Ok... so the whole team/reefer gig was about to drive me nuts. I'll be back with a lease truck (please don't jump me about that, I know the general feeling most have about leasing, but it works for me) at Arrow at the beginning of June.

My question to those flatbedders out there that purchase their own equipment - have you found any good sources out there for a lighter weight tarp? I can handle the standard issue lumber tarps fine, but like most, I don't really want to work any harder than I must! I see some of these ads in The Trucker and the other trade magazines, but wonder if it's really worth the investment, or should I just suffer with the cumbersome lumber tarps Arrow issues out.

I had a set of tarps from Sharps Tarps in Grants Pass, Oregon. They were light weight but pretty sturdy. I ran step and the 2 main tarps were only 50 pounds a piece and the step section was around 30 I believe. Way easier then those damn heavy lumber tarps.

Call Tri-State in E. St. Louis at 800-873-6225 ask for Briant Luaders. He should be able to get you your tarps. Another is Lookout Mountain Tarps in Gadsden, AL. I don't remember the number. At least I think that is the correct number.

Say forgive my ignranace here, Ive only done dry van and looking to branch out sometime. If I buy a flatbed trailer....ummm does it come with all the chains I need...or chances are I will have to buy some huh?....How much extra for the chains and tarps I will need?
Ive tried to look more and more lately at flatbed loads, to see how they are secured. I just have some nightmare, that my first load will spring apart to pieces like the first jack-in-the-box toy I owned and I tried to take it apart to fix it.

A used flatbed trailer often comes with the winches/spools on the trailer and sometimes will still have the straps also. Chains,binders,tarps, etc. will usually not be included except sometimes an O/O who is selling out will include all that stuff. Buying the stuff you mentioned will cost around 1500-2500 dollars.

You might want to try Dothan Tarps in Athens, AL also. Well liked folks around here and I believe they'll custom build you one.

(256) 216-0725

Try D and S sewing in New Haven Ct

They have the lightweight tarps

Thanks for all the replies guys! Sorry I've been so slow to check in here, I'm currently enroute to San Diego, CA with my last week of reefer running....that added in with prepping everything to get back into my own truck has been a decent logistics nightmare at times!

I'm taking note of all the suggestions y'all have given, and I do appreciate them. I'll probably start calling around next week to see what the deals look like.

Related question - what's the best material for strength and durability as well as lighter weight? It could just be some of the surface browsing I've done in the past few weeks, but it seems like there are a few options out there.

One thing you need to be aware of is that the lightweight tarps may not be quite as durable as the standard weight. I considered buying lightweight tarps myself, at one point. The ones I looked at had the regular material on the top or middle and lightweight material on the sides. It appeared to be like parachute material. I think it was some sort of nylon. It has been several years since I have looked at them. Tri-State Tarp is in E. St. Louis. I know of some who have bought the lightweight tarps from them. They seem to be satisfied with them. One fleet owner I know buys all of his tarps from them. They should not be too far from where you live. I think they are close to the interstate.

Thanks Gman, that's what I was thinking myself. I figure I may go and talk to them to see what they are offering up at Tri-State. Of course, I don't want to sacrifice too much tarp life for simple weight reduction, but find a balance between the two. I'm not in a huge rush right now to decide which way I want to go, but exploring the possibilities for a bit later on down the line.