Tarp straps and bungees: picking the right tie-down

A tarp is only as good as what holds it down. The right tie-down stretches enough to absorb gusts without letting the tarp lift, and is quick enough to put on that you actually use one at every tie point.

Rubber tarp straps

The standard on flatbeds and trailers is the rubber tarp strap: a molded rubber strap with an S-hook crimped onto each end. One end hooks a D-ring or grommet on the tarp, the other hooks the rub rail. They're sold by length, typically 15, 21, 31 and 41 in, and usually in boxes of 50.

• EPDM or natural rubber? EPDM is a synthetic rubber that stands up to sun, ozone and weather and stays flexible in the cold; natural rubber stretches further but ages faster in the sun. For straps that live outside on a truck, EPDM is the usual choice.
• Length: measure from the tie point on the tarp to the rail. The strap should stretch to hold, not be pulled near its limit. 15 and 21 in cover short runs; 31 and 41 in reach on tall loads.
• How many: one at every D-ring, plus spares. Straps wear and snap.

Ball bungees

A ball bungee is a loop of elastic cord with a plastic ball. Pass the loop through a grommet, wrap it around a rail, post or frame, and hook the ball through the loop. There's no metal hook to scratch or rust. They're the quick choice for covers that come on and off often: canopies, shade cloth, fence screens and trailers at rest. They're sold by length, commonly 6, 9 and 11 in, in packs of 25 or 100.

Bungee cords with hooks

Classic bungee cords with metal hooks are handy for odd jobs, but a stretched hook can let go suddenly and snap back. Keep your face clear when hooking and unhooking them, and don't use any of these for lifting; elastic tie-downs are rated for holding, not hoisting.

Which one

• Loads at highway speed: rubber tarp straps at every D-ring, checked at your first stop.
• Covers that come off often: ball bungees.
• Shade cloth and screens: ball bungees or ties at every grommet, pulled snug.

Sources

1. Trucking Depot, 21" rubber tarp straps, 50 pack (S-hooks, boxes of 50)
2. US Cargo Control, EPDM and natural rubber tarp straps
3. McMaster-Carr, all-weather EPDM rubber tie-downs (not for lifting)
4. Tarps Now, rubber tarp tie-down straps

Written by the TrueTarps team. Questions about your job? Contact us or request a custom tarp.