If you haul a dump truck, end dump, or grain trailer, a rollover tarp is the difference between covering a load in a few seconds and wrestling a loose tarp in the wind. It is also a DOT requirement on most loads. Here is how the system actually works, and what to know before you buy one or replace the tarp on the one you have.
The Basic Setup
A rollover system, sometimes called a side-roll or flip tarp, has three main parts: a tarp anchored along one side rail of the trailer, a roll tube on the opposite side that the tarp winds onto, and a set of bows or a spring-loaded arm that carries the tarp up and over the load. The whole thing lives on the side of the trailer and stays out of the way when it is not in use.
Rolling It Over
To cover a load, the operator turns the roll tube, either with a hand crank or an electric switch. The tube winds the tarp across the top of the box, up and over the bows, until it reaches the far rail and locks down tight under tension. To uncover, you run the tube the other way and the tarp rolls back to its home side. One person, a few seconds, and no climbing up on the load.
Manual or Electric?
Manual crank systems are simple, dependable, and cost less up front. Electric systems add a motor so you can tarp and untarp from the ground with the flip of a switch, which pays off fast if you are covering loads all day. If you already run a manual system and want to upgrade, an electric conversion kit adds the motor without replacing the whole setup.
Mesh or Solid Tarp?
The tarp itself matters as much as the mechanism. Mesh tarps are the choice for gravel, dirt, sand, and aggregate. They let air pass through, which cuts wind whip and keeps the load from blowing out, while still meeting cover requirements. Solid vinyl or canvas tarps are for anything that has to stay dry or contained, like grain, salt, mulch, or refuse.
Most of the Time, It Is the Tarp That Wears Out
When a rollover system stops doing its job, the mechanism is usually fine. It is the tarp that has stretched, torn, or gone brittle in the sun. A worn tarp will not seal, flaps at speed, and only gets worse. The good news is you do not have to replace the whole system. We build replacement rollover tarps to fit your existing rails and roll tube, in the weight and material your load calls for. Send us your dimensions and we will build one that fits.