can wear out your tarps during a trip. In severe cases, these sharp edges can cut into the tarp when the equipment moves.

Machinery tarps are super durable while remaining flexible enough to reduce surface tension that can cause these tears. You’ll find the average machinery tarp comprising thick, resilient 18 oz vinyl with multiple D-ring rows for precise cargo securement.

Plus, they’re highly customizable. It’s possible to tweak your machinery tarp to fit the odd dimensions of heavy-set equipment.

Demolition Tarp

Some experts also refer to demolition tarps as snow tarps. They’re the strongest kind of flatbed tarps on the market and are perfect for lifting heavy-duty debris. For instance, a demolition tarp is crucial to the smooth hauling of concrete debris from construction sites.

Demolition tarps comprise heavy-duty 26oz vinyl and can withstand up to 10,000 lbs of debris. Our demolition tarps at Toronto Trailers are the ideal fit for lifting and hauling excess sand, snow or debris from a construction site. The same function is also applicable to home renovation projects.

Poly Tarps

Poly is a short form for polyethylene, and it describes the iconic blue tarp everyone seems to have at home. They’re popular for covering outdoor equipment and doing yard work at home.

Poly tarps also come installed with aluminum grommets every three feet down the entire length. You can tie them down by running bungee cords through the aluminum grommets.

Polytarps are incredibly lightweight and may not be the perfect fit for flatbed transportation. Instead, they’re better for covering cargo waiting in your warehouse for distribution.

Bee Hauling Tarps

Some hauling experts may refer to bee-hauling tarps as nursery tarps or bee nets. They’re the only kind of flatbed tarp for transporting live cargo, including trees, bees, and plants. Its unique design allows you to transport this cargo without the risk of suffocation, overheating and dehydration.

Bee-hauling tarps comprise mesh material that allows water droplets and airflow through. The mesh material has a PVC coating protecting the live cargo against heavy rain and potentially damaging weather elements.

To cap it off, bee-hauling tarps come with four D-ring rows that offer ultimate securement. This way, you can avoid bees escaping while also managing tension on your precious live cargo.

Parachute Tarps

This is a popular variety of flatbed tarp that combines the resilience of 18oz vinyl material with flexible air-bag fabric.

The average parachute tarp will protect the top of your cargo thanks to its waterproof 18oz vinyl material. This material shields flatbed cargo from rain, grime, dirt and other road hazards.

Conversely, the sides of a parachute tarp comprise lighter parachute material. This material is still tear and wear-resistant. It’s just not as heavy as vinyl material.

Canvas Tarp

Canvas tarps comprise breathable mesh ideal for covering goods and outdoor equipment. You can use a canvas tarp to transport a generator, lawnmowers or firewood.

A canvas tarp comprises water-resistant polyester material. Although, you should know it can lose its integrity if rainwater collects on its outer surface.

Canvas tarps are lightweight and less expensive than other options discussed in this guide to flatbed tarps. They also come with durable double-stitched seams for precise securement and tire downs. This makes a canvas tarp the ideal option for short-distance flatbed trucking trips.

Hay Tarp

Moisture damage can permanently ruin hay crops in storage or in transit. Weather elements like mildew, mould and snow can spoil hay crops — all your work and resources down the drain.

Sure, there’s the option to store hay bales indoors. But sometimes, this investment isn’t worth it, especially if you’re just looking to store extra hay bales. For instance, building a storage option for hay when it isn’t your typical crop product isn’t worth it.

Hay tarps can effectively store hay, whether indoors, outdoors or in transit. These tarps are cost-effective and comprise 8oz water-proof fabric. They’re also heat-resistant, UV, and with multiple anchor points to ensure you leave zero gaps for moisture entry.

The paragraphs above show there are different types of tarps for different flatbed cargo. It’s always better to have a variety at hand to cater to the job that demands them. And if you have problems choosing the right tarp, we can help. Call our experts at Toronto Trailers for answers to questions about buying flatbed tarps.

Best Way to Tarp a Flatbed Trailer Cargo

The best-flatbed tarp is only effective when you use it properly. Below are the recommended steps for using a tarp on a flatbed load.

• Lift the rolled-up tarp, placing it on the highest point of your cargo.
• Start from the back of your cargo. Start unrolling the flatbed tarp towards the back end of your cargo. Be sure to keep the canvas’ centrefold in the lead’s focal point.
• Unroll the entire canvas, pulling the lower point to cover the entire cargo while also touching the trailer.
• Unfold the covering on each side, making sure to keep the lead’s focal point.
• Repeat the steps above if you’re using multiple tarps.
• Crease in any extra tarp material after covering the entire load and unrolling the canvas.
• Secure the D-rings, tying down your cargo securely with bungee ropes.
• You may need an additional strap tie to secure tall or odd-shaped loads.

How to Repair Your Flatbed Tarp

It’s impossible to discuss the A-Z of flatbed tarps without discussing repairs. Weather exposure, wear and tear can affect the integrity of your flatbed tarp. And when that happens, you can fix the trap instead of buying a new one outright.

While you’ll eventually need a new tarp, DIY repairs can be a particularly helpful stop-gap. Here’s how to fix your tarp:

• Buy a flatbed tarp fix-pack
• Place the tarp on a level surface with the underside facing you. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles in the tarp.
• Cut out a fix bigger than the size of the tear.
• Apply an appropriate layer of canvas repair cement on the tear and the fix.
• Use a roller to press down the fix, ensuring it stays in place.
• Press down with the roller to remove any air bubbles.
• Let the tarp dry for three hours before you start to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flatbed Tarps

Below are answers to all the questions you have about using a flatbed tarp:

What are Flatbed Tarps Made Of?

The majority of flatbed tarps comprise PVC-coated polyester material. A good number of them also comprise heavy-duty vinyl material.

Flatbed tarps come in a variety of sizes, weights and shapes. It all depends on the type of flatbed tarp you need. Light-weight lumber tarps comprise lightweight polyester and come in two-piece or three-piece sizes.

Are Flatbed Tarps Stitched?

Flatbed tarps are fully stitched with the double-lock hem method. They usually have #207 bonded thread that’s very hard to remove. Heavy-set flatbed tarps are often welded to ensure maximum securement.

Flatbed lumber tarps come with a stitched-on end flap. These tarps usually have brass grommets at every 24-inch point on their bottom edges. Plus, there are double D-ring rows hemmed onto each side.

What are Hybrid Tarps?

Hybrid Tarps combine heavy-duty 14oz or 10oz vinyl fabric with lightweight 60oz fabrics. This combination offers durability to your tarps while also providing flexibility to cover awkward-shaped cargo.

Are There any Subtypes of Lumber Traps?

There are five different types of lumber flatbed tarps, including the following:

• Lightweight Lumber Tarp: This tarp has 6oz nylon fabric. It’s very lightweight and can suffer tears under excessive exposure to dust, water and wind.
• Heavy Duty Lumber Tarp: These are manufactured completely from vinyl material. They’re stronger and more durable than lightweight versions.
• Heavy-Duty Three-Piece Lumber Tarp: This is majorly vinyl fabric with one overlapping flap and two flaps for easier cargo securement.
• (24 x 18) heavy-duty lumber tarp: It’s a standard-sized vinyl fabric popularly used for bigger flatbed trucks.
• Super light lumber tarp: This is the lightest type of lumber tarp. It comprises 6oz lightweight nylon fabric — similar to parachute material.

What is the Weight of Lumber Tarps?

The weight of your lumber tarps depends on the primary manufacturing material. Flatbed tarps can comprise lightweight 6oz fabric or heavy-duty 14oz fabric.

Light-weight flatbed tarps obviously weigh less, with the exact number somewhere between 65lbs to 75lbs. Conversely, the heavier tarps weigh between 90-215lbs depending on the size and presence of a flap.

Are Tarps Resistant to Water?

No flatbed tarp is fully water-proof. While some flatbed tarps may offer high-level water resistance, prolonged exposure to water may compromise the tarp’s integrity.

What are D-Rings?

We mentioned the term “D-rings” multiple times in this blog. That’s because they’re hugely important to the way flatbed tarps function. D-rings describe rings through which you can run ropes to tie down the tarp.

How many D-rings should be on your flatbed tarp depends on the type of cargo you’re moving. You can always request an extra row of D-rings on your tarp if the cargo calls for it. D-rings tend to have a triangular shape and are often stitched around the likely high-tension points on a tarp. This deliberate positioning allows for equal load and tension management.

What is the Best Way to Maintain Flatbed Tarps?

Maintaining your flatbed tarp depends on the tarp’s quality and feel. For example, you can weld and patch tears on the 10z or 14oz vinyl fabric tarp with AA-66 adhesive. Contrastingly, this adhesive will damage the lighter 6oz flatbed tarp. It’s better to consult with a professional repairer before attempting to fix lighter flatbed tarps.

Related Article: Tips for Flatbed Freight Load Transportation

Final Thoughts

Above, we’ve provided a comprehensive A-Z guide to flatbed tarps. We cover the different types of tarps and the best situations to use them. We’ve also discussed maintaining your flatbed tarp to ensure it lasts longer.

Although, no amount of maintenance will suffice if you buy poor-quality flatbed tarps. That’s why Toronto Trailers offers you a guarantee of high-quality tarps to fit different hauling and transportation needs. Look through our online store today!