Tarping Systems
Crews tarping open loads use sliding winches as movable anchor points for lumber tarps, steel tarps, and machinery covers.
Why sliding winches suit tarping
Tarp anchor points cannot be fixed at trailer build time, because where a tarp needs tensioning depends on the shape of the load. A sliding winch repositions along the track after the load is set, which is exactly the flexibility a tarp crew needs.
The same winches securing the freight can anchor the tarp, so the trailer does not need a second set of dedicated hardware.
Tarps are not cargo securement
Worth stating plainly: a tarp is weather protection, not a tie-down. Tarp straps do not count toward the aggregate working load limit under § 393.106(d), and a winch anchoring a tarp is not contributing to securement while it does so.
Plan the trailer with enough winches to satisfy securement and tarping independently. Reusing securement anchors for tarp duty on a load that is already at the minimum tie-down count leaves you short.
Practical notes
- Tension gently. Tarps need far less tension than freight. The 22:1 gear makes it easy to over-tension a tarp and tear a grommet. A quarter turn is usually enough.
- Free-spool is the useful part. Most tarp work happens on the big handwheel by hand; the handle rarely comes out.
- Watch the strap path. Tarp straps routed over a sharp load edge abrade quickly regardless of the winch.
The standard Double C Slider and Double L Slider are both used this way. For quantities, email sales@cnbwinch.com.