FAQs

There are several ways to tell if your tarp is tight enough. You should SEE the crank arm bow slightly, a half inch or so. You should FEEL approximately 40 to 60 pounds of pressure when placing the arm into the retainer. You will HEAR the tarp creak as it tightens under the latchplate. Where the tarp TOUCHES the end caps, there needs to be a good seal and no flapping should occur.

By making sure the proper tension is applied to your tarp and checking that it doesn't flap and flutter in the wind. It is easy to adjust the tarp tension by taking the pin out of the U-joint. There are 21 adjustments to keep your tarp tight, so a slight adjustment to the right or left should do it.

There is a small screw that goes into the side of the roll tube and through the plastic end plug to hold it in place. This is such a tiny screw that sometimes it gets overlooked during the installation process.

You will be removing the return assembly from inside the roll tube. Remove the old cord, then insert the new cord through the PVC tube and washer; secure it with a knot. Slide the assembly back into the roll tube and secure the end plug with the screw. Slide the protective cover onto the cord and slide the cord through the eyebolt. Let the tarp hang over the edge of the box to remove the slack in the cord. Just as the tube begins to lift, tie a knot in the cord at that point through the eyebolt. For more detailed information, download the installation sheet under the support tab that's entitled Front Roll Return (Bungee Cord).

It should be 11-1/2 feet for most applications; X-Wide kits are 16-1/2 feet.

Stretch rope loses its memory in colder climates; once the weather warms up, the stretch cord will regain its elasticity. If you are using the Shur-Lok® system in extreme cold, consider upgrading your Shur-Lok® return to a Shur-Return™ or cable return system. The Shur-Return™ has a lifetime warranty.

First, you might not have enough tension applied to the tarp when it is in the latched position. You should SEE the crank arm bow slightly, approximately a half inch. You should FEEL approximately 40 to 60 pounds of pressure when placing the arm into the retainer. You will HEAR the tarp creak as it tightens under the latchplate. Where the tarp TOUCHES the end caps, there needs to be a good seal and no flapping should occur. Secondly, one bow may be setting higher than the others, focusing more of the roll tube weight on that particular bow. The additional weight can cause the tarp to wear more quickly over that bow during the rolling process.

Make sure you are using some type of ridge support and that it is installed over the top of the bows. If you have fabric caps, the tarp should go over the first bow, then under the cap and attach to the box. In grain cart and farm truck applications, you need to make sure that the first bow in from the end caps is installed no more than 30 inches for optimum performance. Also, check that the length of your tarp is correct. With aluminum caps, the tarp should be three inches from each end. With galvanized caps, the tarp should be two inches from each end. Finally, with fabric caps, the tarp should have a nine-inch overlap on each end. If you have a Wil-Slip™ joint, check with customer service for proper dimensions.

When operating a Shur-Lok® without a rear return installed, the operator needs to push the roll tube while cranking the system closed. If you are doing this, then you need to check your front return to make sure that it is set properly. The knot should be secured when there is no slack in the cord and the roll tube starts to lift slightly. If this is a new install, make sure the tarp was installed square with the trailer.

Yes, but it only becomes a concern on longer trailers. In this case, Shur-Co® recommends using one of our rear roll return systems or upgrading to an electric system to ease the roll tarp operation.

It is 25% stronger than the 18-ounce fabric and worth the upgrade if you use your tarp system frequently, providing you maintain proper tension on the tarp. Running with a loose tarp is the worst thing you can do and will wear out even the 22-ounce fabric.

Determination is made by box style and application.

Fabric Caps are watertight and commonly used on end dumps, dump bodies and grain carts to absorb a wide range of box flex. These are stronger than steel or aluminum and are economical and easy to repair or replace. For end dumps and dump bodies, the fabric flap can be substituted for a better fit around rear tailgates and hinges. Fabric caps are also used in grain cart applications on oversized boxes and oddly shaped tip-ups.

Aluminum Caps are commonly used on square boxes like gravity boxes, semi grain trailers, farm trucks and some belly dumps. They come with an easy-off option to make tarp removal faster and easier. These won’t rust but don’t respond well to a large degree of box flex.

Galvanized Steel Caps are commonly used on square boxes in the same applications as the aluminum caps but are more economical. However, these may rust over long periods of time.

Stainless Steel Caps are designed for fertilizer hauling. These provide superior corrosion resistance and lasting performance, as well as a sharper appearance.

All fabric caps are made of Shur-Co’s supreme 22-ounce vinyl fabric for increased durability and better puncture resistance.

All fabric will start to fade eventually, but Shur-Co® uses Shelter-Rite® fabric by Seaman Corporation with built-in UV inhibitors to keep your tarp from fading prematurely.

First, make sure that you are running with your tarp in the closed position. Secondly, make sure that your tarp is tight enough. Too much wind flutter will pull on the pocket and stress the threads. Lastly, make sure the fixed tube was mounted low enough on the side of the trailer so the stitching isn't rubbing on the top rail. Also, check that all your bows are mounted at the same height. If the mounting height varies, it can cause excessive pulling on the fixed tube and the threads of the pocket.

The short answer is yes. By purchasing a SMART2™ receiver (and remote if wireless operation is desired) you can simply connect power and motor to solenoid within the receiver module. Because the encoder wires inside the receiver module are not connected to anything, there will be no position feedback. Contact Shur-Co® directly for further information.

There are a few steps which you can take to help prevent damage to your tarp by rodents. 1) Clean off top rails and top of latchplates. 2) Clean out any tarp material fold areas. 3) Clean out the area between the top rail and the fixed tube.

Shur-Co® also offers an Active Decontamination Flap (ADF) that will assist in actively depositing product back into the trailer after loading when closing the tarp.

Roll tarp systems have been around for many years, and they are the most reliable system for those who haul commodities that need to be kept dry. Shur-Co® perfected the roll tarp when we first introduced The Original Shur-Lok® over 36 years ago. Shur-Co® also carries Premium Belt 'n Ratchet roll tarps. Each system offers many different tarp, bow and customizing options. You can also double up for the most watertight tarp, see more detail here. 

Shur-Co® quality shows in the details. Reinforced stitching adds strength at stress points, reducing the likelihood of tears. Seams are heat welded for a watertight bond between panels; the added thickness creates an improved moisture barrier. Durable webbing straps are added to increase wear and durability in areas where the tarp can see abrasion.

Please be aware that our standard tarp design has straps running up and over the top rail edge on a cart, trailer or tender. These straps are securely stitched to the tarp, which pierces the vinyl-coated material and can allow for minimal water seepage. This stitching can also allow some light to penetrate the inside of the box; this is not considered a defect in the tarp.

Shur-Co® offers galvanized steel bows, aluminum bows, heavy-duty bows, the Durabow™ and our exclusive Turning Point™ Bow System (now available in an electric upgrade).

Shur-Co® recognizes how downtime can affect profitability. Several of our systems move the bows completely out of the way for loading or lessen the number of bows needed. We offer superior-quality materials and workmanship on every Shur-Co® side-to-side roll tarp and front-to-back cable system for lasting performance and durability.

Yes. At a minimal cost to you, the tarps on our Shur-Lok® and Premium Belt 'n Ratchet systems can be modified with top-loading flaps that seal on all sides. Shur-Co® has the capability to customize to fit your application.

Shur-Co® has several fully automatic tarp systems. The Shur-Trak II™ and Cover-Pro II® front-to-back cable systems can both be purchased with an electric option, which allows you to operate them quickly and safely. Our electric Shur-Lok® can be run from the comfort of your cab; this gives you the smoothest, strongest tarp operation on the market. It features spiral spring returns, front/rear torsion arms and a Gate Flex™ option that accommodates tailgates. All electrics come with a rocker switch, or you can upgrade to one of our SMART remote options.

If your current tarp system requires your drivers to climb in or on the truck box, you are at risk for injuries. Shur-Co® offers a number of fully automatic tarping systems that can be operated from the comfort of the cab. Electric cable systems, fully automatic arm systems and the electric Shur-Lok® are all safety-conscious options. Keeping your drivers happy and safe increases profitability and consistent day-to-day performance.

You might consider the Shur-Trak II™ or Cover-Pro II®, both front-to-back cable systems that allow you to move both the tarp and bows to the front of the trailer in a single operation. Many crank options are available, including electric motors. Additionally, the Shur-Trak II™ with universal landing allows you to store most of the tarp structure off the front of the box when in the open position (on square-front trailers only). It provides a landing for your tarp to sit on by extending the top rail of your trailer up to 18 inches (on belly dumps only). Another option is our watertight Shur-Lok® with a Turning Point™ Bow System. This swings the bows completely out of the way to accommodate top loading (now available in an electric upgrade).  

With the Shur-Trak II™ universal landing, you can store most of the tarp structure off the front of the box when in the open position. It comes completely pre-assembled and ready to bolt into place. The design squares radius corners and can mount out to 18 inches (on square corners only) for increased loading space.

If your trucks are equipped with a non-Shur-Co® system, don't worry; we can build a replacement tarp per your specifications. Shur-Co's replacement tarps and parts are interchangeable with many other tarp systems on the market, and you'll be impressed when you see the side-by-side comparison. Our superior-quality materials and workmanship show our attention to detail and dedication to complete customer satisfaction. 

Shur-Co® carries bows that flex, bows that swing completely out of the way for loading, heavy-duty bows that stand up to the loading of aggregates and galvanized steel and aluminum bow brackets for specific trailer types.

For proper support and life expectancy, a tarp system needs a bow system; anyone who tells you otherwise is getting ready to sell you a replacement tarp. Why not consider the Shur-Trak II™ or Cover-Pro II®, front-to-back cable systems that allow you to move both the tarp and bows to the front of the trailer in a single operation. This type of tarping is quick and easy and leaves the box completely free for loading.

Shur-Co® offers two easy-to-use tarp repair kits. Our Professional Repair Kit comes with its own heat gun, seal patches and instructions - no need to use messy adhesives. Our Standard Repair Kit features vinyl cement - an economical alternative that's also easy to use.

Shur-Co® can customize tarps to fit a variety of trailer configurations. Using The Original Shur-Lok® roll tarp system with a tapered tarp and the right bow option will give you maximum load protection on a tapered trailer. Also, the Shur-Trak II™ front-to-back cable system has a patented Twist-Lok® bow shank which comes in an extended version. This unique feature was invented for tapered trailers or trailers with bowed or tipped top rails.

Most of Shur-Co's systems give you the option of choosing the bow and ridge support system you prefer. Try high-rise bows to provide an additional four-inch to five-inch clearance for heaped loads. Our Premium Belt 'n Ratchet system is also ideal for hauling light yet bulky materials like wood chips and trash. It allows you to heap the load above the bows and still keep your tarp tight.

Safety has always been one of the major objectives of Shur-Co® research and development. Depending on your application, we have a variety of solutions, from hardware that accommodates the optimum positioning of the manual crank to providing an electric option for your tarp system. For example, our jack shaft allows you to move the crank relocator closer to the main body of the trailer. 

On average, around $200 a week and 1–2 hours per day tarping loads.

Systems are opened and closed from the ground for safety.

On average, a ShurTite™ will add 1750 lbs. of weight to your trailer.

Yes, we will custom build to fit your needs and stock more than 20 colors and shades of material.

Parts are stocked at several locations across the U.S. and Canada and can be shipped out on the same day in most cases.

Yes, we offer inked-on graphics or digital prints.

The tarp lasts on an average of 6 years and the framework up to 20 or more.

Our ShurTite™ warranty is 2 years front to back.

Our unit collapses to a width of 93”.

One of the key benefits of the Shur-Flex™ Crank Arm is that it positions the crank out of the way of doors and gates, storing it on the side of the vehicle rather than the back.  Click here for more information.

It is designed specifically for tall grain carts and gravity wagons with a slope that doesn't offer a convenient place to mount the crank retainer. Click here for more information. 

If an Easy-Off Flexible Tarp Stop is hit, it flexes - even in subzero temperatures. This flexibility could save you from having to replace the tarp or fixed tube and minimize damage to the auger or whatever is hit. Click here for more information. 

Our Adjustable Bow Bracket bolts to the sloped side of the cart and adjusts to the angle of the extension slope. For more information, click here. 

Equipping your grain trailer with the 4500 Series HD Electric Tarp and ProTrap® Electric Hopper Door Openers will make loading and unloading faster, easier and most importantly, safer. For more information, click here. 

The Wil-Slip™ U-Joint is used in conjunction with the Shur-Flex™ Crank Arm. It allows the crank and U-joint to slide forward so doors and end gates open all the way, without obstruction. Click here for more information. 

The Turning Point™ Bow System gets the bows out of the way for top loading. Controlled by a pull of a rope, all of the bows move as one - in a single motion, swinging up and over loads without binding. Click here for more information. 

The Electric Turning Point™ Bow System gets the bows out of the way in a single motion, swinging up and over loads without binding. The manual version does the same, but the electric version allows the operator to stay safe and comfortable in the cab while operating the system with a rocker switch, SMART2™ or SMART1+™ remote. For more information, click here. 

Shur-Co® can accommodate your request for any size Replacement Tarp. However, tarps ordered in a standard width are more economical. For more information on sizing, click here. 

Click here for a chart with the location of the serial number for each type of tarp. 

They have been improved with a screw rather than a rivet for faster installation. Depending on which method of attachment you receive, follow the instructions that are shown here. 

SMART2™ is the only remote in the industry with a 2-inch by 2-inch digital display that lets users monitor the tarp with live feedback. Click here for more information. 

At Shur-Co®, we use the finest solid vinyl-coated fabric with built-in UV inhibitors to reduce sun damage and fading. Each lot is lab tested for tear strength, abrasion resistance and cold-temperature flexibility. Our tarps won't shrink, rot or mildew. For more information, click here. 

Installation will vary depending on the type of trailer. For most applications, one end of the cord goes below the bottom of the tarp, when it is unrolled, on a rivet row between two rivets on the rub rail side of the trailer. For more information on installation, click here. 

To measure radius corners correctly, place a carpenter's square on the front radius of the trailer. Then measure at the point where the radius starts to arch around the front of the trailer. For additional information, click here. 

Locations for the patent-pending SMARTwire™ components on the 4500 Series HD may vary slightly from trailer to trailer. Mounting locations are critical since wire lengths cannot be altered. Before installing SMARTwire™ components, check to be sure that the wires will reach components with ample room for connection. For more information on how to wire each component, click here. 

The sealed SMARTwire™ junction block replaces the gray junction box with terminals and grommets that was being used previously. This allows for easy expansion to additional SMARTrailer® accessories. You get plug-and-play convenience for your ProTraps and 4500 Series HD electric tarp, plus a 12-volt tap to supply power to add-ons like the LiteALL™ LED work lights package and any future options. For more information, click here. 

• Added screen options. 
• Improved performance. 
• Improved battery life. 
• Operator notification. 
• Improved options. 

For more in-detail information, click here. 

If you have an electric tarp system and want to add ProTraps, you'll need to let us know the answers to various questions. The necessary questions can be found here. 

Instead of the stretch cord guiding the roll tube over the end cap, with a protective cover to keep the rope from fraying, the Shur-Return™ features a heavy-duty steel tension spring and 1/4-inch non-stretch solid braid rope. Your other choice is the Cable Return, which can be used on either the front or the back of the trailer with aluminum, galvanized steel or stainless steel caps (not available for use with fabric caps). The heavy-duty internal tension spring-and-pulley system makes use of non-stretch cable and has an available extension piece of roll tube to hold/prop the cable in place.

The SMART1+™ has the same basic functionality of the SMARTransmistter®, plus additional features our customers have been requesting, including 10 to 15 percent better range, EXPRESS mode capability, automatic turn-off if a stall condition is detected and use of two AAA batteries for longer life (easy to change out, too, with one-screw removal). For instruction on upgrading your device, click here. 

For proper operation, continuous 12V power must be supplied to the SMART2™. Some customers have experienced inconsistent operation due to the intermittent power connection of very low-voltage conditions. This occurs more frequently in trucks with older wiring kits. For more information, click here. 

You may need to update the receivers of your device. Click here for more information.  

Our Telescoping Crank Arm utilizes a plastic/nylon sleeve bushing for a smoother adjustment versus the metal-on-metal commonly used in the industry today. Less wear and tears means it will continue working long after others seize up. For more information, click here. 

It was brought to our attention that many of our competitors use a smaller center-to-center distance for tarp stop bodies, so replacement with Shur-Co® stops was sometimes difficult. To solve that problem, we have changed our design, replacing each of the fixed bolt holes with a slot that is more universally compatible, for more convenient replacement. For more information, click here. 

Shur-Co® designed our Adjustable Offset Bracket kit to be used on farm bodies that have a high-lift end gate that is wider than the box. This bracket allows the user to space the latchplate and tarp stops out flush with the width of the end gate. For more information, click here. 

You need fewer Heavy-Duty Bows to handle the weight of the tarp, and by spacing them further apart than you would standard galvanized steel bows, you acquire a larger opening for loading. For more information, click here. 

Shur-Co's patented SMARTwire™ sealed harness, standard on the  4500 Series HD Electric Tarp, was developed to improve the durability of the connectors in our electric accessories. Click here for more information. 

Shur-Co® changed the design of all Single Bow Bracket galvanized steel bow configurations to incorporate our two most commonly used steel bow brackets: Single Bow Bracket P/N 1107009 and Universal Bow Bracket P/N 1115702. The new bracket has two holes on each side to allow for more adjustability. For more information, click here. 

The SMART1+™ has the the same basic functionality of the popular SMARTransmitter®, plus additional features our customers have been requesting, including 10 to 15 percent better range (line of sight). For more information, click here.