Truck tarps are great for securing your load and preventing debris from flying all over the road. They come in an assortment of shapes and sizes to best accommodate your needs. Regardless of whether you need a tarp for a grain cart, dump truck, hopper trailer, grain truck or fertilizer tender, you can find something that is going to work for you and your needs. Check out these three ways to extend the life of your tarp.

Tarps have to be secured properly.

Regardless of how tough you might think your tarp is, no tarp can withstand excessive wind speed on its own. You have to make sure your tarp is properly secured to your truck, otherwise, it is going to rip off and get torn to pieces. Use bungee straps to tie the tarp down on all four sides. Make sure you tie it snugly, but not too tight. You don't want to cause any additional strain on the fabric due to too much force from the bungee straps.

Pad the corners.

If your load has any sharp corners or edges, you need to make sure they are properly padded to prevent any tearing in your tarps. Corner protectors are designed specifically for truck tarps. They are simple to use and help save you a lot of hassle and headache in hauling your loads. The protectors have rounded edges made of a flexible plastic that is extremely durable. This lets your tarp fit nicely around the curve, rather than being pulled taught. Make sure to inspect your tarp regularly to see if there are any holes or tears in it. Even the smallest of holes can end up turning into a major rip with normal use.

Clean your tarp regularly.

Beyond taking the time to inspect your tarp, you also want to make sure it is clean and in good condition at all times. In doing so, you can help extend the lifespan of your tarp. Every few months, spend time cleaning the tarp to get rid of any grime, mold, mud, dirt and mildew that has accumulated on it. Not only do they make the tarp heavier, but they also degrade the coating on the tarp. Use water and soap on the tarp. Scrub it clean with a push broom or brush. Don't use harsh cleaners. These will weaken the tarp.

By keeping the three things above in mind, you can make sure your tarp lasts for quite some time. If you are unsure which tarp to get, speak to a dealer about the various options today.

To learn more about truck tarps, contact a company like Lehman Awning Co

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