How do you tarp a pickup truck bed?

Tarping a pickup truck bed is an easy and effective way to protect cargo from the elements. Here are the basic steps for properly tarping a truck bed:

Why Should You Tarp Your Truck Bed?

There are several key reasons to use a tarp on your pickup truck bed:

• Protects cargo from rain, snow, dust, and debris
• Provides shade to prevent cargo from sun damage
• Secures loose cargo during transport
• Reduces noise from items moving around
• Conceals valuable items from view

Even if you’re only driving a short distance, it’s wise to tarp any items you want to keep clean and undamaged. Tarps are an inexpensive way to protect your gear while enjoying the convenience of an open truck bed.

Select an Appropriate Tarp

There are several types of tarps to choose from:

• Poly tarps – Made of polyethylene plastic; lightweight, waterproof, and inexpensive.
• Canvas tarps – Made of heavy woven cotton; very durable but heavier.
• Vinyl tarps – Made of vinyl-coated polyester fabric; lighter than canvas but still durable.
• Mesh tarps – Made of woven polyethylene or polypropylene; provide shade while allowing airflow.

For pickup truck beds, poly tarps are often the most versatile and cost-effective choice. Get a tarp sized to adequately cover your truck bed with at least 12-18 inches of overhang on all sides.

Prepare the Truck Bed

Before tarping, ensure the truck bed is clean and free of protruding edges or corners that could tear the tarp:

• Remove any debris, loose dirt, or rust
• Tighten or hammer down any nails or screws
• Pad or cover any very sharp edges or corners

You can place a tarp or old blanket down first to provide a smooth surface and further protect the tarp.

Position the Tarp

Follow these steps to position the tarp correctly:

1. Unfold the tarp and spread it out over the truck bed.
2. Pull the tarp so it is centered from side to side.
3. Make sure the tarp is long enough to drape over the tailgate with ample overhang.
4. Evenly align the edges of the tarp over the sides of the truck bed walls.

Secure the Tarp

There are several options for securing a tarp over your truck bed:

• Bungee cords – Attach hooks at the edges to latch onto the truck.
• Rope – Tie rope around the tarp edges underneath the truck bed.
• Ratchet straps – Cinch the tarp down tightly under the truck bed.
• Truck bed covers – Hard or soft covers seal the tarp along the bed rails.
• Magnets – Hold the tarp in place on trucks with magnetic bed walls.

Space the attachment points every 12-18 inches around the perimeter of the tarp. Make sure to secure the front edge above the tailgate to prevent blowing or flapping.

Securing Method	Pros	Cons
Bungee Cords	Inexpensive, simple to attach, can adjust tension	Can loosen over time, may need frequent re-tightening
Rope	Very inexpensive, can tie off tightly	Can be time consuming to tie and untie, knots can loosen
Ratchet Straps	Holds tarp very tightly and securely	More expensive, can damage tarp if over-tightened
Truck Bed Covers	Integrates tarp into full bed cover, very secure	More expensive, opening/closing bed may be less convenient
Magnets	Quick and easy to attach, no straps or knots needed	Only works with magnetic truck beds, can fall off

Tips for Tarping Effectiveness

• Fold the excess tarp edges under the truck bed rail to reduce wind whipping.
• Place a foam pad over sharp truck bed rails to prevent tarp tearing.
• Use a tarp repair tape immediately if small holes or tears develop.
• Check and tighten/reinforce tarp attachments periodically on long hauls.
• Carry spare bungees or tie down straps in case the tarp comes loose.

Special Considerations

• For oversized loads extending above the truck bed sides, secure a separate tarp above to cover the cargo overhang.
• Use heavy canvas tarps for construction materials like bricks, tools, and lumber to prevent rips.
• Make sure tarps are completely removed before driving to prevent flapping damage.
• Exercise caution when tarping in windy conditions.

Conclusion

Tarping a pickup truck bed is quick and easy with the right supplies. Start with a quality tarp big enough to generously cover the bed. Secure it tightly at multiple points around the edges using bungees, straps, ropes or magnets. Fold in the excess material and reinforce attachements periodically. Keep spare securing gear on hand for repairs and re-adjustments. With the proper tarp and tie downs, you can confidently haul cargo across any distance and conditions.