A parachuting tarp can reduce your fuel mileage, which you definitely don’t want. Think about investing in mesh/webbed tarp—it’s a lot more durable and is less likely to flap in the wind. [2] X Research source Always pad any sharp edges or corners of your cargo with furniture blankets first. This protects your tarp and helps it last longer. [3] X Research source
If it’s pretty windy when you’re tarping, secure bungee cords between the corner D-Rings of the tarp and the base of the truck. This way, all of your tarps will stay put.
Some veteran truckers suggest arranging a ratchet strap lengthwise down the center of the tarp. If you’re carrying loose cargo, place wet area floor mats on top of the tarp first to weigh it down and hold it place. [8] X Research source Then, secure the ratchet straps in place on top of the mats.
Some campers like to stake their tarp in an “A-Frame” formation, where the backside of the tarp is facing the wind and anchored flat against the ground. The front 2 corners of the tarp are also anchored close to the ground, but the tarp has a triangular, A-shaped opening that a person can fit through. [11] X Research source Set up your tarp in a diamond formation if you’re anchoring it from a tree. Imagine your tarp is placed flat in the shape of a diamond—going in a clockwise direction from the top, label each corner as 1, 2, 3, and 4. Secure corners 1 and 3 to the guyline and stake corners 2 and 4 into the ground. [12] X Research source
Make sure that you’ve used most of the paracord.
It’s okay if you have a little extra paracord slack hanging off to one side—you don’t need to cut it off. [17] X Research source
Use this method to secure the remaining corners of your tarp.
