Many grain carriers are in full swing transporting grain from farms to storage facilities right now, and probably aren't thinking about how storing their roll-over tarp can affect its lifespan.
But, it's something that shouldn't slip your mind. The last thing you need during a busy harvest is for wear and tear to appear during such a busy season!
We have five very simple tips that can make all the difference and save time and money down the road, and make your tarp go much further.
Top Tips to Make your Roll-Over Tarp Last Longer
1: Cover your Tarp with PVC Pipe
The sun's UV rays can be very harmful to your tarp. The optimal way to protect your tarp would be to store your trailer in a shed, but this isn't always practical. One piece of PVC pipe is all you need. Cut the pipe the same length as your tarp (or multiple if necessary) and then cut a slit down the length of the pipe so the pipe can be placed over your rolled-up tarp (tarp must be rolled open). This will provide immediate sun protection quickly and cheaply!
2: If you have Grain Flaps, Keep your Tarp Closed When Travelling
Grain flaps are attached on the tarp near to the fixed edge of the bin which enables it to hang over the rolled tarp when the tarp is rolled open, preventing grain and fertiliser from gbuilding up between the tarp and the bin and reducing the risk of contaminating future loads.
When driving with the tarps open, they are exposed and will flap around in the wind, causing them to wear significantly. When the tarp is closed, they simply hang down inside, and without exposure to the wind, the problem is avoided!
3: Check your Tarp Tension to prevent Wear while Travelling
Your tarp should be taut when rolled closed. If the tarp is loose when the pipe is secured against the locking angle, remove the universal joint from the spline and reposition it to achieve the correct tension.
4: Repair Rips and Damage Promptly to prevent Further Wear
Even a small tear can cause your tarp to flap while travelling, leading to premature wear and further damage. Addressing repairs early helps prevent a minor issue from becoming a bigger problem. We stock tarp repair kits that allow you to patch your tarp on the go.
5: Keep your Tarp Closed if Storing Trailer in a Shed
Once the rush of harvest is over, it's always best to store your trailer in a shed, which keeps your tarp protected from the sun. When doing so, make sure your tarp is rolled closed.
A bin that is open with the tarp rolled at the side creates a perfect, warm and safe nesting place for rodents. As it often has grain trapped into the roll this makes it an even more attractive nesting place as it comes with it’s own food supply! Eventually they chew through all the layers until they have cleaned the tarp out and you have no idea that this has happened until it’s time to use your tipper again.
We hope these tips help you, it's just one of the services we offer to keep our customers on the move.
Until next time…
