Choose the Right Electric Tarp System for Your Dump Truck

Whether you are upgrading an existing tarp system or exploring new solutions to secure your load, choosing the right one is crucial. In this article we’ll cover how to choose the right electric tarp system for dump trucks including stone slingers, grapple loaders, silage trucks and more.

Why opt for an electric tarp system?

Construction, excavation and paving trucks can leverage tarping options that range from hydraulic, electric or semi-automatic systems. Semi-automatic pull tarp systems can be an economical option in specific applications such as landscaping, but operators in the heavy-duty dump truck market typically opt for electric systems for both safety and business reasons.

Worker safety: Electric tarps are safer and lower the risk of injury and lawsuits.

Electric tarp systems are very efficient: Drivers generally don’t have to leave the cab to cover or uncover a load.

ROI can be achieved quickly: Load time is quicker with an electric system, and the ability to haul even one extra load per day can translate into cost savings in a matter of weeks.

Fleet Management: Automated tarp systems that are engineered with fleet maintenance in mind do feature low-maintenance component designs with easily replaceable parts in event of loading or unloading incidents to reduce truck downtimes

Manually operating a tarp is not a simple task, which is why many companies and owner-operators choose to install automatic tarping systems. Eliminating repetitive manual tasks saves time, money and reduces repetitive strain injuries. Automated tarp systems, as a safety feature, may possibly save you money with some insurance carriers.

Top considerations when choosing an electric tarp system

Dump trucks come in many sizes and shapes, and tarping systems offer a variety of styles, features and functions depending on your needs. Here are several aspects you should consider when selecting a system.

What are you hauling and what are your needs?

What you are hauling is one of the primary factors in selecting a containment solution. For example, end dump trucks hauling sand and gravel don’t usually require protection from water or the weather. An electric flip tarp system or a sliding cable tarp system designed for the specific task is ideal. If you’re hauling hot mix asphalt and want to minimize heat loss, there are specific cable systems with solid tarps designed for this application.

If your load requires protection from the weather, you might consider a side lock down system. Side lock down systems often require precision installation, so you’ll need to carefully measure your truck and work with the manufacturer or dealer to ensure you get exactly what you need.

Make a list of your requirements. Identify what is working with your current solution and what needs improvement. The best tarp manufacturers offer easy access to digital guides and knowledgeable service representatives to help you measure and select the right system for you.

Are you trying to increase the number of loads you move in a day?

There are numerous challenges that cost time and money on a jobsite – dispatching, communications, documentation and asset utilization are just several examples. In the case of asset utilization, the right tarping system can have significant impacts on how many hours a truck is used on a given day. Even one additional hour of use per day can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

While technology can help track your current utilization, even basic manual tracking and analysis can indicate the need for an electric system. Talk to your team or evaluate your own driving logs to determine how much time you can gain with an electric system.

Does your jobsite require you to stay in your truck?

Every jobsite has unique requirements. While some trucks transport materials over the road to a jobsite to be stockpiled, other projects require dump truck drivers to spread the material while unloading the bed. No matter the situation, unloading a dump truck can be a dangerous operation. In fact, dump truck operators face very different safety risks than those of flat-bed trucks where the load is likely unloaded by a crane or forklift. Drivers and trucking companies that place an emphasis on safety often opt for electric systems.

Safe dump truck operations with an electric tarp system

These are just several aspects to keep in mind when selecting a dump truck tarping system. Remember that the right tarping system will protect both the payload and the driver. If your goal is to ensure safe dump truck operations, explore our automated tarp solutions.

Need assistance selecting an electric tarp system? Contact us or your regional Roll·Rite / Safe Fleet Service Center today.