It’s happened to so many of us on the road. You’re motoring down the highway, keeping a safe distance from a dump truck - or another large vehicle hauling debris. Before you can react, a rock, scrap metal, or other foreign object shakes loose from the bed, bounces off the road - and crashes into your windshield.

If you’re lucky, you’ve got the inconvenience of replacing or repairing a windshield as a result. But the damage can be much worse. This is why most states have laws and regulations in place to require trucks to have a tarping system in place, to control their payload.

On the other side of the road, if your business relies on trucks hauling from point A to point B, you need your trucks on the move, not out of commission. For a variety of truck types and dump body sizes, Mountain Tarp has you covered, to keep your drivers safe and your trucks on the job.

Why are tarping systems important?

Tarping systems keep the roads safe and clear of clutter and hazards. They also safeguard your business from fines and legal action that could result from damages done when payload on one of your trucks comes loose.

Tarps can also save you time and money. An automatic system takes minutes to put into place and is more reliable than manually strapping a tarp over the truck bed. They can also reduce work-related injuries and lost work time for trucks that are cited for not having a system in place. Not to mention potential damage to your truck from falling debris. For these reasons, most U.S. states have regulations and laws requiring tarp systems to be in place on trucks.

Which tarp system is right for your trucks? Check out this list of 3 of the most effective and popular tarp systems on the market. Mountain Tarp has you covered, so you can keep rolling.

1. LOCK-N-ROLL SIDE ROLL TARPS

The lock-n-roll tarp holds up with hard-to-handle loads. These side-roll tarps come with a standard Gorilla Mesh 22-oz. vinyl tarpaulin material that’s also water-tight. (An 18-oz. option is also available.) Vinyl tarps have a high-abrasion resistance, meaning that miles on a bumpy road with unfriendly payload won’t cause them to rip. They have dual-reinforced stress points and the strongest latch plates around for added durability.

Not every payload is the same, so lock-n-roll tarps come in many sizes, electric or manual operation. They come with a front custom aluminum cap option, available with a 2-inch wind deflector. Lock-n-roll tarps have standard front-roll return and rear-crank handle options: flex or straight mount.

BEST USE: Agriculture or coal-hauling markets.

2. ELECTRIC SIDE-ROLL 2000 TARP

The Electric Side-Roll (ESR) 2000 is an electric side-to-side lock and roll tarping system designed for durability, safety, and versatility. Available in direct drive or chain drive motor assembly, the ESR 2000’s versatility allows users to maximize load types and increase revenue on return trips. The system offers easy installation and repair and performs well in cold weather. The waterproof ESR2000 kit features a heavy-duty electric motor, one button open and close controls and a reinforced aluminum front arm with spring assembly for ease of use.

BEST USE: grain hauling and other agricultural products, coal, and construction.

3. FLIP-TARP SYSTEM

This versatile system can mount to truck bodies as long as 48 feet. It’s available in manual, ground-operated roller system or automatic drive option. The flip tarp has a variety of motor, tarp, and mounting options. Hauling hot-top material? Choose the optional 18-oz. tarp. With guaranteed unbreakable arms, this system has a 3-year, non-prorated warranty on its electric motor. Spring assemblies are available in side-mount 4- or 5-spring or torsion spring with 3,300 lbs. of hold-down pressure.

The flip-tarp system includes a polished, anodized aluminum versatile-use windshield and endplates. A rocker switch with solenoid comes standard, and a tarp-saver bar is optional. It comes with a heavy-duty black mesh tarp and an 18-oz. vinyl alternative for asphalt applications.

BEST USE: Construction and heavy-duty task.

Whatever your truck and whatever your load, we've got you covered. We're the experts in tarp covers so you don't have to be. Turn to Mountain Tarp for repair, installation, and more.

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