| Rubber tarp straps are invaluable tools when it comes | | | | load it so that it is standing above and over your trailer. |
| to operating a flatbed trailer safely on the roadway. No | | | | Selecting a Tarp |
| matter how well stacked the items on a flatbed trailer | | | | The right tarp and the right rubber tarp straps are |
| are, the load that you are hauling must be protected in | | | | important to hauling any load safely. Choose a tarp |
| order to get the contents of the load safely to their | | | | that is made of heavy vinyl that is at least eighteen |
| destination, while protecting other motorists from the | | | | ounces in weight rather than canvas or polyethylene |
| danger posed by falling debris from your trailer. When | | | | because they are more rugged and will stand up to |
| a flatbed trailer is moving at high speeds down the | | | | not only the wind, but elements like rain, during transit. |
| roadway, the pressure created from the wind can be | | | | The grommets on the tarp should be thick, durable and |
| quite strong, which makes tying the load down well | | | | well-made. |
| and securing it with tarp straps important. | | | | Tying it All Down |
| Loading | | | | Stretch the tarp across the load, leaving equal length |
| Arranging your flatbed trailer load is important, and | | | | on all sides. Use the best quality rubber tarp straps that |
| must be done adequately before you can put the tarp | | | | you can afford to attach the tarp to the trailer. Tuck |
| on the load. Make certain that the weight of the load is | | | | any excess length of tarp underneath when strapping |
| distributed evenly on the trailer, which makes it easier | | | | it down in order to prevent the tarp from catching the |
| to steer and to pull, while also making the load | | | | wind along the edges. If your trailer is equipped with a |
| balanced in order to tarp it appropriately. Keep the | | | | ratchet system, run the hook over your load and then |
| wind resistance that the load will face in mind while you | | | | set the bar across in order to secure the straps, |
| arrange the load; the more wind hitting the load, the | | | | locking the bar into place. |
| harder it will be to pull and the harder the tarp has to | | | | Covering the entire trailer with a quality tarp is the most |
| "work" to do its job. An inappropriately loaded flatbed | | | | important step in getting to your destination safely and |
| trailer is the main reason that tarps tend to tear when | | | | without incident, and rugged rubber tarp straps can |
| they are en route to the destination. If you have | | | | keep your well-made tarp in place so that your load |
| anything that is wide or high on the trailer, be sure to | | | | arrives intact. |