Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry: 7 Expert Sizing Tips for a 10-Tonne Load in Kenya

Understanding Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry Requirements

A tarpaulin to cover a lorry provides a protective barrier that keeps transported goods safe from harsh weather, road conditions, and external exposure. Choosing the correct dimensions, material thickness, and waterproofing quality ensures that the cover performs effectively during transportation.

Across Kenya and East Africa, lorries are widely used for transporting agricultural produce, construction materials, industrial goods, machinery, and general cargo. Transport routes between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and neighbouring countries expose loads to changing weather conditions, dust, and long-distance handling.

A poorly sized truck cover can create several problems:

• Exposed cargo edges
• Water entering during rainfall
• Loose sections caused by wind
• Faster material wear
• Increased replacement costs

A professional tarpaulin to cover a lorry should provide enough coverage to protect the load while allowing proper tensioning and fastening.

Cougar Nets supplies durable tarpaulin solutions for transport, agriculture, construction, and commercial applications across Kenya and East Africa. Customers can explore available products through the Cougar Nets shop or request assistance through the Cougar Nets contact page.

Before ordering, it is important to understand that the tarpaulin size is not determined only by the truck bed measurements. The load height, side drop, fastening method, and required overlap all affect the final dimensions.

Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry: How Do You Calculate the Correct Size?

The correct calculation starts with measuring the actual cargo area rather than guessing based on the truck category.

A standard 10-tonne lorry may have different body dimensions depending on:

• Manufacturer
• Truck model
• Body fabrication
• Load type
• Sideboard height

The basic measurement formula is:

Required tarpaulin length = lorry bed length + front allowance + rear allowance + overlap

Required tarpaulin width = lorry bed width + both side drops + fastening allowance

The additional allowance ensures the cover reaches below the cargo edges and can be secured properly.

How to Measure a Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry Step by Step

Step 1: Measure the Lorry Bed Length

Measure from the inside front section of the cargo bed to the rear edge.

For example:

• Lorry bed length: 7 metres

Add extra allowance for:

• Front fastening
• Rear securing points
• Rope attachment

A practical allowance may add approximately 0.5–1 metre depending on the truck design.

Step 2: Measure the Lorry Bed Width

Measure the full width across the cargo area.

Example:

• Lorry width: 2.5 metres

This measurement alone is not enough because the tarpaulin must also cover the sides.

Step 3: Add Side Drop Coverage

The side drop is the distance the tarpaulin hangs down from the top edge of the cargo body.

For example:

• Truck body width: 2.5 metres
• Left side drop: 1 metre
• Right side drop: 1 metre

Calculation:

2.5m + 1m + 1m

= 4.5 metres tarpaulin width

This prevents the common mistake of ordering a sheet that only covers the top surface.

Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry: Example Size Calculation for a 10-Tonne Load

Consider a typical 10-tonne transport lorry with:

Length Calculation:

7m + 0.5m + 0.5m

= 8 metres

Width Calculation:

2.5m + 1m + 1m

= 4.5 metres

Recommended order size:

Approximately 8m × 4.5m tarpaulin

Additional allowance may be required depending on load height and securing method.

Choosing the Best Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry in Kenya

The correct material specification is just as important as the size.

A transport tarpaulin must handle:

• Rain exposure
• Sunlight
• Wind pressure
• Repeated folding
• Heavy-duty usage

Important selection factors include:

GSM Weight

GSM refers to grams per square metre and indicates the material weight.

For a 10-tonne lorry, many transport operators prefer heavier grades because they offer improved durability.

Waterproof Coating Quality

A waterproof tarpaulin requires more than a laminated surface.

Important features include:

• Strong PVC coating
• Sealed edges
• Reinforced corners
• Quality eyelets
• UV protection

The coating helps prevent water penetration while improving resistance against outdoor conditions.

Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry: Why GSM and Material Strength Matter

A common mistake is selecting a cover based only on price.

A cheaper sheet may fail because of:

• Thin material
• Weak stitching
• Poor eyelets
• Low UV resistance

A quality tarpaulin to cover a lorry should balance:

• Weight
• Flexibility
• Tear resistance
• Waterproof performance
• Ease of handling

For businesses transporting goods regularly, investing in a stronger tarpaulin reduces replacement frequency and protects valuable cargo.

Comparing Different Lorry Tarpaulin Materials

For commercial 10-tonne transport operations, PVC-coated tarpaulins are commonly preferred because they provide better weather resistance.

Common Uses of a Tarpaulin to Cover a Lorry

A properly sized lorry cover is used in many industries.

Agricultural Transport

Farmers and transport companies use tarpaulins to protect:

• Grain
• Fertiliser
• Animal feed
• Fresh produce

Agricultural supply routes across Kenya require reliable protection because loads may travel long distances before reaching markets.

Construction Transport

Construction companies use truck covers for:

• Sand
• Cement
• Aggregates
• Building materials

Protection reduces contamination and prevents materials from being affected by rainfall.

Industrial Cargo Transport

Manufacturers use heavy-duty tarpaulins for:

• Machinery parts
• Raw materials
• Packaged goods

For additional outdoor protection solutions, Cougar Nets also provides products through the tarps category.