Trailer rental guide

Hauling in Lower Mainland Rain: Enclosed or Tarped?

Published 2026-09-15 · Ride On Rentals, Delta BC

If you're moving furniture, tools, or building materials, you need to know whether an enclosed trailer is worth it or if a tarp over an open flatbed will do. Ride On Rentals in Delta rents both, and here's the plain truth on what works for wet weather.

Quick questions

Can I tarp an open trailer in heavy rain and keep the load dry?

A tarp will shed light rain, but heavy rain can find its way through gaps, seams, and where the tarp touches the load. If the load must stay dry, an enclosed trailer is the only reliable option. If you're hauling gravel or debris, a tarp is fine.

Does rain make a dump trailer harder to unload?

Yes, wet material sticks to the bed and adds weight. The hydraulics will still lift, but you might need to help it along. Make sure the ground is level and firm before you dump, and never stand under the raised bed.

Are the ramps on your trailers slippery when wet?

All ramps get slick in the rain, whether they're on an enclosed or open trailer. Walk them first, use a spotter, and go slow. Enclosed trailer ramps stay dry until you open the door, which helps.

What if I don't know which trailer I need for a wet job?

Call us at (604) 767-7977 and tell us what you're hauling and what you're towing. We'll help you pick between the enclosed cargo, dump, car hauler, or flatbed, and confirm it will work with your hitch.

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