How to Use Trailer Tarps

Tarps will help you secure your load and keep it dry in transit.

Trailers, truck beds, long-haul trucks and motor homes can all benefit from trailer tarps. They provide cargo protection from harsh weather, such as rain, wind and snow, and can also hold the load in place during load, bumpy or otherwise treacherous road trips. They can also provide a covering for trucks and shade for motor homes. Depending on their size, they can be extremely easy to use or hard, due to the large, cumbersome size of the tarp or of the vehicle you're attempting to tie the tarp to.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase a tarp that is waterproof and wind resistant if you're planning to use it to tie down a non-commercial load. These characteristics will be vital to ensuring that your tarp can withstand the outside elements for long periods of time. Vinyl tarps are a popular choice.

2. Arrange your cargo in the flatbed of your truck. You should do your best to evenly distribute the cargo's weight in order to properly secure the load. Try to also keep the cargo low to the floor, as the tarp may not lay flat if it has to compete with uneven cargo heights and sharp points. Pull the tarp over your load. Be sure that the tarp is evenly covering both sides of the load. Fold any extra material under the tarp. Use the straps to tie the load in place.

3. Purchase a PVC or canvas tarp if you want to secure a commercial trailer load, such as lumber, boards or other industrial items. You should also ensure that whatever tarp you buy is waterproof. Like securing a non-commercial load, be sure that the weight of your cargo is evenly distributed before applying the tarp and securing its ties to the hooks in the trailer.

4. Purchase a waterproof, UV-treated trailer tarp if you're simply using it as a cover for a barbecue, bicycle or other outdoor toy or appliance. Canvas tarps should work fine, just be sure to tightly secure the tarp by fastening the tarp's straps together or around the legs of the object, if it has any.

5. Place a trailer tarp over an RV or motor homes front window if you find that you cannot sleep in the vehicle due to the amount of light that shines through. This should only be done, however, if you do not have the proper sun visors to put in place. When the motor home is not in use, you should place a large tarp over the vehicle. You may need to buy an extra-large tarp, however, as a trailer tarp may be too small.

6. Drape a waterproof trailer tarp over your tent for extra protection in the rain.

7. Walk around the load, vehicle or tent you're attempting to secure. Check to be sure that all ties are in place. Pull on the tarp to see how much it gives. Though it's okay if the tarp has a negligible amount of "give," you don't want it to pull significantly.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be easier to tie a tarp with a friend the first few times you do it to get a feel for the tie-down process and how much slack the tarp will have when it's evenly draped over a standard load.

• Never stand on a tarp, regardless of how secure it may appear. Tarps are not meant to withstand substantial weight and may give way. When tying down the tarp, be sure to never attach the ties to pipes, antennas, wires or other small, thin objects that could easily give should the tarp pull or the tie break.