| Vinyl tarps are a valuable tool when it comes to using | | | | You also want to look at the actual construction of the |
| a flatbed trailer. Regardless of how well the items are | | | | cover. Choose a style that has heavy, well-attached |
| stacked, the entire load needs to be protected in order | | | | grommets. The sewing of the fabric's edges will also |
| to get it to its destination safely. The high wind | | | | make a big difference out on the road. The sewing |
| pressure created while driving at high speeds | | | | around the edges of the tarp can also make a |
| becomes very strong requiring a little ingenuity when it | | | | significant difference. Look for hems that have two |
| comes to tying everything off. | | | | rows of sturdy stitches that go through multiple layers |
| Loading the Flatbed | | | | of the material. |
| Before the tarp can be pulled across the load, you | | | | Tie Down the Load |
| need to arrange the load properly. First, you will need | | | | Once the products are loaded and you have chosen |
| to ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the | | | | your vinyl tarps, it is time to start covering the load. |
| trailer to make it easier to pull and steer. Arranging the | | | | Stretch the cover across the load and ensure there is |
| load with wind resistance in mind is also important. The | | | | an equal length on both sides. Use sturdy rubber |
| more wind hitting it the harder it is to pull and the more | | | | tie-downs to attach the cover to the trailer and start |
| stress is put onto the cover itself. This is the single | | | | strapping in the centers. When you get to the corners, |
| biggest reason tarps tear while in-route to its | | | | fold the excess underneath before strapping it down |
| destination. When loading, try not to have anything high | | | | to prevent the wind from catching the edges. |
| and wide standing over and above your truck. | | | | Next, use wide nylon ratchet straps to tie both the tarp |
| Tarp Selection | | | | and the load down to the trailer. If the trailer is equipped |
| Use the right tarp to cover the load. Polyethylene and | | | | with an enhanced ratchet system, run the hook over |
| canvas tarps are simply not going to stand up to the | | | | the load, set the metal bar across to secure the |
| abuse of the wind and other elements you will | | | | straps, and lock the ratchet mechanism into place. |
| encounter on your trip. By the time you make the first | | | | Covering your flatbed trailer with a tarp is the single |
| mile, you might already see tearing. Instead, select | | | | most important step in securing your load for transport. |
| heavy vinyl tarps with a weight of at least 18 ounces | | | | The exposure and wind pressure can have a |
| that is UV treated and waterproof. They are not only | | | | significant impact, but by loading the trailer correctly |
| ten times stronger than the typical blue poly covers | | | | and using high-quality vinyl tarps accurately, the |
| you see, but they will not break down in the hot sun | | | | products will reach their destination safely. |
| either. | | | | |