Erickson Tarps Review / Is Erickson Worth It
Erickson is worth buying for basic tarp tie-downs, light-duty truck beds, and storage covers. For tarp securement, it is a practical buy when you need stretch, quick attachment, and easy replacement parts, and it is more useful than a generic bungee for that job. This guide compares Erickson tarp straps, bungee-style fasteners, ratchet straps, and hooks by the jobs they actually handle well.
Erickson worth it?
Verdict by use case
For tarp securement, Erickson is a practical buy when you need stretch, quick attachment, and easy replacement parts. The best value comes from the rubber tarp strap line, not from every strap in the catalog. For cargo control, especially on trailers, the brand’s ratchet straps are the better match because they give you a more controlled hold.
Erickson Manufacturing is a North American load-securement brand that has been family-owned and operated since 1977. Its product range includes tarps, tarp straps, tie downs, and bungee cord, so you need to separate tarp-specific gear from general securement gear before buying.
When to buy Erickson
Buy Erickson when you need tarp straps for truck beds, utility trailers, seasonal covers, or garage and yard storage. Rubber tarp straps fit jobs where the tarp needs light stretch to stay tight without hard tension points. They also make sense when fast hook-on and removal matter more than absolute cargo restraint.
When to skip it
Skip rubber tarp straps when the load is heavy, the trailer moves often, or the cargo can shift under braking. In those cases, a ratchet strap with a published rating is the safer tool. Skip general-purpose bungees for serious cargo securement too; they are not a substitute for proper tie-down hardware.
Pros and cons
What Erickson does well
- Offers tarp-specific rubber straps in multiple lengths for truck beds and trailers.
- Provides cold-weather tarp straps in blue rubber for lower-temperature use.
- Has ratchet and retractable options for jobs that need firmer tension control.
- Gives you a broad spread of formats, from simple tarp loops to more structured securement gear.
Where Erickson falls short
- Not every Erickson strap is a tarp strap, so product names need careful reading.
- Rubber straps can be over-stretched if you choose the wrong length.
- Cold can make some rubber straps stiffer and less forgiving.
- Retractable and ratchet products are better for cargo tension than for simple tarp lacing.
Who it’s for
Erickson fits buyers who need affordable tarp securement for truck beds, trailers, lawn equipment, outdoor storage, and temporary covers. It is less suitable if you want one strap to do everything, or if you need the highest restraint for freight that can move, tip, or bounce under load.
Say your pickup carries a plywood load under a tarp during a short local move. A rubber tarp strap can make sense because the tarp needs snug coverage, not freight-grade restraint. Suppose the same load is going on a utility trailer for a highway run; a ratchet strap is the better match.
Truck beds and trailers
Erickson’s rubber tarp straps are explicitly aimed at tying down tarps over truck beds or trailers. That is the clearest fit for the brand’s tarp strap line. The main decision is length, because the wrong size can leave too little hold or too much slack.
Seasonal storage covers
For a boat cover, grill cover, or yard-equipment tarp, the appeal is gentle tension. Rubber tarp straps can keep a cover seated without cutting into the material. A retractable or ratchet strap can be overkill unless the cover is exposed to harder pull or repeated movement.
Heavy-duty securement jobs
For heavier loads, Erickson’s ratchet products are the better category. According to the catalog, the 1 inch x 10 foot retractable ratcheting tie-down strap comes in a pack of two, and the 2 inch x 10 foot Pro Series version is generally aimed at heavier use. For even more defined securement, the self-tensioning retractable ratchet strap lists a 1500 lb breaking strength and a 500 lb working load limit.
Which Erickson strap is worth it?
This matrix separates tarp securement from general tie-down work. The best value depends on whether you need stretch, hard tension, cold-weather flexibility, or a load-bearing strap with a stated limit.
| Use case | Ideal product type | Key spec to prioritize | Likely failure mode | Value rating for tarp securement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck bed tarp | Erickson rubber tarp strap | Length that matches hook spacing | Too short to reach or too much stretch | High |
| Trailer tarp | Erickson rubber tarp strap | EPDM rubber fit and correct length | Hook mismatch at tarp edge | High |
| Cold-weather tarp use | Blue cold temp tarp strap | Cold-weather rubber construction | Brittleness or reduced flexibility in low temperatures | High |
| Light cargo with tarp cover | Retractable ratcheting tie-down strap | Controlled tension and strap width | Overtightening a cover or crushing soft cargo | Medium |
| Heavy trailer cargo | Ratchet strap | Working load limit, not stretch | Wrong strap class for the load | Low for tarp-only use, high for cargo |
| ATV transport | ATV wheel chock and tie down kit | Wheel fit and strap rating | Buying a tarp strap when you need wheel restraint | Low for tarps, high for ATV transport |
Rubber tarp straps vs ratchet straps
When rubber straps make sense
Rubber tarp straps fit jobs where the tarp needs a bit of give. Erickson’s EPDM rubber tarp straps are built for that kind of fit. They are useful over truck beds and trailers because they can take up slack while staying easier to hook and remove than a rigid tie-down.
The Erickson 06610 Multiple Length EPDM Rubber Tarp Strap is a pack of 10 and is useful when you want one carton that covers several fastening points. That matters if you replace straps often or set up multiple covers at once.
When ratchets are the better pick
Ratchet straps are better when the job needs measurable holding force rather than light stretch. Erickson sells a 1×10 ratchet strap rated at 900 lb tie-down strength, and it also sells a pack of four 1×10 ratchet straps. That makes sense for cargo work, not tarp lacing.
Erickson also notes that the strap count depends on the load and securement setup. That is a cargo-securement point, not a tarp rule. If you are tying down a roofless load, you should be looking at strap count, anchor points, and load rating together.
Where retractable designs fit
Retractable ratcheting straps sit between simple tarp straps and full cargo restraint. The 34415 Pro Series is a 1 inch x 10 feet retractable ratcheting tie-down strap in a pack of 2. The 34416 Pro Series is the 2 inch x 10 feet version and is commonly used for heavier-duty tasks.
The 41335 self tensioning retractable ratchet strap adds a 1500 lb breaking strength, a 500 lb working load limit, and two 5 foot webbing extensions. That makes it a more structured securement tool than a tarp strap, with better control for jobs that need more than elastic hold.
Which Erickson tarp length should you buy?
Buy length to match the tarp edge, hook spacing, and how much stretch you need. Too short leaves you fighting the strap. Too long can create loose loops that flap, snag, or let the tarp shift. For tarp securement, the right length is the one that reaches without forcing the strap past its useful stretch range.
18 inch options
The 06762 18 inch rubber tarp strap is the shortest of the standard sizes. It works best when anchor points are close and the tarp edge sits near the tie point. This is the size most likely to feel neat on compact truck-bed tie-downs.
24 inch options
The 06763 rubber tarp strap is about 24 inches long, which gives it more reach for wider beds or tarps with deeper hems. It is often the safer middle choice when you are unsure, because a little extra reach is usually easier to manage than a strap that comes up short.
34 inch options
The 06764 34 inch rubber tarp strap suits wider spans, taller sides, and trailer setups with more distance between tarp edge and anchor. It is not the first choice for tight, low-profile work. Use it when the geometry demands more length, not because longer sounds stronger.
Multiple-length packs
The 06610 Multiple Length EPDM Rubber Tarp Strap is the best hedge if your truck bed and trailer jobs vary. A mixed-use setup benefits from having different lengths on hand, because one fixed length rarely fits every anchor point.
A common first-timer mistake is buying all 34 inch straps for every job. On a short bed with close hooks, that can leave too much slack and poor tarp tension. The reverse mistake is buying only 18 inch straps and then finding they will not reach around thicker tarp hems or awkward anchor points.
Are Erickson straps good in cold weather?
Yes, if you choose the cold-weather line, but low temperatures change the buying decision. Erickson offers cold temp tarp straps in blue rubber, including 18 inch and 24 inch versions. That matters because colder conditions can make standard rubber feel stiffer and less forgiving during installation.
Cold-temp blue rubber straps
The blue rubber cold temp tarp straps are the better choice when you secure covers through fall and winter. The key point is not color; it is the product’s cold-weather positioning. If the tarp is installed outside in low temperatures, the strap needs to stay workable while you hook it under load.
EPDM rubber in low temperatures
EPDM rubber is used in Erickson’s tarp strap line for stretch and fit. That helps explain why the company keeps rubber tarp straps in the catalog at all. Even so, colder weather can still change the feel of the strap, so a size that is fine in mild weather may feel less cooperative when temperatures drop.
What brittleness changes
Brittleness is a handling problem before it becomes a failure problem. A colder strap can be harder to stretch, harder to seat, and more likely to put awkward force on the hook and tarp edge. If the strap feels resistant at installation, choose the cold-weather version instead of forcing a standard one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erickson worth it for tarp straps?
Yes, if you need simple tarp securement for truck beds, trailers, or storage covers. Erickson’s rubber tarp straps are the part of the line that most clearly fits that job. For cargo restraint, though, you should move to rated ratchet straps rather than relying on stretch alone.
Are Erickson tarp straps better than generic straps?
They are better when you want a tarp strap from a known tarp-strap line, not a random general bungee. Erickson gives you clear length choices, EPDM rubber options, and cold-weather versions. Generic straps can work, but the fit and intended use are often less obvious.
Which Erickson tarp strap length should I buy?
Choose 18 inch for close anchor points, 24 inch as the safest middle option, and 34 inch for wider spans or deeper tarp hems. If your jobs vary, the multiple-length pack is the most flexible pick. The wrong length is the fastest way to get poor tarp tension.
What is the difference between Erickson rubber tarp straps and ratchet straps?
Rubber tarp straps use stretch for light, forgiving securement. Ratchet straps use mechanical tension and are better for heavier cargo or controlled hold. Erickson’s tarp straps are for tarps over truck beds and trailers, while its ratchet straps belong in load securement and transport jobs.
Are Erickson straps good for truck beds and trailers?
Yes, that is one of the clearest use cases for the rubber tarp strap line. Erickson describes those straps as tying down tarps over truck beds or trailers. The main task is matching the length to the bed or trailer geometry so the tarp stays tight without excessive stretch.
Do Erickson straps work for heavy-duty tarp securement?
Only if “heavy-duty” means a tougher tarp job, not freight restraint. For actual heavy loads, the ratchet side of the catalog is the better fit, especially products with published ratings such as the 900 lb tie-down strap or the 500 lb working load limit model.
How much do Erickson tarp straps cost?
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