Protect Your Belongings From the Elements
Inclement weather like rain, snow, wind, and sun can damage your personal possessions and valuables if they are not properly protected. Using tarps and tie-downs is an easy and affordable way to shield your belongings from the elements and prevent costly damage.
Types of Tarps
Tarps come in a variety of materials, sizes, colors, and thicknesses for different needs:
- Polyethylene - lightweight and waterproof, good for temporary use
- Vinyl - heavier duty and ultraviolet resistant
- Canvas - very durable and breathable
- Sizes - small (5x7ft), medium (10x10ft), large (10x20ft), and extra large for big items
- Thicknesses - thinner tarps for basic coverage, thick tarps hold up to abuse
Tie-Down Options
Secure your tarps against wind and movement with:
- Ropes - easy to tie tarps in place
- Bungee cords - stretchable for adjustable hold
- Ratchet straps - quickly tighten and lock tarps down
- Grommets - allow tying ropes through tarp holes
- Weights - place heavy objects on tarp edges
Usage Examples
| Item to Protect | Tarp & Tie-Down Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Boat | Marine grade vinyl tarp with ratchet straps |
| Car or RV | Medium polyethylene tarp with grommets and rope |
| Outdoor furniture | Waterproof canvas furniture covers |
| Wood pile | Heavy duty vinyl tarp with weights |
Protecting your belongings from rain, wind, UV rays, and other elements will help them last longer and save you from needing costly repairs or replacements. Investing in quality tarps and properly securing them will give you peace of mind.
Types of Tarps for Different Needs
Tarps come in many variations to suit a wide range of applications. By selecting the right tarp material, size, and features for your specific needs, you can effectively protect your belongings from the elements.
Tarp Materials
- Polyethylene
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Low cost option good for temporary use
- Best for covering wood piles, equipment, and debris
- Vinyl
- Heavy duty and ultraviolet resistant
- Great for boats, vehicles, and outdoor storage
- More expensive but longer lasting
- Canvas
- Very durable and breathable
- Ideal for patio furniture, decks, and events
- Allows moisture to escape preventing mold
Tarp Sizes
Tarps come in small to extra large sizes:
- Small (5x7ft) - good for covering firewood and furniture
- Medium (10x10ft) - covers scaffolding, machinery, ATVs
- Large (10x20ft) - protects vehicles, stacks of lumber
- Extra large - cover large boats, RVs, equipment
Other Tarp Features
Look for these additional features based on your specific needs:
- Waterproof vs. water resistant
- UV treatment to prevent sun damage
- Reinforced corners and hems
- Grommets for tying down
- Opaque vs. translucent
- Colors - blue, brown, green, black, silver
With the right tarp you can protect your valuables from rain, snow, wind, sunlight, and other elements. Consider how and where you will use your tarp when selecting the optimal material, size, and features.
Tie-Down Options for Securing Tarps
Once you've selected the right tarp for your needs, it's important to properly secure it in place to get maximum protection. There are various tie-down options for keeping tarps tightly fastened against wind and movement.
Ropes
Ropes allow you to tie tarps directly to the object or structure being covered. Look for:
- Nylon or polypropylene material
- 1/4" or 5/16" diameter is best
- UV protection to prevent sun damage
Use secure knots like square knots or trucker's hitches. Leave some slack for adjusting tension as needed.
Bungee Cords
Bungee cords are ideal for tarps because they stretch and contract to keep a tight hold. Features to look for:
- Latex rubber or woven polypropylene cord
- Minimum 30" relaxed length
- Metal or plastic hooks on ends
- UV and heat resistance
Crisscross bungees over the tarp from all directions for the most secure setup.
Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps allow you to quickly tighten and lock tarps into place. Useful features include:
- Nylon webbing with hand-operated ratcheting mechanism
- 1" or 2" width straps
- 10+ foot length
- Dual J-hooks to attach to tarp grommets
Wrap the straps under the covered object and tighten until the tarp is taut.
Weights
For tarps without grommets, use weights to hold down the edges. Good options include:
- Sandbags or sand tubes
- Cinder blocks or bricks
- Concrete pavers or landscape edging
- Long metal pipes or tubes filled with concrete
Place the weights evenly around all sides of the tarp for the most secure hold down.
Using the right tie-downs keeps your tarp from billowing, shredding, or blowing away. Take wind conditions, size of tarp, and type of base material into account when selecting and installing tie-downs for maximum performance and protection.
Tarp Materials: Polyethylene, Vinyl, and Canvas
Tarps are available in a variety of materials, each with their own characteristics and ideal uses. The three most common tarp materials are polyethylene, vinyl, and canvas.
Polyethylene Tarps
Polyethylene tarps are made of woven and laminated polyethylene plastic. Features include:
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Typically low cost
- Multiple thicknesses from 2-8 mil
- Resists tears and punctures
- Good for temporary use
Polyethylene tarps are best for covering:
- Wood piles and lumber
- Heavy machinery and equipment
- Construction materials and debris
Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl tarps are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated fabric. They offer:
- Heavy duty and ultraviolet resistant
- Excellent waterproofing abilities
- Heat welded seams for added strength
- Reinforced corners and grommets
- Higher cost but longer lifespan
Vinyl works well for protecting:
- Vehicles, RVs, boats
- Outdoor storage and valuables
- Commercial equipment and machinery
Canvas Tarps
Canvas tarps use cotton, polyester, or blends, making them:
- Very durable and breathable
- Mildew, UV, and fade resistant
- Ideal for patios, decks, awnings
- Allow moisture to escape
Canvas is great for covering:
- Outdoor furniture and décor
- Boats and watercraft
- Events and gatherings
Consider how each material's properties fit your specific needs when choosing a tarp. With proper installation and care, all materials can provide years of protection.
Tarp Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large
Tarps come in a range of sizes to accommodate anything from small furniture to oversized vehicles and equipment. Common tarp sizes include:
Small Tarps
- 5x7 feet
- 6x8 feet
- 8x10 feet
Small tarps are useful for covering and protecting:
- Patio furniture, lawn decor, firewood
- ATVs, motorcycles, small watercraft
- Temporary work shelters
Medium Tarps
- 10x10 feet
- 10x12 feet
- 10x15 feet
Medium tarps can cover:
- Construction equipment, scaffolding
- Truck beds, small sheds or roofs
- Medium boats, sports gear
Large Tarps
- 12x16 feet
- 12x20 feet
- 12x24 feet
Large tarps are useful for:
- Covering lumber, mulch piles, debris
- Protecting vehicles, RVs, tractors
- Tenting large gathering areas
Extra Large Tarps
- 20x30 feet
- 20x40 feet
- Custom oversized tarps
Extra large tarps can cover:
- Agricultural equipment, semi trucks
- Large boats and aircraft
- Temporary warehouses, commercial spaces
Consider the dimensions of the item being covered when selecting the optimal tarp size for full protection.
Keep Your Boat Safe While Docked
Properly covering and securing your boat while docked or moored will protect it from damage due to sun, wind, rain, dirt, and other elements.
Boat Cover Tarps
A boat cover tarp is essential for shielding the boat when not in use. Look for:
- Heavy duty marine grade vinyl or canvas
- UV and water resistant treatment
- Reinforced seams and straps
- Custom fit for your specific boat
The cover should extend over the sides for maximum coverage. Allow for adequate ventilation to prevent mold and moisture buildup.
Boat Cover Frames
A cover frame supports the tarp and prevents it touching the boat. Choose:
- Powder coated aluminum or stainless steel
- Adjustable poles to customize fit
- Frame pads to prevent boat surface scratches
Assemble the frame atop the boat and secure the cover over it for best results.
Tie-Downs and Anchors
Secure the cover against wind with:
- Ropes or straps with grommets to tie to cleats
- Bungee cords for easy tensioning
- Weights or waterproof bags to anchor loose edges
Crisscross tie-downs from all directions for maximum hold. Check often for tightness.
Storage When Not Docked
For storage when trailering or at home:
- Use a ventilated storage cover
- Utilize a covered storage unit or garage
- Remove canvas covers to allow drying and prevent mildew
Proper boat covers and tie-downs allow safe, long-term docking and storage to extend your boat's life.
Boat Cover Tarps and Frames
A boat cover system with both a protective tarp and support frame is the best way to safeguard your watercraft when docked. The cover shields the boat while the frame elevates it to allow proper ventilation.
Boat Cover Tarps
Look for the following ideal features in a boat cover tarp:
- Marine grade vinyl or heavy canvas material
- Reinforced seams for durability
- UV, water, mildew, and abrasion resistant
- Vents to prevent moisture buildup
- Length to go over sides for maximum coverage
Measure your specific boat carefully and select a semi-custom or fully custom cover for the best fit.
Boat Cover Frames
Frames lift the tarp off the boat and allow proper ventilation. Choose frames with:
- Powder coated aluminum or stainless steel poles
- Adjustable height and width
- Support pads to prevent hull scratches
- Quick, tool-free assembly
Install the frame centered atop the boat's length and width for optimal coverage. Secure the tarp over the framework.
Added Protection Elements
Additionally consider:
- Reinforced hems with grommets for tie-downs
- Elastic or adjustable tensioning for snug fit
- Side flaps and zippers for easy access
- Bright colors for high visibility
Proper installation is key - tie down securely from all directions and check often for tightness.
Taking Down and Storing
For storage or transport:
- Disassemble frame and tarp
- Allow both to dry before storing to prevent mildew
- Fold and store cover in ventilated bag
- Keep fasteners from scratching boat
Investing in a quality boat cover system protects your investment and extends your boat's lifespan.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy "Tarps & Tie-Downs"
Amazon Prime provides members with fast, free shipping on millions of items along with other benefits. Here's how to use your Prime membership to conveniently purchase tarps, ropes, bungees, and other tie-down supplies from Amazon.
Search for Eligible Items
Sign into your Amazon Prime account and go to the main Amazon search bar. Search for terms like "tarps", "ropes", "bungee cords", or specific brand names you're looking for. Items labeled "Prime Eligible" qualify for the Prime shipping benefits.
Filter Your Search
Narrow your search results using the filters on the left side of the page. Filter by:
- Price
- Brand
- Customer rating
- Size/length
- Color
- Material (polyethylene, vinyl, canvas, etc.)
This makes it easy to find the perfect tarps, tie-downs, and accessories for your needs.
Compare Items
Click into each product listing to view details, read reviews, and compare options. Consider:
- Materials and durability
- Size options
- Product ratings and reviews
- Prices and shipping costs
Narrow it down to the top choices that make the most sense for your application and budget.
Order with Prime Shipping
When you're ready to purchase, simply add the Prime eligible items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Amazon Prime provides:
- Free 2-day shipping on most items
- Free 1-day or same-day shipping in some areas
- Free release-date delivery for preorders
Enjoy convenient, fast shipping on all your tarps and tie-downs courtesy of your Prime membership.
- Protect Your Belongings From the Elements
- Types of Tarps
- Tie-Down Options
- Usage Examples
- Types of Tarps for Different Needs
- Tarp Materials
- Tarp Sizes
- Other Tarp Features
- Tie-Down Options for Securing Tarps
- Ropes
- Bungee Cords
- Ratchet Straps
- Weights
- Tarp Materials: Polyethylene, Vinyl, and Canvas
- Polyethylene Tarps
- Vinyl Tarps
- Canvas Tarps
- Tarp Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large
- Small Tarps
- Medium Tarps
- Large Tarps
- Extra Large Tarps
- Keep Your Boat Safe While Docked
- Boat Cover Tarps
- Boat Cover Frames
- Tie-Downs and Anchors
- Storage When Not Docked
- Boat Cover Tarps and Frames
- Boat Cover Tarps
- Boat Cover Frames
- Added Protection Elements
- Taking Down and Storing
- How to use your Amazon Prime to buy "Tarps & Tie-Downs"
- Search for Eligible Items
- Filter Your Search
- Compare Items
- Order with Prime Shipping
