Parachute/Airbag Tarps

Parachute fabric is a form of ripstop nylon woven with a special reinforcing technique that makes the fabric exceptionally resistant to rips and tears. That same resistance to wear and tear is now available in a truck tarp. Mytee Products is proud to introduce our line of parachute/airbag tarps.

If you are looking for a lightweight tarp solution for your rig, you're going to love parachute lumber tarps. They are up to 40% lighter than comparable 18-ounce vinyl tarps yet stronger thread-for-thread. Tarps made of parachute material can be purchased in different configurations for every kind of load. We carry lightweight lumber tarps, steel tarps, and general-purpose tarps all made from parachute fabric. You might want to consider a parachute tarp for your flatbed when it is time for your next purchase.

Meaning of Parachute Tarps

Parachute tarps, also called airbag tarps, are designed to protect flatbed cargo from damage from stormy weather or direct sunlight. Parachute tarps use 14 oz waterproof vinyl to protect the topmost part of the load, while they protect the sides of the load with lightweight nylon fabric. This fabric is the same tear-resistant material airbags, parachutes, and certain backpacks are made from. This fabric 100% waterproof, it is completely water. When water comes in contact with the parachute fabric, it beads up, like this:

However, if water sits on the surface of the fabric for long enough, it will eventually sink through. That’s why the top of the tarp is still made of waterproof vinyl, and the parachute fabric only makes up the sides of the tarp.

Airbag tarps have plenty of anchor points: they incorporate three rows of D-rings and have brass grommets set every two feet. This makes it easy to secure the tarp with precision and prevent loose folds of the tarp from lifting or flapping.

Pros & Cons of Parachute Tarp:

As every coin have two sides, parachute tarps also having some benefits and drawbacks as well.

Pros

Lightweight: Parachute tarps are lightweight, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re lifting them over your head to cover your cargo.
Flexible: Airbag tarps are more flexible because the fabric is thinner. This is especially noticeable in cold weather.

Cons

Completely Waterproof: Parachute tarps are 100% waterproof. The vinyl topside is waterproof, while the nylon airbag fabric sides are only water-resistant.
Not Advisable for Oversize Load: Airbag tarps can’t be used with oversize loads. When you cover an oversize load, the sides of the tarp wind up covering the top of the load. Because the sides of the parachute tarp aren’t waterproof, covering an oversize load with this sort of tarp can leave your load vulnerable to water damage.
Not Abrasion Resistance: The sides of parachute tarps aren’t abrasion resistant. However, you can use corner and edge protectors to prevent sharp edges from damaging the tarp. You can also incorporate moving blankets to create another barrier between your cargo and your tarp.

Parachute Tarp VS 8-ft Drop Lumber Tarp

Parachute tarps and lumber tarps have a lot of similarities: they both have waterproofed tops, reinforced brass grommets every two feet, and three rows of D-rings, for starters.

When choosing between them, it’s important to consider that airbag tarps are 40% lighter than lumber tarps. They’re also more flexible in cold weather.

On the other hand, lumber tarps resist cuts and tears better, and they’re entirely waterproof, while parachute tarps are only waterproof on the top.

“Every load is different. Only you know what kind of tarp is right for your haul.”