The Tarpofix trailer tarpaulin made a very good impressionin our test . Thanks to its high quality, the flat tarpaulin is robust and water-repellent. The tarp can be attached to a trailer measuring 211 x 116 x 8 cm using the elasticated strap supplied. A choke clamp on the elasticated strap ensures that the trailer tarpaulincan be firmly attached to the trailer.The flat tarpaulin was particularly impressive with its neat, welded seams and reinforcements at the corners, making the product more stable. Nevertheless, instructions on how to fit the product correctly would have been desirable. The Tarpofix trailer tarpaulin is available in blue and grey. For an additional charge, the tarpaulin is also available in a set with one, two or three tarpaulin brackets.
Advantages
✅ Robust materials
✅ waterproof
✅ Clean workmanship
✅ Material reinforcement at the corners
✅ Good closure
Disadvantages
❌ Elasticated band must be threaded yourself
❌ Elasticated band is not sealed at the ends
❌ One faulty eyelet in our test
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Plastic bag with pressurised seal | 95 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Plastic packaging | 60 points |
| Product labelling | Warnings and holes to minimise the risk of choking are provided on the plastic bag | 93 points |
| Miscellaneous | Was delivered in an undamaged cardboard box | 98 points |
| Total | 87 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The Tarpofix trailer tarpaulin was delivered in an undamaged cardboard box. The box was easy to open with a pointed object. Inside the box was the folded trailer tarpaulin and accessories in a plastic bag with a press fastener. The plastic bag had required warnings in 9 different languages and small holes to minimise the potential risk of choking. The plastic packaging might not have been necessary, but it protects the tarpaulin from dirt and scratches! The product was delivered undamaged.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Trailer tarpaulin, elasticated drawstring with choke clamp | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Not available | 65 points |
| Contact information | Is on an enclosed product information sheet, apart from a telephone number | 95 points |
| Miscellaneous | No unpleasant plastic odour, consumers have to thread the elastic through the tarpaulin themselves | 87 points |
| Total | 87 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In addition to the trailer tarpaulin, the packaging includes an elasticated strap with a choke clamp and a product information sheet. When opening the packaging, it is noticeable that the flat tarpaulin does not emit an unpleasant plastic odour. The product information sheet contains product features, instructions for use and contact information. The flat tarpaulin is made of coated PVC 1000D and the elasticated band has a diameter of 8 mm. However, there are no instructions on how to thread the elastic through the tarpaulin correctly or how to attach the tarpaulin to a trailer.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High-quality materials | 98 points |
| Processing | Tarpaulin has been neatly welded and sewn, corners and edges of the tarpaulin are reinforced, ends of the elasticated band are not sealed | 90 points |
| Stability | Robust materials, reinforcement inserts at the corners | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Durable thanks to high-quality materials | 93 points |
| Miscellaneous | One eyelet was faulty in our test | 80 points |
| Total | 92 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The trailer tarpaulin is made of plastic. The material makes a stable impression and is impermeable to water. The quality of the product can probably only be assessed after prolonged use, as a trailer tarpaulin is exposed to all kinds of weather in practice. However, due to the high-quality materials and the very good workmanship at the corners and edges, the tarpaulin gives the impression of being very durable. The two ends of the elasticated cord are not sealed, which is why they can easily fray after prolonged use and can therefore no longer be threaded through the choke clamp so easily. The choke clamp for closing the ends of the elastic is of very high quality and solid. We discovered a faulty eyelet on a test specimen during our test. This has sharp edges on the inside and runs the risk of damaging the elastic. However, as there are no visible production faults on another specimen and the eyelets are otherwise very well made, we assume that this is a one-off fault.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable processing | Edges are welded and reinforced | 92 points |
| Premium material | PVC and robust elasticated band | 98 points |
| Ideal fit | Suitable for trailers measuring 211 x 116 cm | 96 points |
| Seat and waterproof | firmly seated and impermeable to water | 100 points |
| Utilisation | Instructions desirable | 78 points |
| Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We really enjoyed using the trailer tarpaulin during testing. For non-experts, threading the elastic through the tarpaulin correctly was a bit of a challenge, which is why instructions would have been helpful. Nevertheless, the tarpaulin did what it promised. It is waterproof and fits perfectly on a trailer measuring 211 x 116 cm. The tarpaulin can be securely attached to the trailer using the elasticated drawstring and the stretcher clamp. The materials are very high quality and durable. The very good workmanship on the edges and corners in particular, with reinforcing inserts, protects the tarpaulin from premature wear and tear.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Good quality for a reasonable price | 95 points |
| Rating cut | 4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 85 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.7 stars. They often criticise the fact that there are too few eyelets to attach the tarpaulin as shown in the pictures. Many customers like the high quality and that it delivers what it promises. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the quality and the seller’s performance promises are true. However, we were unable to confirm that the product has too few eyelets in the tarpaulin. Only the correct installation seems to lead to confusion, but this could be remedied with an instruction manual.
Prices of up to €69.00 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €28.99. The Tarpofix trailer tarpaulin is currently priced at €49.95, which puts it in the mid-price segment. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services offered.
Overall result
| Weighting | Points achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 87 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 87 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 92 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 93 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 90 points |
| Total | 90 points |
