Trucks with three-sided roll or tautliner systems
Three-sided rolls or Tautliner systems are nowadays the most common awning systems on semi-trailers because they allow very easy and convenient opening of the sides and roofs. These are tarpaulins with sliding sides for vehicles which’ semi-trailers are aluminum-free. The tarpaulin is three-part, the sides are separate, ie independent from the roof part of the tarpaulin. The roof is also movable. The sides are welded in length and height, and in the lower part of the tarpaulin there are mounted tensioners that can be direct or tensioners with belts.
In the upper part of the tarpaulin, roller wheels are mounted opposite the tensioners, by which the tarpaulin is “hooked” to the profile, ie a rail that can easily move the entire side of the tarpaulin left or right.
The roof part of the tarpaulin is reinforced in all places where it rests on the transverse substructures and longitudinal construction. The roof part of the tarpaulin is laterally screwed or threaded onto the arches, and on the inside it is fastened with special straps to the transversal profiles, ie the substructure. These tarpaulins are made of POLYMAR PVC tarpaulin canvas, weighing 900 g/m², manufactured by MEHLER Germany.
A three-sided roll system can also be used on semi-trailers that have alu sides. Then, in the lower part, instead of tensioners, a classic system is used with conductors, galvanized steel rings and a plastic custom-cable.
Classical tarpaulins for trucks
This model of truck tarpaulins is most often represented on our roads. The classical truck tarpaulin meets all European regulations for international transport. The sides of the tarpaulin, the roof section, as well as the front and back, form one whole. All parts of the tarpaulin are maximally reinforced in all places where the tarpaulin leans, ie it lies on the substructures and the structure.
These tarpaulins are made of POLYMAR PVC tarpaulin canvas, weighing 680 g/m², manufactured by MEHLER Germany.
Truck tarpaulins for trucks with upgraded substructures
Such truck tarpaulins are mainly made by a very similar system as the three-sided roll, except that the basic difference is that the roof is fixed, while the lateral parts of the tarpaulin are movable with roller wheels, and the lower part is suspended by the principle of conductors and customs plasticized cables.
These tarpaulins are made of POLYMAR PVC tarpaulin canvas, weighing 680 g/m², manufactured by MEHLER Germany.
Tarpaulins for dump trucks
Due to the different systems and dimensions of the dump trucks, the tarpaulins for cargo are made of 680 or 900 g/m² PVC cloth. The most common system is the side winding system of blankets using alu lath or axle-cladding. In the offer, aluminum laths and tensioners with belts are available, as well as elastic ropes, Ø8mm.
Tarpaulins for car trailers
Awnings for car trailers are made according to the same procedure as for larger and medium-sized trucks. They are reinforced in all places where contact with substructure and construction occurs. Such tarpaulins are made of POLYMAR PVC tarpaulin canvas, weighing 680 g/m², manufactured by MEHLER Germany.
Gallery: tarpaulins for all kind of trucks and vehicles
GalleryFrequently asked questions
What types of truck tarpaulins do you manufacture?
We manufacture a comprehensive range of custom covers including three-sided roll (tautliner) systems, classical truck tarpaulins, heavy-duty covers for dump trucks, and custom tarpaulins for car trailers.
What materials are used for your heavy-duty truck tarpaulins?
We strictly use premium European PVC materials from renowned brands like Sioen, Mehler, and Sattler. Depending on the specific application, we use standard 680 g/m² PVC canvas or the extra durable 900 g/m² panama PVC for tautliner systems and heavy-duty commercial use.
Can you brand or print my company logo on the truck tarpaulin?
Yes, we offer high-quality digital printing directly on the canvas. This turns your commercial vehicle into a moving billboard, ensuring high visibility for your business with UV-protected, long-lasting colors.
How does the three-sided roll or tautliner system work?
The tautliner system is the most common system for modern logistics, allowing for fast and easy loading and unloading from both the sides and the roof. The side curtains are tensioned using a robust system of ratchets and straps at the bottom, providing excellent cargo security and weather protection.
Do you make custom tarpaulins for smaller car trailers?
Yes, we produce custom-made covers for all types of car trailers. We use high-quality 680 g/m² PVC canvas, perfectly tailored and reinforced to fit your specific trailer dimensions and ensure safe transport.
When do you use 680 g/m² and when 900 g/m² canvas?
680 g/m² POLYMAR by Mehler is used for classical truck tarpaulins and for tarpaulins on upgraded substructures. 900 g/m² goes on three-sided roll and tautliner systems, where the sides slide on rails every working day and the fabric takes constant mechanical load. Dump truck covers are made in either weight.
Do your tarpaulins meet European regulations for international transport?
Yes. The classical truck tarpaulin is built to meet all European regulations for international haulage, including customs sealing. The lower edge runs on conductors with galvanised steel rings and a plasticised customs cable, so the sealed unit can be checked at any border crossing.
What is the difference between a tautliner on an alu-sided trailer and one without alu sides?
The tensioning at the bottom. On aluminium-free semi-trailers the tarpaulin carries tensioners at the lower edge, either direct or belt-type. On trailers with alu sides we use the classic system instead — conductors, galvanised steel rings and a plasticised customs cable. The sliding top rail is the same on both.
Why are tarpaulins reinforced in specific places?
Because the fabric fails where it rubs, not in the middle of a panel. Every point where the tarpaulin rests on the transverse substructure and the longitudinal structure is reinforced. That is the difference between a cover that lasts years and one that opens at the contact lines after a season.
Can you repair an existing truck tarpaulin?
Yes. Tears, worn contact lines and damaged fixing edges are repaired by welding in new material, and individual panels can be replaced instead of the whole cover. It is worth asking before replacing — if the canvas is sound and only the edges have gone, repair costs a fraction of a new tarpaulin.
Do I have to bring the vehicle to you?
For fitting, yes — but not to get a quote. Send the vehicle or trailer type, the substructure system and the box dimensions, with photographs, and we can price the job. The truck comes to Novi Sad for measuring and mounting once the specification is agreed.
How long does a PVC truck tarpaulin last?
We give a 10-year warranty on PVC tarpaulin from our range. Real service life depends on how the vehicle is used: a tautliner opened several times a day wears at the rails and contact lines faster than a classical tarpaulin that stays closed. Reinforcements and correct tension decide the rest.
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