Tarp Systems

Choosing the right Tarp Systems for your truck, trailer, or container can make a big difference in how fast, safe, and simple your hauling routine feels every day. The right setup helps cover loads more efficiently, protects your equipment, and makes tarping less of a hassle for drivers.

At American Tarping, we carry a wide range of tarp systems, tarps, motors, and replacement parts for many hauling applications. Whether you need an electric dump truck system, a simple pull tarp system, a roll-off setup, or a side roll system for containers and trailers, we can help you narrow down the right option. Whether you are replacing a worn-out tarp system or shopping for truck tarp and truck trailer tarps for a new setup, the right system starts with the way you haul.

What are tarp systems?

Tarp Systems are mechanical, electric, hydraulic, or manual setups used to cover truck beds, dump bodies, trailers, and roll-off containers. They help secure loads, reduce manual tarping, and make daily hauling more efficient. Common types include flip tarp systems, pull tarp systems, roll off systems, and side roll systems.

Why choosing the right tarp system matters

A tarp system is not just another truck accessory. It affects how quickly your crew can cover a load, how much strain the operator deals with, and how well the tarp performs over time.

The right system can help with:

• Faster load coverage

• Easier day-to-day operation

• Less manual handling

• Better protection from shifting debris

• A cleaner, more professional setup

• Better fit for your specific truck or trailer style

If you are unsure which direction to go, the first step is simple. Look at what you haul, how often you tarp, and what kind of truck or container you are covering.

Flip Tarp Systems

Flip tarp systems are a popular choice for dump trucks and trailers because they are built to cover open bodies from front to back with a set of arms, springs, a roller bar, and a motor or switch setup. These systems are often chosen when operators want an efficient tarping setup for repeat daily use. For electric flip systems, pay close attention to the electric tarp motor, wiring, switch kit, and included hardware. Some buyers compare these systems to an electric tarp motor kit or dump truck tarp motor kit, but a complete tarp system usually includes more than just the motor.

Electric Dump Truck Tarp System, up to 24' | Sioux City Tarp

This Sioux City Tarp electric dump truck tarp system is designed for end dumps up to 24 feet. It is a complete bolt-on kit, which means no welding is required, and it includes the key components needed for a dependable electric tarping setup.

Why it stands out

• Complete bolt-on kit for end dumps up to 24 feet

• Wind deflector included, with optional upgrade to 96" or 102" aluminum housing

• Choice of polished aluminum rust-proof arms or heavy duty steel arms

• Adjustable for lengths up to 24 feet

• 4 or 5-spring side mount assembly

• Includes 12V tarp motor, rocker switch kit, aluminum wind deflector, and 6-gauge dual connector wire

• Heavy duty extruded aluminum tarp axle included

• Built with 100% copper 6-gauge wire for durability

Good fit for

• End dumps up to 24 feet

• Customers who want electric operation at an economical price

• Trucks that need a complete kit with simple installation

Electric Flip Tarp System, up to 27' | Mountain Tarp

The Mountain Tarp K12TEC Electric Flip Tarp System is designed for dump bodies and trailers up to 27 feet long. It is built for durability, convenience, and value, with a telescoping design that can ship by FedEx Ground instead of LTL freight. This is a strong option for customers who want an electric tarp system for coal, asphalt, gravel, or municipal hauling.

Why it stands out

• Adjustable high grade aluminum arm system covers dump bodies and trailers up to 27 feet

• Telescoping flip tarp kit can be shipped FedEx Ground

• Reinforced cast arm connector with improved bracing

• Side-mount clock springs

• Two-piece heavy-duty tarp arms

• Guaranteed unbreakable tarp arms

• Arm profile has a V-groove for easier drill centering alignment

• Spring shaft can be removed from the arm connector for maintenance

• Includes a 60:1 motor, 2.1HP assembly

• 3-year non-prorated motor warranty

Good fit for

• Dump bodies and trailers up to 27 feet

• Coal, asphalt, gravel, and municipal hauling

• Customers who want a complete electric flip tarp system

• Buyers looking to avoid LTL freight when possible

When comparing a full electric tarp system to an electric tarp motor kit or dump truck tarp motor kit, remember that a complete system includes much more than the motor. This Mountain Tarp system includes the motor, telescoping axle, clock spring assemblies, aluminum bows, upper and lower flip tarp arms, electric kit bag with solenoid, rear cross tube, hardware bags, and related components.

Pull Tarp Systems

Pull tarp systems are a straightforward option for operators who want simple, secure tarp control. These systems are commonly used when electric or fully automatic operation is not required, or when the goal is a dependable setup with fewer moving parts.

Dump Shade Kit PT300 | Mountain Tarp

The Mountain Tarp Dump Shade Kit PT300 is an economy pull-style system that fits most small body sizes and can hold up to 32 feet of mesh tarp. It is ideal for hauling gravel, sand, and landscaping material, and it can be used on a dump body or roll-off container.

This system works with a simple pull operation, similar to a window shade. It ships with the tarp installed and spring tension set, which helps make installation more straightforward once measurements are confirmed.

Why it stands out

• Economy pull tarp system for small body requirements

• Holds up to 32 feet of mesh tarp

• Works on dump bodies and roll-off containers

• Simple pull operation with window-shade style function

• Heavy-duty compression spring provides continuous tension

• Extruded aluminum housing and end plates mount on the cab shield

• Ships with tarp installed and spring tension set

• Ready to install once properly measured

• 1-year warranty on spring

Good fit for

• Small dump bodies

• Roll-off containers

• Gravel, sand, and landscaping material

• Customers who want a simple pull-style tarp system

• Buyers looking for an economical retractable tarp system

Important ordering note: This item is custom made to order and is not returnable or exchangeable. Mounting width and body length measurements must be accurate and entered in inches. If you are not sure how to measure, contact American Tarping before placing your order.

Hy-Tower Semi-Automatic Pull System | Donovan Tarps

The Donovan Hy-Tower is a semi-automatic roll-off tarp system that covers containers from 15 to 40 cubic yards. The gantry raises either 12 or 15 feet above the truck frame, then stores behind the cab during transport.

Why it stands out

• Covers containers from 15 to 40 cubic yards

• Gantry raises 12 or 15 feet above the truck frame, depending on model

• Tucks compactly behind the cab during transport

• Extra-wide 100-inch tarp helps contain heaping loads

• Operator can deploy and secure the tarp from the ground

• Self-contained hydraulics require minimal maintenance

• No pivot arms to bend or break

• Comes preassembled for easier installation

• Springs are backed by a lifetime warranty

• Available SL and DL models

Good fit for

• Roll-off applications

• Operators covering heaping loads

• Customers who want semi-automatic operation from the ground

• Fleets looking for fewer exposed pivot components

Please call American Tarping to order replacement parts for Donovan Hy-Tower tarp systems.

Roll Off Tarp Systems

Roll off systems are made for hook lift, cable hoist, roll-off trucks, trailers, and containers. These systems are often used when containers are large, loads are uneven, and operators need a practical way to cover the load before transport.

HR1500 PTO/AL Econocover Roll Off Tarp System | Pioneer Coverall

The Pioneer HR1500 PTO/AL Econocover is an economical pivot arm tarping solution for multi-axle roll-off trucks and hook lift hoists. It is designed for containers of the same height and works with containers up to 24 feet long.

Why it stands out

• Economical pivot arm solution for multi-axle roll-off trucks and hook lift hoists

• Designed for containers up to 24 feet long

• Standard tarp is 9-foot wide expandable heavy duty mesh

• Fixed length pivot arms

• Torsion spring powered arms help pull the tarp toward the back

• Hydraulic direct drive right angle motor driven gearbox for quiet operation

• Adjustable telescopic gantry can be raised up to 8 feet

• Gantry moves from 60" to 96" to accommodate container sizes

• Low-pressure flow diverter and control valve help support safer cover operation

• Steel arms standard, with extruded aluminum arms available

Good fit for

• Full size hook lift trucks

• Cable hoist trucks

• Operators hauling same-height containers

• Customers seeking a value-focused Pioneer roll-off system

Quick-Flip4 Roll Off Tarp System | Donovan Tarps

The Donovan Quick-Flip4 is an automatic roll-off tarping system for roll-off trucks and trailers. It is designed to cover boxes and trailers up to 36 feet long, with model options for single axle, multi axle, and roll-off trailer setups.

Why it stands out

• Covers boxes and trailers up to 36 feet long

• Available in single axle, multi axle, and roll-off trailer models

• Unbreakable aluminum arms

• 90 degree cast elbows

• Telescoping gantry standard

• Includes industry leading Mighty Mesh tarp

• 12V self-contained electric/hydraulic power unit

• Durabuilt 900-watt electric motor

• Marine-grade toggle switch

• Safety work lights included as standard

• Wireless remote operation available as an upgrade

• Tarp tower ships preassembled from the factory

• Pivot point can be relocated if longer containers are added to the fleet

Good fit for

• Full size hook lift trucks

• Cable hoist trucks

• Roll-off trailers

• Fleets that may add longer containers later

• Operators looking for convenience and strong roll-off coverage

Side Roll Systems

Side roll systems are commonly used for roll-off containers, boxes, and trailers. Some are economical manual systems, while others are automatic side-flip systems designed for faster operation and more advanced trailer applications.

Belt & Ratchet DBR for Roll Off Containers | Donovan Tarps

The Donovan Belt & Ratchet, also called DBR, is an economical side roll tarp system for roll-off containers. It includes an 18 oz vinyl tarp and is designed to be easy to install and operate from the ground.

Why it stands out

• Economical side roll system for roll-off containers

• Includes Donovan 18 oz vinyl tarp

• Available for lengths from 12 feet to 26 feet

• Front and rear flaps are integrated into the tarp

• Heavy duty 2-inch straps and ratchets

• Bows can be removed for loading

• Operates from the ground

• Helps prevent rain and snow from getting inside the container

• Also available for boxes and trailers

Good fit for

• Roll-off containers

• Operators who want a simple side roll system

• Customers looking for a cost-effective tarp system

• Containers where rain and snow protection matter

If you need a custom DBR tarp system for an end dump, belly dump, or open top van, call American Tarping for more information.

Side Flip Tarp System, Sidewinder | Donovan Tarps

The Donovan Sidewinder is an automatic side-flip tarp system with modular and interchangeable components. It is available in electric or hydraulic versions and can cover and uncover in under 20 seconds while keeping the operator safely on the ground.

Why it stands out

• Fully automatic side-flip operation

• Covers and uncovers in under 20 seconds

• Keeps the operator safely on the ground

• Modular and interchangeable components

• Universal components fit either side of the trailer

• Available in driver-side or passenger-side head mount configurations

• Electric/hydraulic and wet kit models available

• Preassembled head assemblies

• Fits all front wall styles

• Lid rests flush against the trailer, helpful in narrow transfer stations

• Engineered to flex during loading and unloading

• Approximate installation time is 16 to 18 hours

Sidewinder 350 note
The Sidewinder 350 offers the same function with aluminum construction to reduce trailer weight. Its aluminum I-beam construction provides strength without unnecessary weight, and its twin cable design eliminates support ladders and bars.

Good fit for

• Trailers that need automatic side coverage

• Narrow transfer station environments

• Operators who want fast tarping without climbing

• Customers choosing between steel and aluminum frame options

How to choose the right tarp system

The easiest way to choose the right system is to start with the job, not the brand.

Ask yourself:

• What type of truck, trailer, or container am I covering?

• What is the body length?

• Do I need electric, hydraulic, semi-automatic, or manual operation?

• Do I want a system that operates from the ground?

• What material do I haul most often?

• Do I need a tarp included, or only the system hardware?

If you are not sure, contact American Tarping. We can help you match the right system type to your application.

At American Tarping, our goal is to make ordering easier. We carry a wide range of tarp systems, tarps, motors, and replacement parts, and we help customers find the right product when the online listing does not answer every question.

FAQ: 

What type of tarp system do I need for a dump truck?

For dump bodies up to 23 or 24 feet, a flip tarp system is often a strong fit. 

What is the difference between a pull tarp system and a flip tarp system?

A pull tarp system is usually simpler and often uses a pull rope or crank operation. A flip tarp system uses arms, springs, and often an electric motor to move the tarp over the load.

What tarp system is best for roll-off trucks?

For roll-off trucks, common choices include the Pioneer HR1500 PTO/AL Econocover and Donovan Quick-Flip4. The right choice depends on container size, truck type, and operation style.

Can American Tarping help with replacement parts?

Yes. For some systems, such as the Donovan Hy-Tower, customers should call to order replacement parts. American Tarping can help identify options and availability.

Do all tarp systems include a tarp?

No. Some systems include a tarp, while others require you to select one separately. 

Tarp Systems

The right Tarp Systems can save time, reduce strain, and help your truck or trailer work the way it should. Whether you need a flip tarp system, pull tarp system, roll-off system, or side roll system, American Tarping can help you compare options and choose the setup that fits your route.

If you are ready to order or want help choosing the right system, call (786) 708-6662 or email sales@americantarping.com.