Choosing the right electric tarp system can save time, extend bed life, and improve safety on dump trucks. This guide highlights five top-rated electric tarp kits designed for beds up to 24 feet, with 110-inch widths common in American fleets. Each option emphasizes rust-proof aluminum construction, reliable 12V motors, and complete mounting kits. Use the quick-reference table below to compare core specs, then read detailed sections to understand fit, performance, and installation considerations.
| Product | Brand | Bed Coverage | Tarp Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kym Industries Electric 4-Spring System | Kym Industries Inc. | Up to 24′ | Black Mesh | Rust-proof arms, fast operation |
| Carolina Tarps Electric Aluminum 4-Spring | Carolina Tarps | Up to 24′ | Not Included (mesh option available) | Polished aluminum, solid warranty |
| Mytee Products Complete Electric System | Mytee Products | Up to 24′ | Mesh | All aluminum, robust hardware |
| Buyers Products DTR7012 Aluminum Tarp System | Buyers Products Company | 7 x 12 ft kit (example) | Mesh | Comprehensive kit with crank and rope |
| Selvouth Heavy-Duty Dump Truck Tarp Kit | Selvouth | Up to 14-14.5 ft variants | PVC Mesh | High UV resistance, reinforced construction |
Kym Industries Electric 4-Spring System
The Kym Industries unit features 93″ upper and lower polished aluminum arms designed for 24′ bed coverage. It includes a 12V 50:1 Apache electric motor and a black mesh tarp, delivering a compact yet sturdy solution for dump bodies and trailers. A Rotary Switch Kit with 50′ of 6-gauge dual conductor battery cable is included for straightforward wiring. This setup emphasizes rust-proof aluminum components and a lightweight profile, making it suitable for fleets prioritizing durability and simple maintenance.
Key considerations: The system is designed for beds up to 24 feet, with wide coverage that minimizes manual handling. Aluminum construction reduces corrosion risk in harsh weather. The included motor and switch kit enable quick deployment, but installation may require basic wiring work. For users who want a complete, ready-to-install package with long-lasting materials, this option provides predictable performance and a professional finish.
Carolina Tarps Electric Aluminum 4-Spring
Carolina Tarps emphasizes heavy-duty, rust-proof aluminum construction with a polished finish that remains light and sturdy over time. This system ships with an installation hardware kit and provides a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Note that the tarp itself is not included, but a Rotary Switch with 50′ of 6-gauge dual-conductor battery cable enables reliable control from either the ground or cab. This option is ideal for fleets seeking a durable, straightforward install with solid after-sales support.
Key considerations: Ensure tarp choice aligns with your application, since the system does not include a tarp. The aluminum framework offers long-term corrosion resistance, which helps in environments with road salt or humidity. Installation speed can be quick with the included hardware, though electrical routing should be planned to avoid interference with truck components.
Mytee Products Complete Electric System
Mytee Products offers a complete electric aluminum 4-spring tarp system designed for dump truck beds up to 24 feet and under 106 inches wide. It features pivot pins, 5″ x 3/4″ stud shafts, and spiral torsion springs along with axle mounting brackets and stainless steel bushings. The package emphasizes a robust ballast of hardware to ensure smooth operation and long life. The kit is compatible with silver aluminum components and provides a reliable, user-friendly experience for daily operations.
Key considerations: Check bed width and length compatibility to ensure full 24′ coverage. The stainless steel and aluminum hardware reduce maintenance, but system weight and mounting clearances should be verified on each vehicle. A good option for fleets wanting a “complete” solution with solid hardware and proven reliability.
Electric Aluminum Arm 4-Spring (Arms Only)
This kit focuses on the aluminum arms as a core upgrade or replacement component for dump bed tarp systems. It is designed for universal fit with dump beds up to 23′ long and up to 110″ wide, offering telescoping arms for flexible installation. The cross tube is adjustable from 93″ to 110″ in its standard configuration, and it can be cut down to build a narrower assembly for specialized vehicles. The setup is built with robust aluminum and robotic welds to resist corrosion and wear, making it a strong choice for fleets that already own a tarp switch kit and want to upgrade arms and the cross-tube system.
Key considerations: This is an arms-only option, so buyers must supply or reuse compatible motors, switches, and tarps. Telescoping designs add versatility, but precise measurements are essential to ensure proper fit on your truck bed. Ideal for maintenance shops seeking modular upgrades rather than a full kit.
Buyers Products DTR7012 Aluminum Tarp System
This 7 x 12-foot kit from Buyers Products is designed for simple dump tarp applications, with heavy-duty 1,000 denier polyester mesh tarps and brass grommets. The kit includes a tarp roller, a 20′ pull-rope, mounting brackets, and a 7″ folding crank with detent. The aluminum tarp roller telescopes to match the truck width, and the kit includes all necessary mounting hardware. This is a versatile, ready-to-install option for smaller to mid-size dump bodies that still require reliable, long-lasting operation.
Key considerations: While compact, verify bed length and width to ensure full coverage, and confirm tarp dimensions if a larger or smaller tarp is preferred. The included hardware supports straightforward installation, but the system’s length should suit the specific vehicle’s dimensions. This is a good fit for fleets prioritizing a balanced price-to-performance ratio.
Selvouth Heavy-Duty Dump Truck Tarp Kit
The Selvouth tarp kit is designed for robust protection with a multi-purpose 7×14 PVC mesh tarp and reinforced construction. The kit emphasizes UV resistance and durable mesh with triple-stitched corners, making it suitable for trucks subject to long hours on open roads. Brass grommets and a secure anchoring system are designed to integrate with standard tarp motor setups and universal mounts. While not always the most feature-rich option, Selvouth delivers a dependable, cost-effective solution with practical protection for loads and equipment.
Key considerations: Check the tarp dimensions and mesh material to ensure compatibility with your existing tarp roller and motor system. Reinforced hems and corner stitching extend life in rugged work environments. This option is ideal for fleets seeking straightforward protection with proven materials rather than complex electronics.
Buying Guide
When choosing an electric tarp kit for dump trucks, consider the following factors to balance performance, durability, and total cost of ownership:
- Bed dimensions and coverage: Verify that the kit supports your truck’s bed length and width. Large 24′ beds require longer arms and robust rollers; smaller beds may benefit from modular arm sets.
- Material quality: Rust-proof aluminum hardware is preferable for corrosion resistance. This reduces maintenance costs in salt-prone or humid environments.
- Motor and electronics: A 12V system with a sufficient gear ratio (e.g., 50:1) provides solid lift and retraction speed. Check if a dedicated rotary switch and battery cable assembly are included, and plan for proper routing to avoid interference with cab controls.
- Tarp compatibility: Some kits exclude tarps or require specific mesh types. Confirm tarp inclusion, size, mesh density, and reinforcement options to match your payload requirements.
- Installation complexity: Some options are complete, ready-to-install kits; others are components (arms, cross tubes) meant to upgrade existing setups. Factor labor time and compatibility with current hardware.
- Warranty and support: A longer warranty and responsive customer support help mitigate maintenance costs over time. Consider the availability of replacement parts and fast shipping for critical components.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Aluminum parts reduce corrosion risk, but moving components (rollers, springs) still require periodic inspection, lubrication, and replacement of worn springs or bushings.
- Operational safety: Ensure proper ground clearance, tarping height, and a clear path for load movement. A high-quality cover reduces risk of loose tarps and wind damage during transit.
Across these options, fleets should weigh the value of a complete, ready-to-install system against the flexibility of modular arms or separate components. The best choice depends on bed size, fleet maintenance practices, and whether a tarp is included or must be sourced separately. For most American dump operations, choosing an all-aluminum, rust-resistant system with a proven motor and long service life provides the best long-term performance and lower total cost of ownership.