MGTest-Custom Fitted Steel Drum Barrel Tarp Cover - 18oz Vinyl Coated Polyester

USA vs Import

Our 6’ drop lumber tarps are made in Cullman, Alabama and sell for $479. Other shops offer imported tarps in the same size for $300. Some of these imported tarps are built fairly well but many are not and you typically get what you pay for. In the paragraphs below we will call out a few features you should be on the lookout for while selecting your next set of lumber tarps.

Fabric Quality

Most flatbed lumber tarps are constructed from 18oz vinyl but not all 18 ounce fabrics are created equal. Shops that primarily build truck tarps tend to use the least expensive option because of this product’s short lifespan. Truck tarps only make up about 10% of our production and most of what we build requires higher grade vinyl with more flex, better UV treatment, and a clean matte finish. Using this fabric adds about $40 to the bottom line but drivers who take care of their tarps will earn that back in no time.

Webbing reinforcements

Our tarps are constructed with 2” black polypro webbing rated for a 600lbs load limit. Most shops use slit film which costs half the price but in our experience this thicker heavier webbing helps stiffen the tarp’s side walls to defend against wind beat. Plus the added strength helps to lock those D-Rings in place.

D-Rings

We spend an extra $0.10 for larger 2” D-rings. They are a thicker gauge with a welded seam mounted on 6,000lbs webbing. The larger ring size hangs flat inside of the webbing and can be tucked tightly against the row to prevent spinning. This tarp features 72 D-rings so using them adds another $7 to the bottom line but again it is money well spent.

D-Rings Patch Tabs

About 2010 someone had the brilliant idea to put little scrap pieces of fabric under each D-Ring to help prevent wear. Like many shops we quickly jumped on board but soon realized the flaw in that idea. The constant fluttering weakens the threads causing D-Ring to fail prematurely. Sometimes even the best ideas turn out to be a bust.

Thread Size

Threads are what hold the D-rings in place and are responsible for a surprising amount of the cost. The industry standard thread size is 138 which features 21lbs breaking strength. Our truck tarps are constructed using 277 thread which has 44lbs breaking strength. This larger thread costs 50% more plus it takes more of it to sew the same distance. Once the D-Rings fall off the tarp is useless so when cutting corners threads are the absolute last thing that should be considered.

Stitch spacing

We use a 6-7 stitch spacing which means for every one inch of length there are 4 stitches. Many other brands are closer to one stitch per inch which uses 75% less thread and is probably the reason you are online searching for a new tarp guy today.

Grommets

Just like fabric all grommets are not created equal. We spend an extra $0.02 for rolled rim locking spur grommet plus an extra $0.01 for brass. As they are pressed the spurs of the washer fold into the rim of the grommet permanently fusing the two halves together. You will notice our grommets are perfectly positioned in the corners and at the seams where the fabric is 4 layers thick plus we always punch a grommet at both ends of each webbing row. Most shops use sheet grommets which install faster for less but will fail if installed in areas with a high layer count. Stainless grommets cost a little less but do not mold as perfectly when pressed which often creates sharp points that can cut your hand or scratch the load.

Lightweight Tarps

If ten drivers call us, nine of them are asking about lighter tarps. To be clear when a shop advertises a “Lightweight” tarp it was constructed out of 14oz fabric instead of 18oz fabric. That’s a whopping savings of 0.02 pounds per square foot. We keep 14oz and would be happy to build your tarps out of it but we are in no way recommending it. 14oz vinyl makes an excellent shade screen, is ideal for pool covers, and is our go to fabric for industrial curtains but is a little underpowered for use on flatbeds.

Hybrid Tarps

Hybrid tarps feature 18oz fabric on top and 14oz fabric on the sides which is three levels of stupid. First the sides take way more abuse than the top, second it has half the weight savings of “Lightweight”, and third this design requires a weakened horizontal seam located right at the peak of the load. We just say no to stupid and you should too.

Parachute Tarps

About half the calls we get are wanting to buy parachute tarps. What they call parachute is actually 6oz nylon fabric. Obviously 6 ounce is 67% lighter than 18 ounce so the weight savings are dramatic but you pay 30% more for a tarps that last half as long. 6 ounce nylon makes a really nice backpack, tote bag, or even a shade sail but is in no way durable enough for flatbed trucking. It requires the same failure prone seam of the hybrid design, is water resistant but not waterproof, gets really heavy once wet, and cannot be repaired or patched without a sewing machine. We no longer offer this option due to warranty limitations.

Lightweight tarp solution

Now that you know Lightweight, Hybrid, and Parachute tarps are all silly options, let’s discuss what you can do. Normally a driver will purchase two 6’ drop tarps that together cover the full trailer. These weigh 88lbs each which is too much for most of us. If you actually need tarps that weigh less the only real solution is to buy a smaller size. We offer shorter length lumber tarps with a flap plus a center tarp which features extra D-Rings that will come in handy for coils or machinery. Each tarp will weigh 20lbs less, no durability is sacrificed, and you will be surprised how often these smaller sizes come in handy.

Buy American

Our team is sweating but this is not a sweat shop. That’s hard work mixed with Alabama humidity on Real Americans who sacrifice the best 40 hours of their week to support their family and this great country. Your decision to buy American provides us with privilege of rewarding these workday warriors with competitive wages, health insurance, and paid time off. Our standards for materials, workmanship, quality control, and employ wellbeing will never allow us to be the low price leader but the overall value is responsible for a century of repeat business.

Availability

Lookout Mountain Tarp keeps this tarp pre-made ready for immediate pick up or same business day shipping if the black 18oz option is selected. Orders for colors other than black or 14oz fabric are made to order and will ship within a week.