Open trailers carry loads that need covering: building sand, furniture, produce, scrap, bagged goods. A plain tarpaulin does the job but says nothing about who owns it. A printed PVC tarpaulin does both, and because it covers a large area, it is one of the most visible forms of trailer advertising.
We supply printed tarpaulins made to the size of your trailer or load, with the fittings you need to fasten them.
What we can brand
- Top covercentral logo
- Side dropscompany name in large lettering
- Rear dropcontact line and logo
- Cornerssmall reflective detail where suitable
- Straps and ropesmatching colours, if desired
Material and construction
Trailer tarpaulins are made from PVC tarpaulin material, a coated fabric designed for outdoor load covering. Panels are welded or sewn to size, with hems that are reinforced and eyelets set at regular intervals. Heavier-duty finishing is available for trailers that see rough use. The exact material and finishing are confirmed on your quotation.
Sizing and fit
A tarpaulin has to be generous enough to cover the load and drape past the trailer sides, but not so large that it flaps and snags. We measure from your trailer dimensions and typical load height. For tautliners and curtain-siders, see tautliner trailer branding, where full curtains are the better solution. For loose-load tippers and flatbeds, a tarpaulin is the usual cover.
Printing and design
Printing is full-colour, so logos, brand colours and background patterns can be reproduced. A tarpaulin is viewed from above, from the side where it drapes and from behind where it hangs, so we think about all three. A central logo works well for aerial viewing; side drops carry the company name in larger lettering. Dark, heavy colours can show less on some load colours, so we choose contrast with the cargo in mind.
Securing the load
A tarpaulin covers the load, but it does not replace proper load restraint. Straps, ropes and nets still do the securing, and we can point you to our cargo nets and ropes page for those items. Eyelets and edge reinforcement are made to suit common strapping methods.
Care and replacement
Tarpaulins last longer when folded dry, stored away from sharp objects and washed gently. Ripped or worn tarpaulins can be replaced with a new printed set from the original artwork. Warranties depend on the material and application and are confirmed on your quotation. Read more about our truck tarpaulin branding service.
Colour choice and fading
Strong, saturated colours look best on new tarpaulins but fade with sun and use. Solid colour blocks with a clear logo age better than detailed photographs. We discuss this at design stage so the tarpaulin still reads well at the end of its working life.
Suitable branding options
At a glance
Branded trailer tarpaulins protect the load and advertise your business at the same time. A printed tarp is a large, flexible canvas for your logo and message, and because it goes over the whole load it is seen from the front, the side and above. It needs to be cut and finished properly so it can be strapped down and reused again and again. Getting branded trailer tarpaulins right starts with a clear brief: which surfaces are available, how the vehicle is used and what a passer-by should take in within a couple of seconds.
We make printed trailer tarpaulins to fit your trailer or truck, with reinforced edges and eyelets suited to regular use. Hauliers, farmers, builders and building suppliers in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape use them to keep every load looking professional. Send your trailer dimensions and artwork for a quote, and we will advise on layout. Artwork is proofed with you before print and fitted by trained installers so the finish is neat. Whether you need one vehicle done or a whole fleet matched, colours, logo placement and finishing stay consistent, which is what makes printed trailer tarpaulins look planned rather than patched together. Studio visits are by appointment only.
Common questions
Can I get one tarpaulin or do I need a set?
We supply single tarpaulins and matching fleet sets.
How do you get the size right?
We work from your trailer dimensions and load height, and confirm the size on your quotation.
Can you reuse my existing artwork?
Yes, provided it is supplied at suitable quality. See our artwork requirements page.
Is the print waterproof?
The tarpaulin material is designed for outdoor load covering. Performance depends on the material, confirmed on your quotation.
Do tarpaulins fit all trailer types?
They suit open trailers, flatbeds and tippers best. Curtain trailers use printed curtains.