The problem with pre-made imported tarps

We take pride in building our tarpaulins here in Tucker Georgia U.S.A. We've been building tarps so they last for over 30 years. We build them to last longer because we listen to the drivers that are tired of getting tarps that don't last.
The problem we are seeing today is that there are a lot of new drivers entering the market, and have no idea of the total cost of ownership of properly made equipment. Unless they talk to a seasoned driver or fleet manager, they are on there own to figure what equipment is needed. Take tarps for instance.
Not all products are made alike, and there is a reason some tarpaulins are cheaper than others. Here are a couple pictures of what we commonly see from imported tarps.





This is a flat fold hem using the very cheapest poly-pro material. What this means is that the grommets along the hem will never withstand the normal wear and tear that flatbed tarps encounter on a daily basis. This tarp is being repaired within 1 year of service. We build them with a triple-rolled hem with substantial webbing, and line the hem with rope. Our grommets are staying put. If our tarps come back for this type of repair, it is usually in the 3-5 year range.





This is the worst way to make a tarp...with the tail sewn into the tarp. Notice that the gussett (or rain flap) is part of the body of the tarp. The problem with this is when you pull your tarp over the load and you can't cover your flap, its because the tarp covering the load is also that gusset...there is nothing left to wrap around to tie-in the tail. Result: torn tarp at flap, wind-whip at flap. This tarp is being repaired within 1 year of service.
The way we build them is the tail is part of the body, not sewn-on, then we sew in the gusset...so if you want 26' of tarp, that's what you get...then we add in a 6" gusset to tie-in the tail. Normal usage for our tarps built our way is 2-5 years based on normal driver conditions.
Our repair facility charges $60 for the 1st hour, $55/hour thereafter. Cost to repair this tarp? $80.00. Not a good deal when you consider the original cost of this tarp is not that much less than our tarps. When you consider the total cost of ownership...which includes the drivers time down...it's not even close which tarps should be bought.

Bottom-line: BUY AMERICAN!

Have a safe-driving day,

Harp's Tarps