Rollover Tarp Systems: How They Work and What to Choose

A rollover tarp covers your load from side to side. The tarp is fixed along one side of the body and rolls across the load to the other side, either by hand or with an electric drive. It suits semi-trailers, rigid trucks and wide bodies where a side-to-side cover works better than a front to back one.

This guide covers how a rollover tarp works, manual vs electric, and how it compares with a front to back retractable tarp.

How a rollover tarp works

• Fixed side. The tarp is fixed along one side of the body in a pocket or rope track.
• Rolls across. It rolls across the load and secures on the other side.
• Bows. Bows across the body hold the tarp up off the load. Their positions are set to suit your body.
• Flaps. Front and rear flaps drop over the ends to close the load in.
• Wear strips. Wear strips protect the tarp where it rubs.

Manual or electric?

Manual: roll the tarp over by hand. It is simple and reliable, with nothing to charge.

Electric: an electric drive rolls the tarp side to side in seconds and keeps it tensioned. The driver works it with a wireless remote from the cab, so there is no climbing on the load and no manual winding. Electric kits usually include a motor drive unit and battery power kit, a wireless remote, drive and balance arms, wiring, and a manual override.

Fragar supplies electric drives for front to back retractable tarps. See electric tarp systems for more.

Rollover or front to back?

A rollover tarp rolls across the body from one side to the other. A front to back retractable truck tarp runs from the front of the body to the back on bows, and suits tippers, trailers and hook bins. For a simple, fixed-price option on smaller bodies, there is also the pull-out tarp kit, which you can order online.

Not sure which suits your truck? Read pull-out vs retractable vs rollover tarps, or tell us what you carry and we will recommend one.

Made to measure for your body

A rollover tarp is made from the body’s measurements so it fits properly. The measurements usually cover:

• Body width and length
• Front and rear flap drops
• Rollover side drop
• Bow positions from the front
• Wear strip size
• Pocket or rope track on each side
• Material and colour
• Ropes front and back

Not sure which material suits your load? Read mesh vs PVC truck tarps, or tell us what you carry.

Coming soon from Fragar

Fragar rollover tarps aren’t available to order just yet. Keep an eye on our rollover tarp page, or contact us and we’ll let you know when they’re ready. Need a cover now? See our front to back retractable tarps, or order a pull-out tarp kit online.

Looking after your rollover tarp

Check the tarp, wear strips and ropes regularly, and replace worn parts before they fail on the road. When the tarp itself wears out, you usually only need a new tarp, not a whole new system.

Common questions

What trucks suit a rollover tarp?

Semi-trailers, rigid trucks and wide bodies, where a side-to-side cover works better than front to back. Every rollover tarp is made to measure for the body it goes on.

Why go electric?

No climbing on the load and no manual winding. That means less back strain for drivers and less time standing out in the weather.

Can I order a rollover tarp from Fragar?

Not just yet. Fragar rollover tarps are coming soon. In the meantime, see our front to back retractable tarps and pull-out tarp kits.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes. Freight depends on the size of the system and where it is going. See what a truck tarp system costs for what affects the price.