5 Important Considerations Of Buying Your First Rolling Tarp System

20 March 2018
 Categories: , Blog

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A rolling tarp system will give you more freedom and opportunity in freight hauling, allowing you to transport a wider range of materials and, of course, to keep them completely protected. When buying your first system, there are a few very important considerations to keep in mind so you don't invest in something that could be counterproductive.

Look for experts in the rolling or sliding tarp system you're interested in, and make sure you get exactly what you want.

1. Choose A Company That Will Customize Your Tarp System

A company that designs and manufactures a rolling tarp system based on your specifications will not only provide you with a more useful product, but they're also going to teach you a lot about tarp systems before you buy one. The company will inquire about the type of vehicle you use for hauling, the typical loads you carry, and other details, all while planning the best system for your needs. You'll understand the basics of operating the tarp system and how to select the most suitable model, based on your initial interactions with a company that specializes in customizing.

2. Look For Solid Support From A Tarp System Manufacturer

Whether you're hauling from coast to coast or within your own neighborhood, if you need your tarp system serviced, you want fast and reliable service. Will the system you eventually purchase be capable of being repaired by another tarp provider? If so, will someone other than the manufacturer working on it mean any changes in your warranty? Some companies will ask that you return the product in need of repair to them, and if you're in the middle of a long road trip, that can be very inconvenient and costly.

It's important that you ask these and other questions that apply specifically to your rig, industry, and habits before investing in a tarp system.

3. Opt For Worry-Free Maintenance

The extent of the maintenance you're obligated to should be limited to inspecting, cleaning, and perhaps tightening a loose screw here and there or other minor adjustments. Get used to the idea of thoroughly wiping down your new rolling tarp system after it's loaded and unloaded, even if you don't have a lot of time between jobs. Different loads expose the system to different types of debris, such as mud, which you don't want left on your equipment.

When you shop for your rolling tarp system, ask about cleaning methods and frequency; the more you learn before you buy, the better your final decision will be. Also ask about how to inspect the system after each loading/unloading to ensure that no connectors have become loose or damaged and that rail protectors are in good shape.

Your regular maintenance will also include tarp inspections, in case a tear is ever created by your cargo; in which case, you'll most likely be advised to repair the rip temporarily with duct-tape and then have the tarp repaired at your earliest convenience. Tarp repair or replacement might need to be done by the original manufacturer, depending again on the conditions of their warranty. Find all of this out prior to purchase and factor in the new maintenance information into your routine scheduling. You don't want to neglect any aspect of your safety or the integrity of your equipment due to lack of time on a long haul.

4. Pick The Right Size System For Your Rig

While a tarping system will allow you to protect and secure your loads, the system itself can reduce your cargo capacity, as it takes up valuable trailer space. Because of this, you have to pick the right size system so that it's able to function properly without interfering with your load-carrying ability. This is when working with a company that will customize a rolling tarp system for you is really beneficial: Rather than force-fitting an existing product onto your rig, one can be created to suit your truck's exact dimensions, saving you space, which in turn saves you money.

If you aren't going to have your system customized, discuss ways to retain or even expand your cargo capacity with a manufacturer. While customization is often the best option for most rigs, pre-made systems can be optimized to most specifications. Some systems are specifically designed for wide freight, for example, if that's what you usually carry, but other considerations, such as where the bulkhead is located, will impact your carrying capacity, and these considerations simply must be discussed before you finalize your decision.

5. Don't Forget About Ease Of Use

Because time is money for you and nobody wants to be fighting with equipment, make sure the system you end up buying is easy for you (and others, if applicable) to use. Driving any kind of truck on a regular basis can create chronic aches and pains, and you don't want to add to that if you don't have to. The smoother the system functions, the smoother your haul will be, and that equates to greater efficiency and satisfaction, which is your ultimate goal.

Although tarp systems aren't all that complicated, buying one can be, especially since you have so much at stake. Since this is such an important decision for you, put the time and effort into the buying process and you should come out ready to hit the road in a much bigger and better way. Contact a company like Glider Systems Inc to learn more.