Tarp as truck bed cover.

[809]

Trying to do things on a budget so even though a roll up cover would be ideal, I can make the tarp idea work for a tenth of the cost.

I'm looking for tarp recommendations. Also, ideas on how to secure the tarp.

I'm thinking either industrial strength Velcro or 3m DualLock. Worried about how the adhesive that would make these stick to the tarp would hold up.

The whole setup doesn't have to be 100% waterproof. And the tarp doesn't have to be a perfect fit.

 

[Nvrplzd]

Lots of tonneau covers available at Amazon’s Warehouse.. may be worth looking at before going the tarp route. I don’t think the tarp would hold up nearly as well, but that could just be me.

What truck are you looking to cover?

 

[signcrafter]

You will need support under the tarp, my roll up has 3 metal rods that support it when rain and snow get on it. It's also a solid connection by the cab and locks solidly at the rear so that stretch also supports it. Velcro wont get you close to any kind of support you will need. Also when going down interstate the wind pressure will rip it off if just using velcro.

I'm all for making stuff and being frugal but I dont think a tarp as a bed cover is a good idea. I would be looking for used.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

Unless you build some structure the tarp is going to flap and rip/wear quickly. I would be looking at one of the foam board covers that I've seen some guys make. Foam board example

 

[cvairwerks]

Trident Rapid Roll is around $269....

 

[yatg]

Unless you build some structure the tarp is going to flap and rip/wear quickly. I would be looking at one of the foam board covers that I've seen some guys make. Foam board example

If there's no structure under the tarp, you'll have to pull the tarp tighter than a strippers g-string when it rains. The water has to run off or it starts collecting at all the low points and drags the whole thing down.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Back in the day I had a vinyl tonneau on a Chevy pickup that had a continuous Velcro strip around the whole bed. It also had three wood bows from side to side. It was a black truck and I didn’t have any trouble with the Velcro coming off or the tonneau coming loose. I drove it on the highway to work five days a week.

 

[kyrbz]

If you go the tarp route, Harbor Freight has water resistant heavy duty canvas tarps in two sizes reasonably priced. I use the 6'x8' size on my Kei truck. Works great, but Kei trucks also have lots of attachment hooks for tarps or other tie down accessories.

6 ft. x 8 ft. Canvas Tarp

Amazing deals on this 6Ft X 8Ft Canvas Tarp at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[bdbecker]

Reinforcement bars, as others have mentioned, will be needed. Along with that, I think the other problem is going to be attaching the velcro to the tarp. It would more than likely need to be sewn onto the tarp if any longevity is to be expected.

Have you done a search for 'soft fold truck bed cover'? They are all over Amazon for around $200. Assuming the 3M dual lock does work without sewing, by the time you would purchase materials (tarp, velcro, bars) to make this happen, you'll probably getting pretty close to $100 out of pocket. For another $100, you could just have a commercially made product that would look and function better than a DIY version, and would probably be more durable as well.

I'm all for saving a buck and DIYing stuff when possible, but sometimes it doesn't always make sense.

 

[solo machinist]

I had a boss that covered his bed with EPDM rubber roofing. He fastened it to a wood frame with two or three bows in the center.
I think he rolled the rubber to the inside and stapled it, or nailed? It was a long time ago.
To hold it down he had bungee cords hooked to the bed and wood frame.
To remove it just pick up the frame reach in and unhook from the bed. Somebody gave him the rubber, super cheap to make.

 

[809]

If you go the tarp route, Harbor Freight has water resistant heavy duty canvas tarps in two sizes reasonably priced. I use the 6'x8' size on my Kei truck. Works great, but Kei trucks also have lots of attachment hooks for tarps or other tie down accessories.

6 ft. x 8 ft. Canvas Tarp

Amazing deals on this 6Ft X 8Ft Canvas Tarp at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Do you have anything to prevent water or snow from pooling in the middle of the tarp?

 

[kyrbz]

Do you have anything to prevent water or snow from pooling in the middle of the tarp?

Not my truck, but on Kei trucks the tarp is usually attached mid way on the roll bar to create a tent like slope for water to run off. This probably wouldn't work on US style trucks without blocking rear window

 

[Lirram]

Soft trunk covers aren't useless at all. Yes, they can't do what modern hardtop models can, but canvas or other type of soft tonneau covers can protect your belongings from sand or weather conditions such as rain, wind or sunlight. If your budget allows you to buy one of these tonneau covers, well, this is a good decision. It's still better than an unprotected truck trunk, right? I'm sure, that there is a lot of information on the Internet about different trunk bed covers. You can find not only an advertising description in the online store, but also a more detailed descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of different models, materials and brands, as well as their comparison. You can visit tonneaucovershub , for example. This portal definitely has an article with full info about tonneau covers and their professional reviews. Information like this can be useful even if you want to make your own truck bed cover, as it can help you refine the design of your cover and avoid common factory model flaws.

 

[Sumboodie]

Not my truck, but on Kei trucks the tarp is usually attached mid way on the roll bar to create a tent like slope for water to run off. This probably wouldn't work on US style trucks without blocking rear window

We called those little things "Bongos" in Korea.
Put 3 dudes in one and hit the brakes a bit hard... it'll roll over!

 

[jimgood]

I can't see a typical poly tarp holding up for very long. I'd go with a canvas tarp. Seems like a lot of work but I'd really like to see what you have in mind.

 

[Czechsix]

Even though this is an old thread, I'm looking at doing the same thing for a small 4x4. But the material I have is a paulin cover from a military 5 ton, so it's a very heavy vinyl. I'm actually planning on stitching it for durability, and adding in ties and vinyl windows. Labor is expensive here in Alaska, and I'm pretty sure I can do this by just taking my time. Hand stitching takes quite a while but if you approach it gradually it usually turns out fine. Main thing is to plan exactly what you want prior to cutting.

I'm basically looking at doing this, for my Haflinger:

 

[HoosierMark]

I bought two roll up vinyl bed covers for my trucks in last couple of years. $100 each off internet. They look good and keep bed pretty dry. Friend bought a much nicer one for $200 plus. I see the quality differences and why it costs more but for my uses I am good. Problem with a tarp as I see it is draining water and securing it. Maybe if you mounted a 2x4 on top edge to put tie downs on but still is it worth the savings?

 

[Bert_]

Even though this is an old thread, I'm looking at doing the same thing for a small 4x4. But the material I have is a paulin cover from a military 5 ton, so it's a very heavy vinyl. I'm actually planning on stitching it for durability, and adding in ties and vinyl windows. Labor is expensive here in Alaska, and I'm pretty sure I can do this by just taking my time. Hand stitching takes quite a while but if you approach it gradually it usually turns out fine. Main thing is to plan exactly what you want prior to cutting.

I'm basically looking at doing this, for my Haflinger:

I've been slowly working on a summer top for my jeep. I've got a synthetic canvas material and I'm not sure I would be able to hand stitch very much. It is very difficult to push a needle through.

I'd be interested in what kind of hardware you are using.

 

[WoodsTruck]

After owning a commercial sewing machine for 15 years I'm less inclined to think I can do a comparable job by hand.
Any chance you can swing buying a used HD machine then reselling once your project is complete? Likely not lose any money in the deal and get use of the machine. I do realize you may be too remote to make that work however.