How to Choose the Right Size Tarp for Your Car

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Quick answer

• Measure your vehicle’s length, width, and height.
• Consider your primary use: sun, rain, snow, or dust.
• Think about how much coverage you really need. Full wrap or just the roof?
• Factor in wind – a bigger tarp catches more air.
• Look at tie-down points and how you’ll secure it.
• Err on the side of slightly too big; you can always adjust.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about buying a tarp, get your ducks in a row. This isn’t just about picking a color.

• Land manager / legality: Who actually owns the dirt you’re parking on? Is it public land (USFS, BLM, NPS), state park, or private? Some areas have rules about what you can leave behind, even temporary stuff like a tarp. Always check the specific regulations for where you plan to camp or park long-term. Don’t be that guy who gets a ticket.

• Access/road conditions: How are you getting to your spot? Is it a paved road, a rough forest service road, or a muddy track? If you’re heading off-road, a tarp might get snagged or ripped on branches if you’re not careful. Knowing the terrain helps you decide if a tarp is even practical, or if you need a vehicle that can handle it. I’ve seen rigs get stuck because the driver wasn’t thinking about the approach.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is huge. Are campfires allowed? Are there burn bans? A tarp is flammable. What’s the forecast? Heavy rain means you need good drainage. High winds mean you need a bomb-proof setup or maybe no tarp at all. Always check the local weather and any fire advisories before you go. Don’t get caught in a surprise storm with a flapping tarp.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will rainwater go when it hits your tarp? You don’t want it pooling and creating a swamp under your rig or around your campsite. Think about how you’ll manage any water runoff. Also, what about trash? Make sure your tarp isn’t going to blow away and become litter. Pack it in, pack it out.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Is this a remote area? Are there bears or other critters that might be attracted to your camp, or might try to chew on your tarp? Know what wildlife is in the area and how to secure your food. How far is the nearest town or ranger station? Do you have cell service or a satellite communicator? Knowing your situation helps you prepare for the unexpected.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’ve got the basics covered. Now, let’s get this tarp situation sorted out.

1. Measure your vehicle.

• What to do: Get a tape measure. Get the length from bumper to bumper, the width at the widest point (mirrors out if you’re leaving them on), and the height from the ground to the roof rack or highest point.
• What “good” looks like: You have three solid numbers: L x W x H.
• Common mistake: Guessing the size. You’ll end up with a tarp that’s too small or ridiculously oversized. Measure twice, buy once.

2. Determine your primary need.

• What to do: Ask yourself: Why do I need this tarp? Sunshade? Rain protection? Snow cover? Dust shield?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve clearly identified the main reason for the tarp.
• Common mistake: Trying to make one tarp do everything perfectly. A sunshade might not be waterproof, and a heavy-duty waterproof tarp might be overkill for just dust.

3. Visualize the coverage area.

• What to do: Imagine your car parked. Where does the tarp need to go? Just the roof and hood? The whole vehicle? Including tires?
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear picture of the footprint you want the tarp to cover.
• Common mistake: Thinking you need to cover every single inch. Sometimes, partial coverage is enough and easier to manage.

4. Add buffer space.

• What to do: Take your measurements and add a foot or two to each dimension. This gives you room to tie it down securely and account for sag.
• What “good” looks like: Your desired coverage area now has a comfortable margin around it.
• Common mistake: Buying the exact size of your car. You won’t have enough material to create tension or tie it off properly.

5. Consider the shape and orientation.

• What to do: Will the tarp lay flat over the car, or will you angle it for runoff? How will it drape over the sides?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve thought about how the tarp will conform to your vehicle’s shape.
• Common mistake: Not thinking about how the tarp will hang. A flat tarp will collect water; an angled one will shed it.

6. Assess tie-down points.

• What to do: Look at your vehicle. Where can you attach ropes or bungee cords? Roof rack? Bumpers? Trees? Stakes?
• What “good” looks like: You have a plan for at least 4-6 secure anchor points.
• Common mistake: Assuming you can just tie it to door handles or antennas. These aren’t strong enough and can break.

7. Factor in wind resistance.

• What to do: If you’re in a windy area, a larger tarp is a bigger sail. Think about how much wind your setup can handle.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen a size that balances coverage with manageability in expected wind conditions.
• Common mistake: Going for the biggest tarp possible without considering wind. It can become a dangerous kite.

8. Choose the material.

• What to do: Different materials offer different benefits: UV resistance, waterproofing, durability, weight. Polyethylene is common and affordable. Canvas is breathable but heavier.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve picked a material that suits your primary use and budget.
• Common mistake: Buying the cheapest, thinnest tarp. It might rip easily or degrade quickly in the sun.

9. Check the grommets/loops.

• What to do: Inspect the tie-down points on the tarp itself. Are they reinforced? Are there enough of them?
• What “good” looks like: Sturdy grommets or reinforced loops spaced appropriately for your tie-down strategy.
• Common mistake: Relying on weak or poorly spaced grommets. They can tear out under stress.

10. Pack it up.

• What to do: Fold or roll the tarp neatly. Get a stuff sack or bag to keep it contained and clean.
• What “good” looks like: Your tarp is organized and ready to deploy without a tangled mess.
• Common mistake: Stuffing it haphazardly into a corner of your gear. It’ll be a pain to untangle later.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Guessing your car’s dimensions	Tarp is too small (not enough coverage) or too big (hard to manage, wind)	Measure your vehicle accurately: length, width, height.
Not considering primary use	Tarp isn’t suitable for sun, rain, snow, or dust protection	Define your main need (sun, rain, etc.) and choose a tarp material and size accordingly.
Underestimating wind	Tarp acts like a sail, potentially damaging your vehicle or the tarp itself	Opt for a smaller size, more tie-down points, or skip the tarp in very high winds.
Insufficient tie-down points	Tarp can blow away, flap excessively, or rip at anchor points	Plan for at least 4-6 secure anchor points (vehicle, trees, stakes) and use strong cordage.
Ignoring water runoff	Water pools under the car, creating mud or attracting insects	Angle the tarp for drainage or create a slight slope so water runs off away from your vehicle.
Using weak anchor points	Tie-down points fail, leading to tarp failure	Secure to sturdy parts of your vehicle (roof rack, bumpers) or solid natural anchors.
Not checking the material quality	Tarp tears easily, degrades in UV, or isn’t waterproof when you need it	Invest in a tarp made for outdoor use with reinforced grommets and suitable material.
Forgetting about clearance and approach	Tarp gets snagged or ripped on branches or rough terrain	Ensure your tarp setup won’t interfere with vehicle movement or ground clearance.
Over-reliance on bungees	Bungees stretch and lose tension, leading to flapping and potential failure	Use a combination of rope and bungees, or primarily rope for more secure anchoring.
Not packing it properly	Tarp becomes a tangled mess, wasting time and effort in the field	Fold or roll your tarp neatly and store it in a dedicated bag or stuff sack.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your vehicle is a compact car, then a 10×12 ft tarp is likely a good starting point because it offers decent coverage without being excessive.
• If you have a large SUV or truck, then consider a 12×16 ft or larger tarp because you need more surface area to cover it.
• If your primary goal is sun protection, then a lighter-colored, UV-resistant tarp is best because it reflects heat and lasts longer in the sun.
• If you need waterproof protection, then ensure the tarp is rated as waterproof and has sealed seams, because not all tarps are created equal.
• If you’re camping in a very windy area, then choose a smaller tarp and more tie-down points because a large tarp will be a liability.
• If you have a roof rack, then utilize it for tie-down points because it provides strong, stable anchors.
• If you’re parking on open ground with no trees, then you’ll need stakes and possibly poles to set up your tarp because you won’t have natural anchor points.
• If you want to minimize water pooling, then angle the tarp so it slopes downwards away from your vehicle because gravity will do the work.
• If you’re concerned about snow accumulation, then a tarp with a steeper angle is better because it helps shed snow more effectively.
• If you’re on a budget, then a basic polyethylene tarp is a good option for temporary use, but it might not be as durable as pricier alternatives.
• If you plan to use the tarp for multiple seasons, then invest in a heavy-duty, UV-treated tarp because it will withstand more abuse.
• If you can’t secure all four corners of a large tarp, then consider a smaller tarp that you can secure properly because a poorly secured tarp is worse than no tarp.

FAQ

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing a car tarp size?

A: They guess. You absolutely need to measure your vehicle first. Don’t just eyeball it; get actual numbers for length, width, and height.

Q: Do I need a special tarp for a truck versus an SUV?

A: Not necessarily special, but probably bigger. Trucks often have longer beds and higher profiles, so you’ll need a larger tarp to get adequate coverage.

Q: How much overlap should I aim for with my tarp?

A: Add at least a foot or two to each dimension of your vehicle. This gives you enough material to pull it taut and secure it without ripping grommets.

Q: Can I use a tarp for long-term car storage outdoors?

A: For short-term, sure. For long-term, it’s a mixed bag. A good quality, breathable tarp can offer protection, but check for moisture buildup and potential UV damage over time. It’s often better to use a dedicated car cover designed for storage.

Q: What if I only need to cover the roof of my car?

A: You can get smaller, more specialized tarps or just use a smaller general-purpose tarp. Just make sure it’s secured well enough not to flap or blow off in the wind.

Q: How do I prevent my tarp from flapping in the wind?

A: Use plenty of tie-downs, and make sure they are taut. Consider using shock cords for some tie-downs to absorb wind gusts, but rely on rope for primary security. Angling the tarp can also help reduce wind resistance.

Q: Should I worry about my tarp freezing to my car in winter?

A: If you’re expecting freezing rain or heavy snow, yes. Water can seep under the tarp and freeze. Make sure your tarp is angled for good drainage, and be careful when removing it in freezing conditions.

Q: Are there specific tarp sizes for different types of vehicles like RVs or ATVs?

A: Yes, while general-purpose tarps work, you can find sizes specifically marketed for RVs, boats, and ATVs. These are often shaped or sized to fit those particular vehicles more effectively.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific product recommendations or brands. (Next: Research reputable outdoor gear retailers.)
• Detailed knot-tying guides for tarp setup. (Next: Look up basic camping knots like the taut-line hitch.)
• Advanced tarp shelter configurations for multi-day expeditions. (Next: Explore guides on building tarps shelters for camping.)
• Legal requirements for vehicle storage in specific campgrounds or parks. (Next: Check the official website of the land management agency.)
• How to repair a torn tarp. (Next: Search for tarp repair kits and techniques.)
• The best type of rope or cordage for securing your tarp. (Next: Investigate different types of paracord and utility rope.)