3 hours ago
For demolition contractors hauling debris to landfills, a power-operated flip tarp system with spring-loaded arms offers the safest, fastest, and most reliable method to cover and uncover a 35-foot steel end dump trailer. Manual systems and cable setups are prone to damage and inefficiency, especially when dealing with uneven loads and jagged debris.
Trailer Configuration and Use Case
The trailer in question is a full-framed, 36-foot steel Freuhauf end dump, repurposed for demolition projects involving house and building tear-downs. With landfill regulations requiring covered loads, the need for a dependable tarp system becomes critical. The trailer is also used for hauling scrap metal when market conditions allow, though those loads typically don’t require tarping.
Freuhauf, founded in 1914, pioneered the semi-trailer industry and remains a respected name in heavy-duty hauling. Their steel dump trailers are known for rugged construction and long service life, making them ideal for demolition debris, which often includes wood, concrete, insulation, and metal fragments.
Terminology Notes
In Iowa, a contractor purchased a used trailer previously used for hauling dead livestock. Despite the odor and a few bones left in the box, the trailer’s structure was intact. He installed a flip tarp system and found it invaluable during long hauls to the landfill, especially when handling 20–30 loads per project.
In California, a demolition crew switched from cable tarps to spring-arm systems after repeated failures caused by jagged debris. Their productivity improved, and landfill compliance became routine.
Recommendations for Demolition Haulers
Covering a 35-foot demo trailer doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tarp system—preferably a powered flip tarp with spring-loaded arms—contractors can meet landfill regulations, protect their loads, and streamline operations. Whether hauling debris, scrap, or seasonal material, a reliable tarp setup turns a regulatory burden into a mechanical advantage.
Trailer Configuration and Use Case
The trailer in question is a full-framed, 36-foot steel Freuhauf end dump, repurposed for demolition projects involving house and building tear-downs. With landfill regulations requiring covered loads, the need for a dependable tarp system becomes critical. The trailer is also used for hauling scrap metal when market conditions allow, though those loads typically don’t require tarping.
Freuhauf, founded in 1914, pioneered the semi-trailer industry and remains a respected name in heavy-duty hauling. Their steel dump trailers are known for rugged construction and long service life, making them ideal for demolition debris, which often includes wood, concrete, insulation, and metal fragments.
Terminology Notes
- Flip Tarp System: A motorized tarp setup with arms that swing the tarp over the load and retract it automatically.
- Cable Tarp System: A manual or semi-automatic system using cables to slide the tarp across the trailer, often prone to snagging.
- Spring-Loaded Arms: Mechanisms that assist in deploying the tarp evenly over irregular loads.
- End Dump Trailer: A trailer that unloads by tipping its box backward, commonly used for bulk material transport.
- Mountain Tarp Flip System: Known for durability and ease of use, this system uses long arms to pull the tarp over the load and retract it with minimal operator effort. It’s widely used in scrap and demo hauling.
- Palfinger and Roll-Rite Systems: Offer similar functionality with optional remote controls and reinforced arms for heavy-duty applications.
- Avoid Cable Systems for Demo Work: Cables tend to snag on protruding debris like rebar, wood, or metal sheeting, leading to tears and downtime.
- Mount the Roller at the Front: This allows the tarp to deploy rearward over the load, reducing wind resistance and improving coverage.
- Use Spring Arms at Mid-Trailer: These help guide the tarp over uneven material and prevent sagging.
- Choose Heavy-Duty Fabric: Reinforced vinyl or mesh tarps resist tearing from sharp debris.
- Add a Manual Override: In case of motor failure, a crank or backup system ensures continued operation.
- Inspect Regularly: Check arm pivots, motor wiring, and tarp condition weekly to avoid surprises during landfill runs.
In Iowa, a contractor purchased a used trailer previously used for hauling dead livestock. Despite the odor and a few bones left in the box, the trailer’s structure was intact. He installed a flip tarp system and found it invaluable during long hauls to the landfill, especially when handling 20–30 loads per project.
In California, a demolition crew switched from cable tarps to spring-arm systems after repeated failures caused by jagged debris. Their productivity improved, and landfill compliance became routine.
Recommendations for Demolition Haulers
- Invest in a Powered Flip Tarp System: Saves time and reduces injury risk.
- Avoid Pull-Out or Cable Systems for Irregular Loads: They’re not designed for demo debris.
- Use a Trailer with a Clean Box and Good Frame: Structural integrity matters more than cosmetics.
- Consider Retrofit Kits: Many tarp systems can be added to older trailers with minimal welding.
- Budget for Maintenance: Motors, arms, and tarps wear over time—plan for replacements.
Covering a 35-foot demo trailer doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tarp system—preferably a powered flip tarp with spring-loaded arms—contractors can meet landfill regulations, protect their loads, and streamline operations. Whether hauling debris, scrap, or seasonal material, a reliable tarp setup turns a regulatory burden into a mechanical advantage.
