Best Electric Tarp Wiring Kit Essentials for Safer Truck Tarps
Whether you’re outfitting a dump body or trailer tarp system, a reliable electric tarp wiring setup is essential. This article highlights five top Amazon picks that cover switches, plugs, lugs, and wiring needs to keep tarp operations smooth and weather-ready. Each product is chosen for durability, compatibility with common tarp motors, and ease of installation. Read on to compare features and understand what to consider when building or upgrading your electric tarp system.
Summary of Selected Products
- Buyers Products 5541020 Tarp Rocker Switch Kit
- ALL TRUCK PRODUCTS TARP Motor Rotary Switch Kit
- Kym Industries 12V Weather Resistant Reverse Polarity Super Switch Kit
- Tectran 670-27SG Vertical Dual Pole Plug
- Carolina Tarps 6 Dual Conductor Copper Cable Wire (55 ft)
Buyers Products 5541020 Tarp Rocker Switch Kit
The Buyers Products 5541020 kit provides a complete tarp control package, including a rocker switch with a solenoid, wiring harness, circuit breaker, mounting bracket, and hardware. It’s designed to simplify installation on dump trucks and trailers, delivering reliable operation for tarp motors. The kit emphasizes durability through a sturdy switch and integrated circuit protection, helping to prevent electrical faults during active tarp cycles. It’s suitable for standard 12V tarp motors and can serve as a central control point for a small to mid-size tarp system.
Buying Guide Note
Kym Industries 12V Weather Resistant Reverse Polarity Super Switch Kit
This weather-resistant switch kit from Kym Industries is designed for reliable 12V tarp motor control with reverse polarity protection. The kit includes a labeled solenoid and labeled switch, plus 30 feet of jacketed pre-connected tri-wire for straightforward wiring harness integration. Its weather resistance helps withstand outdoor exposure, making it suitable for truck tarps that operate in varied climates. This kit works well as a compact control solution for systems that require quick motor direction changes and solid protection against miswiring or shorts.
DTLDZSC Thickened Copper Lugs and Heat Shrink Kit
DTLDZSC’s lug and heat shrink assortment provides a comprehensive set for terminations and connections within tarp wiring. It includes 160 pieces across multiple lug sizes (AWG 2–12) and 80 pieces of 3:1 heat shrink tubing. Pure copper lugs are designed for high conductivity and durability, with thick shrink tubing that resists moisture and weathering. The kit’s versatility supports on-vehicle battery connections, motor leads, and splice points, helping ensure durable, corrosion-resistant electrical terminations for tarp systems.
Tectran 670-27SG Vertical Dual Pole Plug
The Tectran 670-27SG vertical dual pole plug is a rugged connector option for tarp systems, featuring a spring guard for added protection. This termination solution supports clean, weather-resistant connections in a vertical configuration, which can be beneficial for compact truck installations or where space is constrained. It offers reliable electrical contact with a design focused on heavy-duty truck applications and long-term durability in outdoor environments.
Tectran 670-19SG Buffalo Plug Termination
The 670-19SG Buffalo Plug termination by Tectran provides a robust, spring-guarded termination option for dual-pole tarp systems. This style supports secure connections that resist loosening due to vibration or outdoor use. It’s part of a broader ecosystem of components that help maintain continuity and protect exposed wiring in trucking tarps, especially where frequent disconnects and reconnects are required during maintenance or motor swaps.
Carolina Tarps 6 Conductor Copper Cable (55 ft)
This 55-foot, six-conductor copper cable from Carolina Tarps is designed for high-conductivity connections in tarp systems. The two-core copper strands provide good flexibility and conductivity, with PVC jackets offering resistance to moisture, heat, oil, and abrasion. Rated for a broad temperature range, it’s suitable for vehicle-mounted tarp motors and ground connections where reliable power transfer is essential for consistent tarp operation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Voltage and current compatibility: Ensure the wiring kit and switches match your tarp motor’s voltage (commonly 12V) and the expected current draw to avoid overheating or tripping breakers.
- Weather resistance: Outdoor tarp systems require components rated for moisture, temperature swings, and UV exposure. Look for sealed enclosures, weatherproof switches, and corrosion-resistant lugs.
- Connector polarity and protection: Reverse polarity protection and secure interconnects prevent damage from miswiring or accidental reverse connections during maintenance.
- Ease of installation: Consider pre-wired harnesses, labeled components, and clear mounting provisions. A kit with a complete wiring harness, circuit breaker, and bracket can reduce install time.
- Durability under vibration: Truck tarps experience constant vibration. Choose rugged switches, connectors, and lugs with vibration resistance and spring guards where applicable.
- Compatibility with existing equipment: Verify that selected lugs, plugs, and connectors are compatible with your tarp motor, control box, and vehicle wiring standards.
- Future upgrades and maintenance: Choose modular components (e.g., plugs and lugs with standardized sizes) to simplify future repairs or motor upgrades.
Additional Considerations
When assembling an electric tarp wiring kit, it’s important to balance price, durability, and ease of service. A complete kit that includes a robust control switch, a reliable solenoid, and quality terminations offers the best long-term value. For fleets operating in harsh climates, prioritize weatherproofing and corrosion resistance to minimize maintenance stops. If your system uses a streamline motor that requires a specific connector type, select compatible plugs or adapters to prevent compatibility issues.