Tarp systems are not the most glamorous of topics, but they are an integral part of any trucking company. The best tarp system for a grain truck is one that will protect your cargo from the elements and allow you to do so without breaking your bank account.
What Type of Grain Truck is Being Tarped?
The first step to choosing the best tarp system for your grain truck is figuring out what type of grain truck you are using. The four most common types are flatbed trucks, lowboy trailers, end dump trailers, and hopper bottom trailers. Each one has its specific challenges when it comes to covering them with tarps.
Where Will the Trucks Be Operating During Inclement Weather?
Something else to consider about your gravity-fed or pneumatic system is where will the trucks be operating during inclement weather? If they are in an area that experiences a lot of rain, snow, or high winds, then you should have stronger materials installed on your trucks that will not allow the wind to push the tarps upwards.
How Do You Plan on Attaching Your Tarp System?
Another thing to consider is how you plan on attaching your tarp system. If you find that your company often operates in rural areas, then it may be a good idea to have trucks with gravity-fed systems installed as opposed to using air-based systems. Tarping a truck with an air-based system can present some challenges depending on how high off the ground they are and if there is a strong crosswind or not.
What Type of Material Will You Be Using On Your Trucks?
Another consideration when choosing a tarp system is what type of material will be used on your trucks. For flatbed trucks, the most common material used is aluminum diamond plates. This material will last for years and is very durable compared to other types of materials out there. Additionally, the aluminum diamond plate can be applied quickly and easily, which makes it a faster process than using other materials. Many of these questions will not have an obvious answer, but having this knowledge as you choose the best tarp system for your grain trucking company will make this decision much easier.
How Much Do You Plan on Spending?
Finally, you also need to consider how much you plan on spending on your new tarp system. Although it is important to get a solid product that will last for years and not break the bank account, you still want to make sure that you are getting a quality product while staying within budget. Keep in mind that some gravity-fed systems can cost upwards of $20,000.
A tarp system is an important piece of trucking equipment that every company should have, regardless if you are tarping flatbed trucks, lowboy trailers, end dump trailers, or hopper bottom trailers. By keeping these four things in mind when choosing your tarp system, you can find one that will work for your company’s individual needs.
