Flatbed Tarp Guide: Lumber, Steel, and Smoke Tarps
Flatbed Tarp Guide
A flatbed has no walls and no roof. That is what makes it so useful. You can load from the side, from the top, or with a crane. But it also means your freight is out in the rain, sun, wind, and road spray.
That is where a flatbed tarp comes in. It keeps the load dry and clean from pickup to delivery. If you are new to tarping, the choices can be confusing. This guide breaks them down in simple terms.
In This Guide
Why Loads Get Tarped
Shippers ask for tarps for good reasons.
Rain and snow. Water rusts steel, warps lumber, and ruins drywall and paper goods.
Road grime. Dirt, salt, and oil spray up from the road and stain finished products.
Sun. Long hours in the sun can fade or damage some materials.
Wind. A tarp helps keep loose wrapping and light items from blowing off.
Many shippers will not load you unless you have the right tarps on the truck. Loads that need tarping often pay a little more too, because of the extra work.
The Main Types
Lumber Tarps
A lumber tarp is made for tall, boxy loads. It has long sides, called drops, that hang down to cover the full height of the load. Drops are often 6 to 8 feet.
Most lumber tarps also have a flap at the back. The flap folds down to cover the end of the load, like the flap on an envelope.
They are usually sold in sets of two. One covers the front half of the load and one covers the back half, with an overlap in the middle.
Use them for stacked lumber, plywood, drywall, tall crates, and other high loads. Safe & Tie offers a 20 by 27 foot lumber tarp with a 6-foot drop for standard flatbed loads.
Steel Tarps
A steel tarp is made for low loads. It has shorter drops, often about 4 feet. It has no big flap, or only a small one.
Because it is smaller, it is lighter and easier to handle. That matters when you are pulling it over a load by yourself.
Use steel tarps for steel plate, sheets, bar, rod, cable, and other short and heavy freight. The 16 by 27 foot steel tarp with a 4-foot drop and flap is a common size.
Smoke Tarps
A smoke tarp is small. It covers only the front top part of the load. Its job is to keep exhaust soot from the truck's stacks off the freight. Some people call it a nose tarp.
Use it on loads that do not need full cover but do need to stay clean in front, such as pipe or light-colored materials.
Machinery Tarps
These are shaped to cover machines and odd-shaped equipment. They have extra rows of D-rings so you can pull them snug around bumps and corners.
Coil Tarps
A coil tarp is shaped like a fitted cap. It drops over a steel coil and covers it neatly with little extra material.
Lumber Tarp vs Steel Tarp at a Glance
| Feature | Lumber Tarp | Steel Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Drop length | Long drops | Short drops |
| Back flap | Has one | Usually none, or a small one |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Best for | Tall loads | Low loads |
| Ease of use | Harder to lift and spread | Easier to lift and spread |
Many drivers carry both, so they can say yes to more loads.
What the Size Numbers Mean
Tarp sizes can look odd at first. Take a tarp listed as 16 by 27 with a 4-foot drop.
- The 27 is the length along the trailer.
- The 16 is the full width from one bottom edge, over the top, to the other bottom edge.
- The 4-foot drop is how far each side hangs down.
A flatbed deck is about 8 feet wide. Add a 4-foot drop on each side and you get 16 feet. That is where the number comes from.
To pick a size, measure the length, width, and height of the loads you haul most. The drop should be at least as tall as the load so the sides are fully covered.
What Tarps Are Made Of
Most heavy-duty truck tarps are made of vinyl-coated polyester. The fabric is rated by weight.
| Fabric | What to Know |
|---|---|
| 18 ounce vinyl | The heavy-duty standard. It is tough and long lasting, but heavy. |
| 14 ounce vinyl | Lighter and easier to lift, with a bit less wear life. |
| Lightweight fabrics | Some tarps use very light material to cut weight. They are easy to handle but need more care. |
Look for these features too:
- Heat-sealed seams that keep water out
- Rows of D-rings along the sides, so you can hook at different heights
- Brass or steel grommets along the edges
- Extra layers at the corners and wear points
How to Tie a Tarp Down
A tarp that flaps will tear, and a tarp that lifts can pull loose. Hold it down well.
Rubber tarp straps. Stretchy straps with S-hooks. They are the most common way to hold a tarp. Hook one end to a D-ring and the other to the trailer.
Bungee cords. Good for light duty and odd spots.
Rope. Useful for cinching down loose areas.
Straps over the top. A few ratchet straps over the tarp keep wind from getting under it.
Tip: Hook tarp straps with the open end of the hook facing down and away from the tarp so it does not poke the fabric.
Protect the Tarp From Sharp Corners
Sharp corners are the top cause of torn tarps. Before you spread the tarp, cover any sharp points on the load. Corner guards, old moving blankets, or pieces of carpet all help. A plastic tarp guard corner protector is made for just this job.
Care Tips That Add Years
- Let tarps dry before you fold them when you can. Wet tarps grow mildew.
- Fold or roll them the same way each time so they are easy to spread.
- Patch small holes right away with a vinyl repair kit.
- Do not drag tarps across rough pavement.
- Store them in a tarp box or on a rack, out of the sun.
Stay Safe While Tarping
Tarping is hard work, and falls from trailers are a real danger.
- Spread the tarp from the ground with a pole or rope when you can.
- Use a tarping station if the shipper has one.
- Watch the wind. A big tarp acts like a sail.
- Lift with your legs. A heavy tarp can weigh more than 100 pounds.
- Wear gloves and boots with good grip.
Final Thoughts
The right flatbed tarp depends on the load. Tall loads need a lumber tarp with long drops and a flap. Low, heavy loads need a steel tarp. A smoke tarp handles the jobs in between. Measure your usual freight, choose a strong vinyl, and take care of your tarps. You can compare sizes in the Safe & Tie tarps collection.
Find the Right Tarp for Your Load
Shop lumber tarps, steel tarps, and tarp guards at Safe & Tie.
Shop TarpsFrequently Asked Questions
What size tarp do I need for a 48-foot flatbed?
Most drivers use two tarps that each cover about half the load with some overlap. Pick the drop length based on your load height.
Can I use a lumber tarp on a steel load?
Yes, but you will have a lot of extra material to fold and tie up. A steel tarp is lighter and fits low loads better.
How long does a vinyl truck tarp last?
With good care, a heavy vinyl tarp can last for years. Sharp corners, sun, and dragging on pavement are what wear tarps out early.
What does drop mean on a tarp?
The drop is how far the side of the tarp hangs down from the top of the load. A taller load needs a longer drop.
Are lighter tarps worth it?
They are easier to lift and spread, which saves your back. They may wear a little faster, so use corner guards and handle them with care.