Whether you are an owner-operator who frequently hauls a flatbed loaded with products or equipment, or you own a construction business and a flatbed trailer, you know how important it is to keep the items you are hauling on your trailer protected from the elements. From rains and sun to flying roadway debris, there are a lot of dangers you run into on the highway when you are hauling something valuable on your flatbed trailer. A rolling tarp system is one of the easiest ways to add a layer of protection to whatever it is that you are hauling. Here is a look at a few features to look for in a rolling tarp system for your flatbed truck.
The tarp system is lightweight in construction.
When the weight of your overall truck and load is such a concern because of DOT requirements and fuel efficiency, every last ounce of added weight matters. Therefore, make sure you stick with a tarp system that is made from lightweight materials. For example, some tarps are made of polyurethane coated canvas instead of solidified rubber, which makes the tarp itself weigh much less while still providing an ample amount of protection.
The tarp system is easy to use from the ground.
The last thing you want to be doing when you have your flatbed loaded with some materials and items is to be climbing around on the trailer trying to get your tarp system over the trailer bed. Therefore, make sure you go with a quality tarp system that allows you to maneuver the tarp into place from the ground. The best tarp systems have elongated straps and a lightweight design so you can move and pull the tarp over the trailer bed without climbing around.
The tarp system has fully adjustable heights.
Sometimes what you haul will be a load of aggregate or material that is not that tall, but there will be times your flatbed will be loaded with something that is pretty tall, such as a piece of heavy equipment or a large piece of pipe. Because what you carry on your flatbed trailer can vary in height, it is important that you pick a tarp system that can cater to your changing needs where height is concerned. The best tarp systems will have an adjustable height feature that allows you to easily go from one coverage height to the next.
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