Australian weather conditions can be brutal, so when dealing with strong winds, storms, and sudden changes… a tarp is only as strong as the accessories used to secure it. Without the right gear, your tarp can be significantly strained, leading to damage and failure.
That’s why tarp accessories such as bungee cords, tarp clips, rope, grommets, eyelets, and sandbags are all important when using a heavy-duty tarp for camping, gardening, or any other outdoor projects. Choosing the right combination of accessories can help prevent flapping, tearing, and damage to the items underneath.
At ARK Tarps, we sell a wide range of tarp accessories in Australia that our customers can rely on across various applications. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about tarp accessories.
Why Australian Winds Demand the Right Tarp Accessories
Wind is the number one challenge for keeping a tarp secure, and Australian wind conditions can create significant uplift and tension across tarp surfaces. If you’ve ever tried camping outdoors in the middle of a Victorian winter, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Large, flat tarp areas act like a ship’s sails; high winds create pressure on tarp edges, attachment points, grommets, and eyelets, all of which compromise tarp integrity and effectiveness.
Many people don’t actually know how to secure a tarp in the wind, let alone high winds. Many amateur tarp tie-down methods fail to do the following:
- Using too few tie-down points
- Relying on weak rope or damaged cords
- Attaching directly to fragile tarp edges
- Ignoring reinforcement around eyelets
- Not allowing flexibility for wind movement
All of these mistakes can, however, be avoided by securing your tarp with the right tarp accessories. Here are some of the most popular tarp accessories customers use to secure their heavy-duty and extra-heavy-duty tarps.
Grommets and Eyelets — What They Are and How to Stop Them Tearing
Grommets and eyelets are the reinforced attachment points found around the edges of a tarp. They allow users to connect ropes, bungee cords, and other tie-down accessories while helping distribute tension across the tarp material.
While high-quality tarps are designed with durable eyelets, strong winds and excessive tension can still cause them to stretch, bend, or tear out over time. Using the right tarp tie-down methods can help prevent damage and extend your tarp’s lifespan.
A properly secured tarp setup protects both the tarp and the items underneath, helping prevent avoidable damage during high winds and storms.
Bungee Cords: The First Line of Defence for Any Tarp Setup
The primary tarp accessory that many people first use to secure their tarps is a bungee cord. Bungee cords with hooks are elastic cords designed to create flexible tension between tarp eyelets and anchor points. They allow for minimal movement during wind gusts without placing sudden stress on the tarp.
The benefits of using tarp bungee ties include:
- Absorb shock from changing weather conditions
- Reduce strain on grommets
- Keep tarp surfaces tighter
- Make installation and removal faster
Bungee cords can be used with tarps for nearly any application. Whether you’re covering a caravan or trailer, storing equipment, setting up a campsite, or need some temporary protection from the rain, a bungee cord is your first line of defence for any tarp setup.
How Many Bungee Cords Do You Need for a Tarp?
The exact number of bungee cords to use with a tarp depends on several factors, including the size of your tarp and how long you plan to keep it secured. Generally, there should be one bungee cord per available eyelet.
- Small tarps: Use every available eyelet where possible. Space tie-down points evenly across the material.
- Medium-duty tarps: Secure each corner plus additional side points. Avoid creating long, unsupported edges.
- Large or heavy-duty tarps: Use every reinforced attachment point. Add extra anchoring in exposed areas.
Consider the following:
- Tarp size
- Wind exposure
- Weight of the tarp
- Whether the tarp is temporary or permanent
Tarp Clips: Instant Grommets for Any Edge
High-quality tarps feature super-strong eyelets that can withstand nearly anything. But when existing eyelets are already used up or unavailable, tarp clips can help provide an extra attachment point.
Tarp clips are clamp-style attachments that grip tarp material and create a secure tie-down point. They are ideal for people who need to add extra attachment points anywhere along a tarp edge, repair damaged grommets, or increase flexibility for unusual tarp setups.
Some common applications of clamp-on tarp clips include:
- Temporary shelters
- Shade structures
- Emergency weather protection
- Covering irregular-shaped items
With tarp clips on hand, you can enhance your tarp’s versatility and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Tarp Clips vs. Grommets — Which Holds Better in Wind?
When securing a tarp in the wind, both tarp clips and grommets can help, but they serve different purposes. Tarp grommets are built into the tarp during manufacturing and provide strong, fixed attachment points for ropes, bungee cords, and other tie-down accessories. When paired with reinforced edges and seams, they are designed for repeated use and heavier loads.
Tarp clips offer greater flexibility by allowing you to add attachment points wherever needed. They are quick to install and useful for temporary setups, repairs, or situations requiring extra tie-down points. However, they can place greater pressure on the tarp material if overloaded.
For the best wind protection, combine reinforced grommets with additional tarp clips where needed. This helps spread tension across more points and creates a stronger, more secure tarp setup.
How to Tie Down a Tarp with Rope — Step by Step
While bungee cords are a popular option for quickly securing a tarp, corded rope remains one of the most versatile tarp accessories for creating a strong and reliable setup. Knowing how to tie down a tarp with rope correctly can make a significant difference, especially in areas exposed to strong winds.
Follow these steps to create a secure tarp tie-down:
Step 1: Position the tarp correctly.
Step 2: Thread rope through reinforced attachment points or a cam-buckle strap.
Step 3: Tie the rope into a knot.
Step 4: Secure the tarp to an anchor point, such as a tree or a post.
Step 5: Use additional ropes for extra security.
For the best results, combine rope with other tarp tie-down methods such as bungee cords or additional anchor points. This allows the tarp to remain secure while still having enough flexibility to handle changing wind conditions.
Sandbags and Weight-Based Anchoring — When You Can’t Stake or Tie
Not every tarp setup has access to traditional anchor points. Whether you’re working on concrete, asphalt, or another hard surface, weighted sandbags provide a practical alternative when staking or tying down a tarp is not possible.
Sandbags work by adding weight to hold the tarp in position, helping prevent movement caused by wind and weather. They are particularly useful for temporary setups or home gardens where you need reliable anchoring or soil prep without permanently attaching the tarp.
For maximum protection during harsh weather, combine weight-based anchoring with a quality tarp and secure attachment points.
Choosing the Right Combination of Accessories for Your Situation with ARK Tarps
The best tarp setup is achieved by pairing it with the right accessories for the job. Different applications call for different tie-down methods, and using the right combination can improve stability, reduce wear, and help your tarp withstand Australia’s challenging weather conditions.
| Situation | Recommended Accessories |
|---|---|
| Camping and temporary shelters | Bungee cords, tarp clips, lightweight rope |
| Covering trailers or vehicles | Heavy-duty bungee cords, reinforced grommets, rope |
| Protecting construction materials | Heavy-duty tarp, rope, additional anchoring |
| Outdoor equipment storage | Bungee cords, tarp clips, weighted anchors |
| High-wind locations | Reinforced tarp, multiple tie-down points, sandbags |
At ARK Tarps, we stock a complete range of heavy-duty tarps and tarp accessories designed for Australian conditions. From bungee cords and tarp clips to reinforced tarps and sandbags, you’ll find everything you need to build a secure, long-lasting tarp setup.
Browse our range today to find the right solution for your next project!
FAQs
What is the best knot for securing a tarp with rope?
A trucker’s hitch is ideal for creating a tight, secure tie-down, while a bowline knot forms a strong fixed loop that won’t tighten under load. The best knot depends on your setup and the required tension.
Do bungee cords or rope hold better in high wind?
Rope provides strength and a secure anchor, while bungee cords absorb wind gusts and reduce strain on the tarp. For the best results in high winds, use both together.
How many tie-down points does a tarp need in strong winds?
You should use every tie-down point available when securing your tarp against strong winds. If you require more than are available, then consider using a tarp clip for extra attachment points.
Don’t Let High Winds Ruin Your Setup
A quality tarp is only half the battle; the right tie-downs make all the difference when Australian weather turns rough. Whether you’re heading off on a camping trip, securing a load on the ute, or protecting equipment on a worksite, having reliable accessories ensures your tarp stays firmly in place when conditions change.
Be prepared for whatever the forecast brings with ARK Tarps’ accessories range of heavy-duty bungee cords, tarp clips, ropes, sandbags, and other essential tie-down solutions. Explore our complete range today and build a setup that’s ready for Australia’s toughest conditions.
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