Flatbed truck tarps for 48 and 53 ft flatbeds, step decks and specialized trailers. Every tarp on this page is built in our own facility with heat-sealed, 100% waterproof seams, stainless steel D-rings with protection flaps, 2″ webbing in the hems and grommets stitched every 2 ft around the edge. Choose the drop height first, then the tarp style for your load.
Flatbed Tarps by Drop Height
The drop is how far the tarp hangs down each side of the load. Choose a drop that covers the load height above the deck. The uses below are the recommendations on our own product listings.
Three Tarp Constructions
All three share the same seams, D-rings, webbing and grommets. The difference is the fabric, which changes how much the tarp weighs in your hands when you throw it.
Hauling steel coils? Coil tarps are 18 oz and shaped to fit over a coil instead of draping across the deck.
Lumber, Steel or Coil?
- Lumber tarps: 20 to 27 ft wide with 6, 8 or 10 ft drops for bundled lumber, plywood and other tall freight.
- Steel tarps: narrower 16 ft wide tarps for steel sheet, pipe and other low-profile loads.
- Coil tarps: fitted covers for individual steel coils.
- Machinery and oversize tarps: larger and taller tarps for equipment and permitted loads.
How Many Tarps Cover a Flatbed?
Our 2-piece and 3-piece sets are sized to cover a 48 ft or 53 ft flatbed or step deck. A 2-piece 8 ft drop set is two 27′ × 24′ tarps. A 3-piece 8 ft drop set is two 21′ × 24′ end tarps and one 16′ × 24′ center tarp, and the 3-piece 10 ft drop set is two 21′ × 28′ tarps and one 16′ × 28′ center tarp. For measurements by trailer and load, see the flatbed tarp sizes guide.
Tarping Safely
Secure the load first; a tarp is not a tie-down. Put corner protectors or felt padding over sharp edges before the tarp goes on, tie the tarp down through the D-rings and grommets with bungee cords, and fix small tears early with a tarp repair kit. The step-by-step tarping guide walks through the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatbed Truck Tarps
What is a flatbed truck tarp?
A waterproof cover sized for flatbed and step deck loads. The top covers the load, the sides drop down over it, and rows of D-rings and perimeter grommets let you tie it down to the trailer. The tarps on this page are built in our own facility with heat-sealed, 100% waterproof seams, stainless steel D-rings with protection flaps, 2″ webbing in the hems and grommets stitched every 2 ft around the edge.
What drop size do I need?
Pick a drop that covers the height of the load above the deck. As a guide from our own product line: 4 ft drop for low-profile steel on flatbeds and step decks, 6 ft for standard flatbed loads, 8 ft for taller lumber and freight, 10 ft for tall freight on step decks, and 12 ft for double drop and RGN trailers.
What is the difference between a lumber tarp and a steel tarp?
In our catalog, steel tarps are narrower (16 ft wide) with a 4 ft drop for low-profile loads, while lumber tarps are 20 to 27 ft wide with 6 to 10 ft drops for tall bundled loads. See steel tarp or lumber tarp for a side-by-side comparison.
What are your flatbed tarps made of?
Three builds: ripstop vinyl throughout (our steel tarps; 18 oz on the 27 x 16 ft model), a hybrid with a ripstop vinyl top and flap plus lighter ripstop parachute-fabric sides, and parachute fabric throughout for the lightest tarps (10 oz on the 20 x 34 ft model). Coil tarps are 18 oz.
How many tarps does a 48 or 53 ft flatbed need?
Our 2-piece and 3-piece sets are sized to cover a 48 ft or 53 ft flatbed or step deck. A 2-piece 8 ft drop set is two 27 x 24 ft tarps; a 3-piece 8 ft drop set is two 21 x 24 ft end tarps and one 16 x 24 ft center tarp.
Does a tarp count as a tie-down?
No. A tarp protects the load but is not a cargo securement device. Secure the load to FMCSA rules first, then tarp it and hold the tarp down with tarp bungee cords.
Shop flatbed truck tarps below. For every tarp type in one place, see truck tarps.
