Vinyl Tarps for Trailers: Durable Load Protection for Every Load

In this article, we’ll explore what makes vinyl tarps the perfect choice for trailer applications and how to choose the right one for your trailer.

What Are Vinyl Tarps?

Vinyl tarpsare durable, heavy-duty covers crafted from a high-strength base material coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This process creates a tough, weather-resistant tarp capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. Heavy duty vinyl tarps are specifically designed to provide reliable protection for loads on trailers and trucks, ensuring cargo stays secure and shielded from the elements during transport.
Some of the benefits of vinyl trailer tarps include:

•    Durability: Vinyl tarps are designed to resist wear and tear, making them ideal for heavy duty applications.
•    Weather Resistance: Waterproof and UV-resistant, these tarps protect payloads from rain, snow and intense sunlight, ensuring protection in any weather condition.
•    Versatility: Vinyl tarps are compatible with various trailer types, including end dumps and belly dumps, making them a reliable option for different industries. Roll-Rite are specifically designed to work seamlessly with various automated trailer tarping systems , eliminating the need for manual fastening. 
•    Flexibility: Vinyl tarps can conform to irregularly shaped loads, making them ideal for covering diverse cargo types.
•    Tailored Details: Vinyl trailer tarps are available in various sizes and configurations to meet your unique hauling requirements. Details like reinforced edges and additional coatings provide compatibility with specific load and trailer needs.

At Roll-Rite, we offer a range of tarp materials suited to your payload and specific requirements. Our heavy duty vinyl tarp range comes in HD, Premium, and Rip Stop, providing the benefits of waterproofing, maintaining temperature ranges and even stopping tears to allow time for repair, preventing damage to cargo. Our 18oz. HD vinyl tarps are the preferred choice for most vinyl applications, and they offer cold crack resistance up to -40 degrees.

Applications of Vinyl Tarps for Trailer Tarping

Vinyl tarps are widely used across various hauling applications due to their durability, weather resistance, and ability to withstand heavy and abrasive loads. Here are some common hauling applications where they can be used:

Construction Hauling

Vinyl tarps are ideal for securing heavy, abrasive materials like gravel, sand, asphalt and other construction debris. Their durability and waterproof properties ensure that these materials remain protected from moisture, dust and contamination during transit, which is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency at construction sites.

Agricultural Hauling

When transporting grain, feed, fertilizer, hay and other agricultural products, vinyl tarps protect against rain, UV rays and extreme temperatures. These trailer tarps keep agricultural goods dry, uncontaminated and in excellent condition during transport.

Waste and Recycling

Vinyl tarps are invaluable for hauling construction debris, scrap metal, recycling materials, and general waste. Their rugged construction and resistance to tearing securely contain waste materials, preventing spills and ensuring safe transit, even with sharp or heavy debris.

Bulk Material Hauling

Transporting bulk commodities such as coal, wood chips, salt, and sand is made easier with vinyl tarps. Their waterproof and durable design protects the load from environmental factors, keeping materials like salt unaffected by moisture and other degrading elements.

Types of Trailer Tarp Systems

Some of the different types of trailer tarp systems used to transport payloads include:

Front-to-Back Tarp Systems

Front-to-back tarp systems are commonly used in both the construction and agricultural industries. They have flip tarps or arm-style tarp systems that roll the tarp from the front to the back of the trailer, providing complete load coverage. In the construction industry, these systems are used with end dump, belly dump, and pup trailers, providing essential protection for loose materials like gravel, sand, and asphalt. In agriculture, front-to-back tarp systems are used to secure loads like grain, feed, and fertilizer, ensuring the cargo remains dry and uncontaminated during transit.

Side Lock Down Systems

The side-to-side tarp system uses sliding mechanisms to move the tarp horizontally from one side of the trailer to the other. This allows for quick and easy coverage or access to the load. Commonly used in industries like agriculture and construction, it’s ideal for wide or irregularly shaped loads on flatbed and specialized trailers, offering flexibility and secure protection against the elements.

Cable Tarp Systems

Cable tarp systems use a network of cables running along the trailer's length. The tarp is attached to these cables and guided smoothly along them with an automated motor. They provide full coverage, making them especially useful for walk in trailers used for transporting grain and other agricultural produce. Front-to-back and cable trailer tarp systems are both widely used for agricultural and construction payloads.

Selecting the Right Vinyl Tarp for Your Trailer

Some factors to consider before choosing a vinyl tarp for your trailer include:
•    Load Type and Size: Ensure the tarp can handle the weight and dimensions of your typical loads.
•    Weather Conditions: UV coatings and additional reinforcements should be considered for extreme weather environments.
•    Tailored Details: Look for tarps with reinforced edges, grommets, and other features to meet your specific needs.
•    Proper Sizing: A well-fitted tarp provides full coverage and minimizes the risk of material loss or exposure due to winds or insecure attachment of the tarp.

It's important to regularly maintain your tarp to extend its lifespan. This includes checking for signs of wear and tear, as well as cleaning it periodically to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. 

The type of trailer tarp system you need depends on your hauling requirements and payloads. To get the most optimal use out of them, it’s best to choose a system that matches the size, weight, and nature of your cargo while considering ease of use, durability, and environmental factors.

If you need a quick replacement, Roll·Rite® Rapid Tarps™ offers a fast and efficient tarp replacement service to get your vehicle back on the road without delay. We can ship a new tarp on the same day - or the next day if you order after noon - keeping your trailer operating efficiently, minimizing downtime and maintaining reliable protection for your cargo.

Secure Your Payload with High Quality Trailer Vinyl Tarps

The durability, weather resistance, and versatility of vinyl tarps make them an ideal solution for many industries, protecting cargo from the elements and improving operation efficiency and safety. Find the right vinyl trailer tarp for your needs by understanding its many applications and benefits. 

Consultations for tarp and safety solutions are available through Roll·Rite's Safe Fleet Service Centers. You may contact our experts directly for quotes, product information, or for help finding your authorized distributor.