Using Tarps For Flatbed Trucks In The Winter? Use These Suggestions
Using tarps for the cargo on your flatbed truck might be something that is done throughout the year. However, snow, rock salt and ice during winter months present special challenges that need to be addressed so that the tarps can work properly and keep cargo covered. Use these tips during the winter when using tarps on your flatbed truck.
Wear Gloves that Have Rubber Tips
When temperatures drop outside, you may already be wearing gloves when you arrange the tarps on your flatbed truck. To get a better grip on the tarps as you set them up, consider wearing gloves with rubber tips. Depending on the kinds of gloves you choose, you may be able to wear them on top of another pair of gloves for additional warmth.
Keep Your Tarps Warm
Whether your tarps are made of vinyl or canvas, it's a good idea to keep your tarps inside the cab with you when they are not in use. Warmer tarps are typically easier to unfold, handle and place on top of cargo.
After unloading cargo, try to warm the tarps indoors for a while. They are likely to be easier for you to fold.
Monitor Grommets Frequently
The metal grommets that are on your tarps reinforce holes that ropes and cables go through, helping the ropes and tarps remain in place. Over time, rock salt on roadways might affect the grommets and they may become damaged. It's smart to check out the condition of the grommets as regularly as you can.
You might also consider installing additional grommets so you can be more confident that the tarps will stay in place as you travel.
Pull Tarps Tightly
When you cover the cargo with the tarps, you might not be as vigilant as you could be about pulling the tarps too tightly. However, that might lead to problems.
In the valleys where tarps are not pulled tightly, water can collect. While a puddle might not seem like a big problem, left overnight during the winter, it can turn into ice. The act of water freezing causes the molecules to expand and might cause the tarp to rip. If that happens, your cargo will be left unprotected and may end up damaged.
With the information set out in this article, you can better work with tarps during the winter. Talk with tarp retailers like Lehman Awning Co to learn more tips you can use.