Different Types of Dump Truck Covers

Despite its name, not everything transported in the back of a dump truck is headed for the dump. That’s why it’s important to protect the contents of your truck bed with a cover, especially if you’re transporting valuable materials. The most traditional type of protective cover is a tarp, and it’s most commonly used with a flip arm system.

What makes the flip arm system so popular is that it’s versatile, so it can be used on truck bodies of different shapes and sizes. The system consists of two arms made of a material like steel or aluminum, which are mounted to the side of the truck body with spring assemblies. The top of the arms is attached to a cross bar that goes through a pocket at the end of the tarp. Depending on the option you choose, the tarp is deployed from the roller bar either manually or by an electric or hydraulic motor to cover the bed. The system is fast, rolling out the tarp in as little as a few seconds, which makes it a much more efficient and convenient approach than covering your truck bed by hand.

While there are several tarp material options for the flip arm system available, here are the three most common types of heavy duty tarps for trucks to suit your specific needs.

Mesh

Mesh tarps come in different fabrics, colors, and thicknesses. But they all offer good durability as well as air permeability, which is important to prevent flapping. Some even feature UV protection. These tarps are a great choice for transporting construction materials like rock, sand, plants, and debris.

Vinyl

Vinyl tarps, which are often coated with PVC for extra strength, are tear and abrasion resistant and provide more shade than their mesh counterparts. Another big advantage vinyl tarps offer is that they’re waterproof, so your contents have the ultimate protection. These tarps come in a variety of colors and strengths.

Asphalt

Designed to hold up against high temperatures, as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, these tarps are used to transport hot asphalt without burning or sticking. They’re also waterproof and tear-resistant for added durability.

If you’re searching for dump truck covers and tarps to help you transport your goods safely and securely, consider these three options for durability and longevity.