Parachute/Airbag Tarps

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Parachute tarps are the ultimate solution to protecting your cargo with lightweight truck tarps. Mytee Products is proud to carry a line of parachute/airbag tarps. If you’re looking for a lightweight lumber tarp solution for your rig, you're going to love our parachute tarps. These tarps use Nylon, a ripstop fabric typically used in parachutes and airbags that can withstand high winds and flapping to prevent wear and tear. Now available as flatbed tarps to cover your load.

These tarps are up to 40% lighter than comparable 18 oz 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.

Parachute Tarps for Flatbed Trailer

Parachute tarps, sometimes referred to as airbag tarps, are specialized covers designed to protect flatbed cargo from damage from stormy weather or direct sunlight. Unlike standard tarps, these tarps come with 14 oz vinyl on the top and a lightweight nylon fabric on the sides. The nylon fabric is where these tarps get their name as it’s the same material found in parachutes and airbags. The vinyl and nylon fabric is 100% water resistant, meaning as soon as water hits the surface of the tarp, it beads up and rolls right off.

However, the nylon fabric isn’t fully waterproof. If water sits on the surface of the fabric for too long, it will eventually seep through. Luckily, the top of the tarp is made out of vinyl and is completely waterproof, so water wouldn’t be sitting on the fabric for very long.

These tarps also have plenty of anchor points. They incorporate three rows of D-rings and have brass grommets set every two feet making it easy to secure the tarp with precision and prevent loose folds of the tarp from lifting or flapping.

Pros & Cons of Parachute Tarps:

These tarps come with a variety of benefits, however, there are also a few drawbacks to take into consideration by truckers.

Pros

Waterproofing: This tarp is equipped with 100% waterproof 14 oz vinyl with heat-sealed seams to prevent water from affecting the tarp and or cargo.
Lightweight: The material of these tarps is light in weight, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re lifting them over your head to cover your cargo.
Flexible and Durable: Airbag tarps have a lighter and thinner material making folding and storing easy. It also has a cold crack rating of -40°C.

Cons

Nylon Water Resistance: While the vinyl is waterproof, the nylon is not. If water sits too long on the fabric, it will seep through.
Not for Oversize Loads: When you cover an oversize load, The nylon fabric ends up on the top of the load which can lead to water damage if water sits on the fabric for too long.
Low Abrasion Resistance: The nylon fabric is more susceptible to tears, however, corner protectors and moving blankets can easily create some resistance.

Heavy Duty Lumber Tarp vs Parachute Lumber Tarp

Parachute tarps and heavy-duty lumber tarps share a lot of features. They both have vinyl waterproofed tops, reinforced brass grommets every two feet, and three rows of D-rings, for starters.

When choosing between them, It’s best to weigh these similarities based on what you need, what you’re carrying, and where you’re going. If you’re looking to cut down on weight and make tarping and folding easier, then a parachute tarp is for you. However, if you’re hauling oversize loads through rainy environments, then perhaps an 18 oz vinyl tarp is what you need. Every load is different though, and what you need depends on what you know you need.