Types of tarp systems for safety, ease of operation, and versatility:

  • Custom Tarp
  • Arm Tarping System
  • Rolling Tarp System
  • Side Roll System
  • Steel Tarp
  • Custom Tarp

Tarp Repair

Every type of truck cover fabric has a best patching method. It is very important to use the correct material and method for the fabric. Truck cover manufacturers usually supply repair kits for small patching jobs for a nominal fee. Patch kits normally include vinyl fabric, vinyl adhesive and cleaner; direct questions to the manufacturer.

If the tarp costs more (including time and cost for doing it yourself or professionally) to repair than to fully replace, replacement is recommended. The Tarp Association can help you find a tarp manufacturer that fits your needs.

Emergency Repair

Glue

  • To patch vinyl fabric, HH-66 by RH products is recommended. It is used to glue vinyl to vinyl found in RV Awnings, vinyl mats, truck tarps, or almost any product made of coated or laminated vinyl.
  • Gluing is best used for small holes and tears, worn areas, and areas exposed to rubbing.
  • For vinyl-coated fabric, glue and other adhesives can be a permanent solution.
  • Glue and other adhesives will keep water from getting through a rip or hole in fabric.
  • All patching should be done from the underside of the tarp. If the area being patched is larger than 10”-12”, both the top and bottom of the tarp should be patched.
  • The patch may be sewn or hot air welded over glue.
  • Clean tarp material with soap and water or an approved cleaning solution and dry thoroughlybefore application.

Adhesive Tape

  • Peel and stick adhesive for a quick fix.
  • Apply to both sides of the hole or tear.
  •  Clean tarp material with soap and water or an approved cleaning solution and dry thoroughly before application.

Long-term Repair Sewing

  • Sewing is one of the strongest repair techniques and is used on large and small repairs.
  • Any tarp can be sewn as long as it can be removed and run through a sewing machine.
  • Use UV thread to prevent degradation and rapid wear.
  • Be careful with waterproof materials. Water can make its way through needle holes especially ifwater pools in that area of the tarp.

Hot Air Welding

  • A hot air gun and a silicone roller are needed. It is recommended that a professional with experience in hot air welding make the repair.
  • This method typically requires removing the tarp or awning.
  • This fix keeps your tarp 100% waterproof.

General Tips

  • Practice on a scrap piece of fabric before you work on your expensive tarp.
  • Always cut a patch that is round or oval shaped. Avoid cutting a patch with corners. Corners peelup easily and the rest of the patch will follow.
  • A hot air welded or sewn patch may be applied to a glued patch for reinforcement. The gluealone, for example, would not be sufficient for a bounce house that is under pressure.
  • Holes in knitted materials can be closed using zip-ties. This repair is unique to knitted materials. Zip ties are used on woven materials will typically worsen the problem.