The trusted bungee strap is one of the most commonly used tools in flatbed trucking. Straps can be used to secure tarps or provide an extra measure of support combined with other cargo control equipment. In light of varying weather conditions and other environmental factors that bungee straps are exposed to, we recommend EPDM rubber straps for best performance.
Mytee carries a full line of EPDM bungee straps in various sizes ranging from 10 to 41 inches. They come with ‘S’ hooks made of strong galvanized steel and crimped at one end to protect tarps from tearing. 
Beneficial Properties of EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic rubber in the M class of rubbers widely used for industrial and manufacturing applications. The ethylene content of EPDM products is usually between 45% and 85%, depending on how the rubber is eventually synthesized to form the finished product. Where bungee straps are concerned, EPDM has some very beneficial properties that make it ideal for purpose.
For example, EPDM rubber holds up very well against most temperature and weather extremes. During the cold winter months, it is not prone to brittleness or cracking, remaining flexible even in temperatures well below zero, and does equally well in hot weather. Good quality EPDM can withstand temperatures of up to 300° F with no compromise in structural integrity. Finally, EPDM offers excellent resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, and ketones.
The only time drivers have to be careful with EPDM tarp bungee straps is with loads involving petroleum products and some solvents.Items such as gasoline and oil will cause the rubber to break down more quickly than it otherwise would. Concentrated acids can also be a problem.
Just Strap and Go
All of the technical aspects aside, EPDM bungee straps are loved by truckers because of their ease of use. You just strap and go. The flexibility of the straps makes it easy to secure tarps to just about any area of the trailer with more than enough tension to keep those tarps in place. Smaller straps are also very handy for holding down tarps under windy conditions while larger straps or chains are applied over a load. At the other end of the haul, removing bungee straps is as easy as applying them. They are a ‘quick and dirty’ solution with so many applications.
We recommend flatbed truckers keep an ample supply of bungee straps on board at all times. However, quantity alone is not the only consideration. Multiple lengths should also be addressed. Truckers should have an ample supply of 10- and 21-inch straps to start with, then add other sizes depending on the kinds of loads normally hauled. Over the years, the average trucker will accumulate a selection of all of the most common lengths.
Replacing Worn Straps
Truckers should understand – especially those new to the flatbed world – that even EPDM bungee straps do not last forever. Every strap will reach its end-of-life when it loses its flexibility or the eye at one end wears out. It is a good idea to give bungee straps a visual inspection before storing them away after a journey. Those that are worn or losing significant flexibility should be replaced immediately.
Mytee’s range of EPDM bungee straps are ideal for flatbed trucking. All of our straps are made from high-quality rubber that is UV resistant and tested for high tensile strength. Our straps come in boxes of 50 for the best possible pricing.
