If you've been hauling mulch or gravel, you know a sure trac dump trailer tarp kit is pretty much a non-negotiable accessory for your rig. It's one of those things you might think you can skip for a while, but the first time you see a cloud of debris flying out of your bed and hitting a windshield behind you, you'll wish you'd bolted it on sooner. Sure Trac makes some of the sturdiest trailers on the market, so it only makes sense to use a tarping system that actually fits the pre-drilled holes and mounting points they already provided.
Let's be honest, trying to rig up a generic, one-size-fits-all tarp from a big-box store is a recipe for a headache. You end up with bungee cords snapping, fabric flapping in the wind like a loose sail, and a lot of frustrated swearing on the side of the highway. When you get the kit designed for the trailer, everything just lines up. It makes the whole process of securing your load a thirty-second task instead of a ten-minute struggle.
Why the specific kit matters for your trailer
You might wonder if you can just buy a cheap roller bar and a piece of canvas and call it a day. You could, but the sure trac dump trailer tarp kit is built to handle the specific dimensions of their dump beds. These trailers usually come with a "tarp housing" or at least a bulkhead designed to shield the rolled-up fabric from the wind while you're driving empty.
If the kit doesn't match the trailer's width or mounting brackets, you're going to spend your Saturday drilling into heavy-gauge steel, which isn't anyone's idea of a good time. The brand-specific kit usually includes the aluminum roller bar that won't rust, the mounting brackets that tuck away nicely, and a crank handle that doesn't feel like it's going to snap off the first time you apply some tension.
What's actually inside the box?
When you finally pull the trigger and order your sure trac dump trailer tarp kit, you're getting more than just a piece of black fabric. Most of these kits come with a heavy-duty mesh tarp. Mesh is usually the go-to because it lets some air flow through so it doesn't balloon up while you're cruising at 70 mph.
You'll also find the aluminum hexagonal bar. The "hex" shape is important because it prevents the tarp from slipping on the bar as you're cranking it in. You get the mounting brackets, the crank handle (which is usually a simple manual style, though some people upgrade to electric later), and all the nuts and bolts. Most importantly, you get those long rubber straps or "tarp bungees" that keep the tail end of the tarp snug against the tailgate.
Staying on the right side of the law
Depending on where you live, having a sure trac dump trailer tarp kit might not even be a choice—it's the law. Many states have strict "covered load" requirements. It doesn't matter if you're hauling heavy rocks that aren't going anywhere; if the DOT or a local officer sees an uncovered bed, they're well within their rights to pull you over.
Fines for an unsecured load can be surprisingly steep, often costing more than the tarp kit itself. It's one of those investments that pays for itself the first time you pass a weigh station or a patrol car and don't have to worry about getting flagged down. Plus, it's just the neighborly thing to do. Nobody likes getting their paint chipped by a stray pebble flying off a trailer.
Tips for a smooth installation
Installing your sure trac dump trailer tarp kit isn't exactly rocket science, but there are a few ways to make it easier. First off, don't try to do it alone. Having a buddy hold one end of the roller bar while you bolt in the other side will save you from scratching your trailer's powder coat.
One thing people often overlook is centering the tarp on the bar. If you're off by even an inch, the tarp will "telescope" to one side as you roll it up, eventually bunching up against the brackets and getting stuck. Take the time to measure twice and mark the center.
Also, when you're bolting the crank handle on, make sure you've got enough clearance. You don't want to realize after everything is tight that the handle hits the side of the trailer or gets in the way of the dump hoist controls. It sounds simple, but it happens more often than you'd think.
Choosing between mesh and solid vinyl
Most folks go with the mesh tarp that comes standard in the sure trac dump trailer tarp kit, and for 90% of jobs, it's perfect. It's great for gravel, mulch, brush, and construction debris. It's lightweight and handles the wind well.
However, if you're frequently hauling things that absolutely cannot get wet, or if you're hauling very fine materials like dry sand or sawdust, you might want to look into a solid vinyl tarp. Just keep in mind that a solid tarp acts like a giant parachute. If you don't have it cinched down tight, the wind can do some serious damage to your hardware. For most of us doing general hauling, the mesh is the way to go because it's just easier to manage day-to-day.
Keeping the hardware in good shape
Once you've got your sure trac dump trailer tarp kit installed, it doesn't need a ton of work, but you shouldn't just ignore it. Every now and then, it's a good idea to hit the moving parts with a bit of dry lubricant. Avoid heavy grease if you can, because road grit and dust will stick to it and turn into a grinding paste that wears down your bearings.
Check your bungees periodically, too. Sunlight and weather will eventually make the rubber brittle, and they'll snap. It's way better to replace a five-dollar strap in your driveway than to have the back of your tarp flapping wildly on the interstate because a strap gave way.
If you happen to tear the mesh—maybe a sharp piece of rebar poked through—don't let it go. Small tears turn into big ones quickly under wind pressure. You can usually find mesh patch kits, or in a pinch, some heavy-duty zip ties can bridge a gap until you can get a proper fix.
Is it worth the investment?
At the end of the day, a sure trac dump trailer tarp kit is about peace of mind. You don't have to check your rearview mirror every five seconds to see if you're leaving a trail of mulch behind you. You don't have to worry about the "unsecured load" signs at the landfill. And you certainly don't have to spend twenty minutes wrestling with a blue plastic tarp and a handful of tangled bungees every time you finish a load.
It makes your setup look professional, keeps you legal, and protects the people driving behind you. If you've already spent the money on a quality trailer like a Sure Trac, cutting corners on the tarp system doesn't make much sense. Bolting on the right kit is the final step in making your trailer truly work-ready. It's one of those upgrades that you'll appreciate every single time you use the crank handle to tuck away a load.