The transportation industry frequently uses tarps and tarp straps to protect cargo from the elements. They include rolling tarp systems that are fully customizable for any type of trailer and capable of meeting the needs of various loads, including steel, lumber and irregularly shaped cargo.
But there are many tarp uses that have nothing to do with trucking or trailers — everything from camping to yard work — but it’s essential to know which kind of tarp is right for each job. If you’re looking for tarps and straps, this tarp straps buyers guide should help you get the ones that work best.
Choosing the Right Tarp with Our Tarp Straps Buyers Guide
There are several factors you should consider before buying any kind of tarp. Knowing these will ensure that you get a tarp that will address all your needs.
- Size- You will want to cover the item or area as completely as possible without having a lot of excess material. If you are using a tarp for camping, for example, you don’t want to carry a larger (and heavier) one than you need to cover the area underneath your tent.
- Waterproofing- If you want to keep equipment or vehicles dry, you should select the correct poly or vinyl tarp to do the job.
- Weather conditions- If your area experiences extreme heat or cold, the tarp you choose should handle the weather without deteriorating or becoming brittle. Also be aware that intense winds can shred thin plastic tarps.
Types of Straps
There are a few types of tarp material that you should know about if you’re in the market for a tarp. The most common are:
- Poly- Made of plastic sheeting, this inexpensive option is waterproof and lightweight. Poly tarps are a good choice for covering vehicles or equipment and also work well when you’re putting a tarp under a tent to keep out moisture. On the other hand, they are more easily torn and don’t hold up as well in extreme cold.
- Canvas- These tarps are most frequently used as drop cloths for painting projects because they’re absorbent and offer better traction on floors. But because they don’t repel water, they’re not suitable for protecting items that will be exposed to the weather.
- Vinyl- Constructed of heavy plastic, vinyl tarps offer the best protection from moisture. Specialty lumber tarps and steel tarps are common among those in the trucking community who haul these types of cargo regularly. Although they are the most expensive option, they will last much longer than other varieties.
Tarp Straps Buyers Guide
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your tarp straps are no longer working as they should, consider purchasing new ones. However, with a wide range of strap options to explore, choosing the best suited straps for your needs can be tricky.
A tarp is designed to secure loads, but it will not be efficient in doing its job without strong tarp straps. The purpose of straps is to keep the tarp tight and secure during transport.
Since there are many different types of straps to consider, this buying guide will help you narrow down your selection.
The Importance of Tarp Straps
Tarp straps protect tarps and loads from the harsh weather, sudden movement while on the road, and other elements that can affect your cargo's safety.
Quality plays an important role in choosing tarp straps, because poor-quality straps can crack, stretch, or snap under pressure, leading to safety hazards or damaged goods.
Verduyn Tarps offers durable straps and ratchet systems specially made for professional haulers.
From tie-down straps to strap accessories, at Verduyn Tarps, we provide straps specific to your needs and preferences, built for long hauls or even tough weather.
Types of Tarp Straps
When buying tarp straps, one thing to keep in mind is to choose the right type of straps for balancing tension and ensuring strength.
Many jobs require tiedowns to keep your cargo or belongings in place.
In the U.S., there are specific regulations governing the use of tarp straps—particularly under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for load securement—and we invite you to check out our previous blog post for a deeper dive: “DOT Regulations for Strapping Loads: Essential Guidelines for U.S. Truckers”.
If you need tarp straps, this buyer’s guide can help you choose the right ones.
1. Winch Straps
Winch straps are designed for use on step decks, flatbeds, and other heavy-duty transport applications.
They are made from strong polyester webbing and work with a winch system, which is mounted on the trailer. The winch tightens the strap across the load.
Winch straps are ideal for securing heavy cargo, long-haul trucking, and situations requiring consistent tension.
2. Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps offer versatility when it comes to transporting both light and heavy-duty loads that require secure, adjustable tension.
This type of strap works best for pickup trucks, flatbeds, general cargo, equipment, and machinery, as well as situations that require easy tightening and release.
It is made from a durable woven material, using ratchets to keep cargo and tarps held tightly in place.
3. Custom Straps
If winch or ratchet straps do not fit your specific hauling needs, Verduyn Tarps offers customized options.
Custom-made straps are designed to meet unique load requirements from the length to the label. These straps not only offer a perfect fit for your equipment but also present a great opportunity to showcase your fleet’s branding—helping your trucks stand out on the road while reinforcing a professional, cohesive image.
Custom straps are best for irregular or oversized cargo, specialized vehicles, and fleet setups that require uniform straps.
4. Rubber
These straps, often referred to as rubber tarp straps, bungee cords, or simply bungees, feature metal hooks at each end and are valued for being versatile, inexpensive, and easy to use.
While they’re a convenient choice for securing tarps, keeping loose materials in place, or organizing equipment, it’s important to note that rubber bungee straps are not DOT-approved or regulated for load securement and should never be used to tie down cargo.
Instead, truckers commonly rely on them for light-duty applications, such as keeping tarps tight against the load, reducing wind flap, or holding excess straps and cables neatly out of the way.
Key Features To Consider When Buying Tarp Straps
A good strap can secure your load and hold up even under repeated tension, daily use, or changing weather. Here are several items you must consider when buying tarp straps.
1. Material
The strap's lifespan depends on its material. Straps made of polyester webbing are the most preferred option for winch and ratchet straps. This material is resistant to harmful UV, strong, and low-stretch.
Straps that maintain their integrity even when they are exposed to road debris or sunlight are guaranteed to have a longer lifespan. For light-duty tie-down jobs, you can use synthetic or natural rubber straps, but they are not safe or approved for securing cargo.
2. Design
The end fitting and hook design matters as well.
If you need a design that can fit into smaller anchor points, wire hooks are a suitable option, while chain ends are heavy-duty straps that provide maximum strength for securing industrial cargo; hook ends work well for medium to heavy loads with quick attachment, and flat hooks are ideal for lighter or delicate cargo, distributing pressure to prevent damage.
Rule of thumb: Choose the strap end based on load weight, cargo type, anchor point type, and the need for speed versus strength.
3. Load Capacity
Even straps have a working load limit (WLL), which indicates how much weight they can safely hold when in use.
When buying straps, always check the label to determine the WLL, ensuring the straps meet or exceed the weight requirements of your cargo.
Considering the WLL is crucial because using straps that are too weak can lead to load shifting, damage, or safety hazards during transport.
4. Tensioning Mechanism
Checking this feature ensures ease of use and safety.
Ratchet straps have a mechanical ratcheting handle that enables precise control and high tension to prevent load shift on long hauls.
Winch straps have trailer-mounted winches that tighten and lock the strap, making them ideal for heavy loads.
Let Verduyn Tarps Help You
We have a wide selection of tarping systems and accessories to serve virtually any need.
To learn more about what we have to offer beyond what we've discussed in this tarps and tarp straps buyers guide, get in touch with us today or request a quote for your project.
