Smoke Tarps

Professional Cargo Protection for Flatbed Operations

When you are hauling a load of finished lumber or sensitive machinery, the last thing you want is for the front of your cargo to arrive covered in black diesel soot and road grime. Smoke tarps, often referred to as nose tarps, are a critical component of a professional flatbed setup. They provide a protective barrier for the front of your load, ensuring that exhaust from the tractor and debris from the road stay off the product.

At our facility, we manufacture these tarps to stand up to the high-velocity winds and harsh weather conditions experienced on the open road. By focusing on reinforced construction and heavy duty materials, we provide drivers with a tool that is easy to throw, easy to secure, and built to last through thousands of miles.

An exterior view of the large TRS Industries facility and office building located in Fargo, ND.

Customizations Available

Learn More About These Options

Uses and Features

Essential Features for Road-Ready Performance

A smoke tarp is only as good as its ability to stay put at 70 mph. We utilize 18oz Economical Heavy Duty Truck Tarp Material, which is one of the most widely used materials in flatbed trucking due to its balance of weight and tear resistance. This weight is preferred by drivers because it is heavy enough to resist flapping and "billowing" while remaining light enough to handle without excessive physical strain.

Key Technical Specifications

Material

18oz vinyl coated polyester. This material is waterproof and UV-resistant to prevent degradation over time.

Reinforcement

All stock tarps are sewn with 2 inch Black Poly Webbing. This webbing reinforces the edges and prevents the vinyl from stretching or tearing at the attachment points.

Securement Points

We install D-Rings every 2 feet on all four sides. This high frequency of attachment points allows for a precise fit regardless of the height or width of your specific load.

Dimensions

Our stock size is a versatile 10 foot x 10 foot square, which provides ample coverage for standard flatbed loads.

Weight

At approximately 15 lbs, these tarps are easy to store in a headache rack or side box without taking up significant space or adding unnecessary weight to your haul.

Options and Styles

While our stock tarps meet the needs of most standard flatbed applications, we recognize that specialized loads require specialized solutions. We offer both off-the-shelf readiness and custom-tailored precision.

Stock Smoke Tarps

Our standard stock tarps are designed for immediate use. They feature:

Solid black 18oz vinyl construction.

Single row of D-Rings spaced at 2 foot intervals.

Universal 10 foot x 10 foot sizing.

Custom Smoke Tarps

For drivers with unique equipment or branding requirements, we offer custom manufacturing. You can choose from various webbing colors to match your fleet's branding or your truck's aesthetic. Custom tarps can be manufactured to specific dimensions if the standard 10 foot coverage does not suit your specialized trailer or cargo type.

Smoke tarp installed over the front portion of a trailer

Smoke tarp covering the front section of a trailer load

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're ordering a custom cover or looking for repairs, these answers will help you understand what to expect when working with us.

Still have Questions?

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Why is 18oz vinyl the preferred material for smoke tarps?

18oz vinyl-coated polyester is the industry standard because it provides the optimal strength-to-weight ratio for flatbed trucking. It is heavy enough to minimize wind whip, which can destroy lighter materials, yet remains flexible in cold-weather conditions when properly handled and stored.

Do smoke tarps count as part of my primary load securement?

Generally, no. Smoke tarps are considered protective covers rather than structural securement devices. While they help hold the load together, you must still use the appropriate number of straps or chains as required under FMCSA cargo securement regulations.

Can I use a smoke tarp on the back of my load?

While smoke tarps are designed for the "nose" of the load to prevent soot buildup, they can be used at the rear to prevent road spray from being sucked onto the cargo by the vacuum created behind the trailer. However, for full rear protection, a dedicated tail tarp may be more effective.

How do I prevent my smoke tarp from "parachuting" or flapping?

Ensure that the front edge is tucked tightly under the primary lumber or steel tarp, and use all available D-rings to secure the tarp to the trailer or the cargo. Minimizing the amount of air that can get under the tarp is the key to preventing wind damage.

Customization Options for Smoke Tarps

We Provide Tailored Options for This Application

This product can be customized to meet your specific needs. Explore the available customizations listed and click any icon to learn more about that modification type. Customizations can also support branding, fitment, and operational requirements.