Changing temperatures, light, and moisture levels can diminish the performance of many types of outdoor vehicles and equipment, and trailer tarps are no exception. The right high-quality tarp can help you protect your cargo and save drivers time and hassle in the long run. Knowing how the weather can affect different kinds of tarp materials can help you choose the right covering for your needs.
What Impact Does the Weather Have on Trailer Tarp Systems?
Although most trailer tarps are designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, it's important to know which cover materials best suit the weather in your travel range. This way, you can select the most reliable, durable tarps for your application.
Exposure to sun, wind, moisture, and changing temperatures can impact the longevity of any tarp. Vinyl and polyester are most flexible when temperatures are warm, but they can become brittle in extreme cold. These fabrics are more susceptible to tearing or breakage under pressure, and heavy winds, which take away surface heat, can make the problem worse. As exposure to cold and wind increases, the flexibility and resilience of your tarp will drop.
When drivers repeatedly use tarps under harsh conditions, these coverings are bound to experience some wear and tear over time. Choosing the right tarp material will help you protect your load from moisture and UV rays while minimizing deterioration. Heavy-duty 100% nylon trailer covers are waterproof and wind- and tear-resistant. Nylon is also twice as strong as standard polyester, has a high strength-to-weight ratio, and is relatively elastic.
Recommendations for Purchasing a Good-Quality Trailer Tarp
In general, a trailer tarp system is most effective when it is well-designed, user-friendly, and made from high-quality materials. A good tarp system can withstand the rigors of on-road transit and fully cover your cargo. It will fully protect your load, be manageable and low-maintenance, and provide long-term value.
A tarp's fabric and construction will affect its quality and durability. When you're choosing a trailer cover, it's important to review how its material, thickness, denier weight, weave count, reinforcement, and coating will impact its performance.
Heavy-duty tarps are usually made from weighty, densely woven materials. The denier, measured in grams per 9,000 feet of thread, is another metric to look out for; a higher denier typically corresponds to higher resilience to wear. Similarly, higher weave counts usually make a tarp heavier and more tear-resistant, and extra rows of small, even stitches can help keep your tarp from tearing and fraying.
Many tarps are coated with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), and carbon black to resist UV light. You can also purchase flame-resistant tarps or opt for reflective coverings in light colors like silver or white that won't absorb sunlight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Trailer Tarp Systems
When you're using a trailer tarp correctly, it will provide safer, more efficient service. Avoiding the common mistakes listed below can help improve the tarp's performance.
Using the Wrong Size Tarp
To provide full coverage, a tarp's dimensions should exceed the actual dimensions of its trailer. Make sure that the tarp you choose is appropriately sized for your trailer; otherwise, it is more likely to tear or expose your load to loss or damage.
Using Too Much or Too Little Tension
If your tarp is too loose, it could catch the wind or expose your load to moisture. On the other hand, too much tension could overstretch the tarp and make it susceptible to tearing.
Ignoring the Manufacturer's Recommendations
Most tarps have specific design features that only work well when you install them properly. Going against the manufacturer's instructions could result in a poorly functioning cover.
Protect Your Cargo from the Weather by Choosing the Right Tarp
When you choose a heavy-duty tarp that is designed to withstand the weather conditions in your area, you will receive a good return on your investment. Drivers and logistics professionals will rest easier knowing that their tarps are likely to last longer, perform better, and keep their cargo well-protected.
