Tarps For Pickup Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Cargo

Tarps For Pickup Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Cargo pickup.truckstrend.com

From hauling construction debris to protecting valuable camping gear, a pickup truck is an indispensable tool for countless tasks. Yet, the open bed, while offering immense utility, also presents a vulnerability: exposure. This is where tarps for pickup trucks step in, transforming an open cargo area into a secure, protected space. More than just a piece of fabric, a properly chosen and secured tarp is an essential accessory for any truck owner, offering a myriad of benefits that range from safeguarding your cargo against the elements to ensuring compliance with transportation regulations. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the world of tarps for pickup trucks, exploring their importance, types, selection, installation, and maintenance, equipping you with all the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and optimize your hauling experience.

Why Tarps For Pickup Trucks Are Essential: Unveiling the Benefits

Tarps For Pickup Trucks: Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Cargo

The utility of tarps for pickup trucks extends far beyond simple coverage. They are a multifaceted solution addressing critical concerns for truck owners and their cargo.

1. Protection from the Elements: The most obvious benefit is defense against nature’s whims. Rain, snow, harsh sunlight, and strong winds can wreak havoc on unprotected cargo. A durable, waterproof tarp acts as an impenetrable barrier, keeping your goods dry, preventing sun-fading, and shielding them from wind-borne debris.
2. Cargo Security and Retention: Whether you’re hauling sand, gravel, or lighter items like leaves and branches, an unsecured load is a hazard. Tarps ensure that your cargo stays exactly where it should be – in the truck bed. This prevents items from blowing out, shifting during transit, or spilling onto the road, which can lead to accidents or littering fines.
3. Theft Deterrence and Privacy: While not a foolproof security measure, a tarp conceals your cargo from prying eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. This reduces the temptation for opportunistic theft, as potential thieves cannot immediately assess the value of your load. It also offers privacy for personal belongings during travel.
4. Compliance with Regulations: Many states and local jurisdictions have laws requiring that loads be properly secured to prevent spillage. Using a tarp is often the simplest and most effective way to comply with these "secure load" laws, helping you avoid costly fines and ensuring road safety for everyone.
5. Damage Prevention: Beyond weather, tarps protect cargo from road grime, dust, and minor impacts from flying debris. For sensitive items like furniture or electronics, this added layer of protection is invaluable.
6. Versatility and Multi-Purpose Use: While primarily for truck beds, a good quality tarp can also serve other purposes – as a ground cover for camping, a temporary shelter, or even a protective layer for projects around the house.

Deciphering the World of Tarps: Types and Materials

Not all tarps are created equal. Understanding the different types and materials available is crucial for selecting the right one for your specific needs.

Tarp Materials:

• Polyethylene (Poly Tarps): These are the most common and affordable tarps. Made from woven plastic fibers coated with polyethylene, they are lightweight, waterproof, and come in various colors and thicknesses (often indicated by mil or denier).
  • Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, waterproof, lightweight.
  • Cons: Less durable than other materials, prone to tearing with heavy use, can degrade in UV light over time.
  • Best for: Light-duty hauling, temporary covers, general utility.

  

• Vinyl (PVC Tarps): Known for their exceptional durability and strength, vinyl tarps are made from heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester. They are significantly heavier and more expensive than poly tarps but offer superior resistance to tears, abrasions, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.
  • Pros: Extremely durable, highly waterproof, excellent UV resistance, strong tear resistance.
  • Cons: Heavier, more expensive, less flexible in cold weather.
  • Best for: Heavy-duty hauling (e.g., construction materials, sharp objects), commercial use, long-term outdoor exposure.
• Canvas Tarps: Made from natural cotton or synthetic blends, canvas tarps are breathable, water-resistant (especially when treated), and offer good abrasion resistance. They are often used when breathability is important to prevent condensation.
  • Pros: Breathable, good for preventing condensation, rugged feel, environmentally friendly (if cotton).
  • Cons: Not fully waterproof unless treated, heavier, can be prone to mildew if stored wet, higher maintenance.
  • Best for: Protecting items that need to breathe (e.g., certain building materials, machinery), furniture, antique items.
• Mesh Tarps: These tarps have an open weave, allowing air to pass through while still containing debris. They are not waterproof but are excellent for hauling loose, lightweight materials like leaves, mulch, or gravel, preventing them from blowing out without creating wind resistance.
  • Pros: Allows airflow, reduces wind resistance, lightweight, good for containing loose debris.
  • Cons: Not waterproof, offers no privacy.
  • Best for: Landscaping, hauling garden waste, construction debris (where water protection isn’t needed).

Tarp Designs/Styles:

• Flat Tarps: The most basic and versatile, these are rectangular or square sheets of material. They require manual securing with ropes, bungee cords, or straps.
• Fitted Tarps/Roll-Off Tarps: Designed with specific dimensions to fit standard truck beds or roll-off containers, often with elastic edges or built-in securing mechanisms for a snug fit.
• Custom Tarps: For unique truck bed configurations or specialized loads, custom-made tarps can be ordered to precise specifications.
• Retractable/Roll-Up Tarps: These are permanent or semi-permanent systems mounted to the truck bed, allowing for quick and easy deployment and retraction. Common on commercial trucks, but also available for consumer pickups.

Choosing the Right Tarp: Key Considerations

Selecting the ideal tarp involves more than just picking a color. Consider these factors:

1. Size: Measure your truck bed carefully (length and width). For flat tarps, you’ll want extra material to drape over the sides and ends, allowing for adequate overlap and secure tie-down points. A common rule of thumb is to add 1-2 feet to each dimension of your load for proper coverage and tie-down.
2. Material and Durability (Weight/Denier/Mil):
   • Light-Duty (e.g., 5-8 mil poly): For occasional use, light loads, and general coverage.
   • Medium-Duty (e.g., 10-14 mil poly, lighter vinyl): Good for regular use, moderate loads, and better weather protection.
   • Heavy-Duty (e.g., 18-22 mil vinyl, thick canvas): Essential for commercial use, sharp or abrasive loads, and harsh conditions. Look for higher denier counts for stronger poly tarps.
3. Grommets and Reinforcements: Check the quality and spacing of grommets (metal eyelets). Strong, rust-resistant grommets spaced every 18-24 inches provide more secure tie-down points. Reinforced corners and hems significantly extend the tarp’s lifespan by preventing tearing at stress points.
4. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant vs. Breathable: Choose based on your cargo. For sensitive items, opt for fully waterproof materials like vinyl or coated poly. For items that need airflow, consider canvas (treated) or mesh.
5. UV Resistance: If your tarp will be exposed to sunlight frequently, choose a material with good UV resistance (like vinyl or UV-treated poly) to prevent premature degradation.
6. Intended Use: Will you be hauling sharp objects, heavy construction materials, or just garden waste? The type of cargo heavily influences the required durability.

How to Secure a Tarp on a Pickup Truck: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly securing your tarp is paramount for safety and effectiveness.

1. Prepare Your Load: Ensure your cargo is as evenly distributed and stable as possible within the truck bed. Place padding over any sharp edges that could tear the tarp.
2. Drape the Tarp: Lay the tarp over your load, ensuring it covers all sides with sufficient overlap. Aim for at least 1-2 feet of excess material on each side to reach tie-down points. For large loads, you might need to fold or pleat the tarp for a snug fit.
3. Start at the Front: Begin securing the tarp at the front (cab side) of the truck bed. Use bungee cords, rope, or cargo straps, hooking them through the tarp’s grommets and attaching them to the truck’s tie-down points (bed hooks, cleats, or anchor points). Pull tautly.
4. Work Your Way Back: Move along the sides, securing grommets alternately, pulling the tarp tight as you go. This crisscross or alternating pattern helps distribute tension evenly and minimizes flapping.
5. Address the Corners: Fold the corners of the tarp neatly, similar to wrapping a present, to create a tight, aerodynamic shape. Secure these folds firmly.
6. Tighten and Double-Check: Once all points are secured, re-check the tension. The tarp should be drum-tight, with no significant slack or areas where water could pool. Flapping tarps are not only noisy but can also tear. Consider adding additional bungee cords or straps in the middle for very long or wide loads.
7. Safety Check: Before driving, walk around your truck to ensure all straps are secure, the tarp isn’t obstructing lights or license plates, and there are no loose ends that could tangle or pose a hazard.

Tip: For extra security and to prevent flapping, especially at highway speeds, consider running a long strap or rope over the entire tarp, from one side of the truck to the other, securing it tightly.

Maintenance and Care for Longevity

Proper care extends the life of your tarp and ensures it remains effective.

• Cleaning: After use, especially with dirty loads, clean your tarp. Lay it flat or hang it, then rinse with water. For stubborn grime, use a mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the material or coatings.
• Drying: Always ensure your tarp is completely dry before folding and storing. Storing a wet tarp, especially canvas, can lead to mildew, mold, and material degradation.
• Storage: Fold or roll your tarp neatly to prevent creases and damage. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A storage bag can protect it from dust and pests.
• Repair: Small holes or tears can often be patched using specialized tarp repair kits, heavy-duty tape, or vinyl cement. Addressing small damage quickly prevents it from worsening.
• Inspect Regularly: Before each use, quickly inspect your tarp for any signs of wear, tears, or compromised grommets.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Flapping: The most common issue. Solution: Ensure the tarp is pulled as tight as possible. Use more tie-down points, especially in the middle. Consider running straps over the tarp.
• Water Pooling: Indicates insufficient tension or improper draping. Solution: Tighten the tarp, ensure proper slope for water runoff, or use a frame/support underneath if hauling a flat, rigid item.
• Tears from Sharp Objects: Solution: Always pad sharp edges of your cargo before covering with a tarp. Use a heavier-duty tarp (vinyl) if frequently hauling abrasive materials.
• Securing Odd-Shaped Loads: Solution: Use multiple smaller tarps, or invest in a custom-sized tarp. Strategic folding and additional anchor points become crucial.
• Grommet Pull-Out: Indicates too much stress on a single point or poor quality grommets. Solution: Distribute tension more evenly, use more tie-down points, or invest in tarps with reinforced grommets and hems.

Pricing Guide: Tarps For Pickup Trucks

The price of a tarp for your pickup truck can vary significantly based on material, size, durability, and features. This table provides a general price range and guidance.

Tarp Type/Material	Common Size Range (LxW)	Key Features & Durability	Typical Price Range (USD)	Best For…
Light-Duty Poly	6×8 ft to 12×16 ft	5-8 mil thick, basic waterproof, lightweight, often blue/green	$10 – $40	Occasional use, light debris, temporary covers, budget-conscious buyers.
Medium-Duty Poly	8×10 ft to 16×20 ft	10-14 mil thick, reinforced corners, UV treated, better tear resistance	$30 – $80	Regular general use, moderate loads, better weather protection.
Heavy-Duty Poly	10×12 ft to 20×30 ft	16-20 mil thick, strong weave, heavy-duty grommets, excellent UV/tear resistance	$60 – $150	Frequent use, heavier loads, better longevity than lighter poly.
Heavy-Duty Vinyl (PVC)	10×12 ft to 20×30 ft	18-22 oz per sq yd, industrial strength, extreme tear/abrasion resistance, waterproof	$150 – $400+	Commercial use, sharp/heavy materials (e.g., gravel, scrap metal), extreme weather.
Canvas (Treated)	8×10 ft to 14×18 ft	10-18 oz per sq yd, breathable, water-resistant, good for preventing condensation	$80 – $250	Protecting items needing airflow, furniture, machinery (where breathability is key).
Mesh Tarp	6×8 ft to 12×16 ft	Open weave, allows airflow, reduces wind resistance, not waterproof	$25 – $75	Hauling loose, lightweight debris (leaves, mulch), preventing blow-outs without full coverage.
Custom/Specialty	Varies (e.g., fitted)	Tailored dimensions, specific features (e.g., roll-up systems), premium materials	$200 – $1000+	Unique truck bed sizes, commercial fleets, integrated tarp systems.

Note: Prices are estimates and can vary based on brand, retailer, specific features, and current market conditions. Always compare specifications before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tarps For Pickup Trucks

Q1: What’s the best material for a pickup truck tarp?
A1: It depends on your needs. For general, light-duty use, a medium-duty polyethylene (poly) tarp is usually sufficient and cost-effective. For heavy-duty, commercial, or professional use, a vinyl (PVC) tarp offers superior durability, waterproofing, and longevity. If breathability is crucial, a treated canvas tarp is a good option.

Q2: How do I measure my truck bed for a tarp?
A2: Measure the length and width of your truck bed. Then, add extra length and width for overhang – typically 1 to 2 feet on each side and end. This extra material allows you to properly drape the tarp over your load and reach the tie-down points securely. For example, if your bed is 6×4 feet, consider an 8×6 or 10×8 foot tarp.

Q3: How do I prevent my tarp from flapping in the wind?
A3: The key is tightness. Ensure the tarp is pulled drum-tight across the load. Use plenty of bungee cords or straps, spaced evenly around the perimeter. For high speeds or very windy conditions, run additional straps over the top of the tarp from side to side to hold it down more securely.

Q4: Can I use any tarp for my pickup truck?
A4: While you can technically use any tarp, it’s highly recommended to use one designed or suitable for truck beds. Thin, cheap tarps will quickly tear or degrade under the stress of hauling and wind. Look for tarps with reinforced grommets, UV resistance, and appropriate material thickness (mil/denier) for your cargo.

Q5: Are there legal requirements for covering loads in a pickup truck?
A5: Yes, most states and municipalities have laws requiring loads to be securely covered or contained to prevent debris from falling or blowing onto the roadway. Fines can be substantial for unsecured loads. A properly secured tarp is generally sufficient to meet these requirements. Always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles or state transportation laws.

Q6: How long do tarps typically last?
A6: The lifespan varies significantly by material and care. A light-duty poly tarp might last 1-2 years with regular use, while a heavy-duty vinyl tarp can last 5-10 years or even longer if properly maintained and stored. UV exposure, frequency of use, and the type of cargo hauled all impact longevity.

Conclusion: Tarp Up for a Safer, Smarter Haul

Tarps for pickup trucks are far more than simple accessories; they are fundamental components of responsible and efficient truck ownership. From shielding your precious cargo from the elements and preventing costly loss to ensuring legal compliance and enhancing road safety, the benefits are undeniable. By understanding the various types, selecting the right material and size, mastering proper securing techniques, and committing to regular maintenance, you can maximize the utility and lifespan of your tarp. Invest wisely in a quality tarp, and you’ll find it an invaluable partner for every journey, making your pickup truck an even more versatile and reliable workhorse. So, the next time you load up, remember to tarp up – for peace of mind, protection, and a safer haul.