How to Repair Flatbed Tarps
Repairing a flatbed tarp so it's waterproof again is no easy task, but if you're looking to make any money on a load and you're out on the road then you need to repair it. It takes a bit of ingenuity and a lot of patience, but it can be done. Here are the steps to take and the things you will need to repair your flatbed tarp.
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Instructions
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Fold the damaged section under and try a different tarping configuration on your flatbed for a quick repair. This may not be feasible unless you have some ratchet straps to accommodate the loss of your grommeted end of the tarp.
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Try to re-grommet an end of the tarp that is not damaged if you're on the road and need an emergency fix. That way you can attach your rubber tie-down to the new grommet and not loose your tarp or the load on your flatbed. Use a spare grommet and a grommet tool for this type of repair.
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Get some tarp tape to repair a tear or hole. In some cases a high quality tarp tape is all you need to fix a leaky tarp. Be sure it's actual tarp tape, as this will ensure it's water resistance and durability. Apply tarp tape when the tarp is dry, otherwise you may not get a waterproof seal and you're wasting your time and the cost of the tape.
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Cater to the weakened part of the tarp. Be sure not to stretch this part of the tarp too far because it could cause another failure at the seam. Make sure you protect the tarp in the future by covering your load with some type of protective material, such as corrugated cardboard, to encourage less tarp damage.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to keep the items needed to repair the flatbed tarp in your truck so they're ready to use if you need them.
