(content by Darren Wilson)
Do you want to purchase available stock options or custom tarps ideal for your cargo? One of the benefits of using tarps for trucks is that you can ask the manufacturer to make specific custom tarp for your load requirements. Many manufacturers and dealers provide customization options to their clients, depending on the specifications and needs.
Take the Right Measurements
To obtain the right measurement, use a tape measure, and start getting the dimensions from the window to the edge of the exterior tailgate. Give a few additional inches to prevent gaps from occurring, which can lead water to penetrate the truck bed.
Even though you know the measurements, it is better to measure again, starting from one side of the truck bed to the other. By doing the re-measurement, you can avoid making a mistake of finding yourself owning a tarp that is exceptionally narrow or short.
Add Extra Inches for Hem Work and Overlap
After getting the size of your truck bed as well as the overlap, you may send those measurements for a quote on your custom tarp. Keep in mind to specify that the measurements you provide are the finished size. On the other hand, if you want to use the cut size, you need to take the measurements and allow some extras for the hem.
Obtain the Perfect Fit for Your Truck
When making a tarp, the manufacturer has the cut size, and then they sew the hems on either side. After that, they add some grommets. The edges of the hem usually deduct from the cut size about 6 to 9 inches.
The manufacturer measures a finish size tarp after doing all the hem works. When buying tarps for your truck, they may come from specific cuts or pre-measured. Finish size is what you call the pre-measured tarpaulin. A custom made tarp begins with its cut size while the finishing work has additional inches for the hem.
It can be tricky to find pre-measured tarps with an accurate match. You may end up something that is a size too big and go with the extra size. With this, many truck owners choose custom tarps for their vehicles. So, when asking for a custom tarp for your truck bed, determine which type of measurement you will use.
Consider the Different Types of Materials
Makers use different materials when manufacturing tarps. But, not all materials make excellent truck covers. Avoid extremely lightweight tarps, as these are not reliable in resisting stains, weather, and wind. The most common materials used for making tarpaulins are iron horse polyester, clear PVC, mesh, treated or untreated canvas, poly, and vinyl.
Choose the Appropriate Color
Selecting a color for your tarp is not only about design and appearance. The color also refers to the strength, type, and quality of the material. There is a wide bandwidth of colors available for your custom tarp, with silver and white among the most popular colors. Silver tarps are great for blocking sunlight, while the white ones allow natural light to penetrate and are useful in proving shade.
When having a custom tarp, consider the environment where you are going to use it. In the case of tarps for trucks, they must be UV-treated and UV-resistant, as they are mainly used outdoors. Also, choose the tarps that are waterproof such as PVC and poly. This ensures your load is protected, especially in freezing temperatures.
