How to Use Flatbed Tarps

Flatbed Trailer

Using a tarp on your flatbed trailer can be useful for a number of different things. The tarp will protect your load from weather elements, such as rain and snow. The tarp also prevents your load from being damaged by flying debris, and even keeps smaller parts of your load from flying off. A flatbed tarp is an important piece of equipment, but is also one that is incredibly easy to use.

Things You'll Need

• Flatbed trailer Tarp Bungee straps Canvas tie-downs

Instructions

1. Obtain an industrial-strength tarp to use on your flatbed. The standard tarps found at your local home and garden store are not strong enough to withstand the forces of flatbed trucking. Professional tarps are coated with a layer of rubber to make them more resistant to tearing, and they also have metal grommets to prevent your tie straps from ripping through the edge of the tarp. Always use commercial quality tarps.

2. Load your flatbed trailer evenly. In an ideal situation, your trailer will be loaded flat and level so that your tarp can drape cleanly over the top. This may not always be the case, but try to get as close as possible. This will help prevent part of your load from tearing through the tarp due to the winds caused by traveling at highway speeds.

3. Lay your tarp squarely over the top of your load. Try to keep the tarp as even as possible, with an even portion hanging over the edge of your load all the way around. This will give your load more even coverage and make it easier to tie the load down securely.

4. Use bungee cords to strap down the edges of the tarp. Place the hook on one end of the bungee strap through the metal grommets on the tarp. Use the other hook to secure the cord to the flatbed trailer. The number of bungee straps you will need depends on the length of your trailer. They should be spaced evenly, every 18 to 24 inches, all the way around the perimeter of the load.

5. Tie down the load using canvas straps. Your flatbed trailer should be equipped with a series of canvas straps that are 3 to 4 inches wide. Throw the strap over the top of your load and secure it to the other side of the trailer, then use the ratchet mechanism to tighten the straps snugly on the trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are worried about your load shifting weight in transit, it is a good idea to use a few of your canvas straps before putting the tarp on your flatbed, then put the rest of them over the top of the tarp.