Product Description
The Ultimate Bullet Aluminum Pivot Arm Tarp System with 30-Degree Upper Arms
When operating a heavy-duty dump truck or trailer, securing your load quickly and reliably is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. The Bullet Complete System with 30-Degree Upper Arms, Flat Coil Springs, and Rocker Switch (SKU: 20-2858-1/1801974) by Donovan / Shur-Co represents the pinnacle of automated tarping technology, specifically engineered for trucks that require additional clearance. Designed for demanding environments, this system eliminates the need for manual tarping, reducing driver fatigue and minimizing the risk of on-site injuries. The robust aluminum construction ensures the system remains lightweight without sacrificing the structural integrity required to withstand highway speeds and harsh weather conditions.
This complete front-to-rear tarp system is engineered for seamless integration onto dump bodies where standard straight arms would interfere with cab shields, exhaust stacks, or high sideboards. The specialized 30-degree bend in the upper arms provides the critical clearance needed to deploy the tarp smoothly over heaped loads while maintaining a clean, aerodynamic profile when retracted. The heavy-duty flat coil springs deliver consistent, powerful tension to keep the tarp taut over the load. Whether you are hauling gravel, sand, asphalt, or construction debris, the Bullet system ensures your material stays exactly where it belongs. By automating the tarping process with the included rocker switch, drivers can deploy or retract the tarp in seconds directly from the cab, dramatically increasing turnaround times at the job site.
Engineered for Clearance, Durability, and Performance
The core advantage of this specific Bullet system lies in its precision-engineered 30-degree upper arms. Extruded from high-strength aluminum, these bent arms offer superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional steel arms, which is particularly crucial for trucks operating in winter conditions where road salt and de-icing chemicals rapidly degrade exposed metal. The 30-degree bend is geometrically calculated to lift the cross tube higher during the deployment arc, effortlessly clearing cab protectors and heaped loads that would otherwise catch and tear the tarp. The aluminum construction also reduces the overall weight added to the vehicle, allowing you to maximize your legal payload capacity.
Powering the deployment are the heavy-duty flat coil springs housed within the lower pivot assembly. Unlike traditional torsion springs that can lose tension over time or snap under extreme stress, the flat coil design distributes the load evenly across the spring housing. This results in a smoother, more controlled deployment and retraction cycle, extending the lifespan of both the tarp and the mechanical components. The system is driven by a high-torque electric motor, specifically geared to handle the wind resistance and weight of heavy-duty asphalt or mesh tarps. The entire operation is controlled via a simple, reliable rocker switch mounted inside the cab, providing the driver with immediate, weather-protected control over the load.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the exact specifications of your tarp system is essential for ensuring compatibility with your specific dump body and operational requirements. The Bullet Complete System is manufactured to exacting standards by Donovan / Shur-Co, a recognized leader in the cargo control industry. Below is a detailed breakdown of the system's technical specifications and included components.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Donovan / Shur-Co (Distributed by DeBrovys) |
| Product Name | Bullet w/30 Degree Upper Arms - Complete System |
| SKU / Part Number | 20-2858-1 / 1801974 |
| System Type | Electric Front-to-Rear Pivot Arm System |
| Arm Style | Aluminum Arms with 30-Degree Upper Bend |
| Spring Mechanism | Heavy-Duty Flat Coil Springs |
| Control Type | In-Cab Rocker Switch |
| System Weight | 135 lbs (Approximate shipping weight) |
| Compatible Tarps | Mesh, Asphalt, and Vinyl (Tarp sold separately) |
| Application | Dump Trucks requiring cab shield clearance |
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Proper installation is critical to maximizing the lifespan and performance of the Bullet tarp system, particularly when utilizing the 30-degree bent arms. While the system is designed for straightforward installation by experienced mechanics or fabricators, precise measurement is required. The pivot mounts must be securely welded or bolted to the dump body at the correct height and angle to ensure the bent arms achieve their intended clearance over the cab shield and tailgate. The flat coil springs must be pre-tensioned according to the manufacturer's specifications to provide adequate force without over-stressing the high-torque motor.
Routine maintenance is minimal but essential for long-term reliability. Regularly inspect the aluminum arms, paying special attention to the 30-degree bend for any signs of stress or impact damage. Check the flat coil spring housings to ensure they are free of compacted debris, asphalt, or ice, which can impede smooth operation. The electrical connections at the motor and the in-cab rocker switch should be inspected periodically for corrosion or loose terminals. By following these simple maintenance steps, the Bullet system will provide years of reliable, automated load protection. For replacement parts or specialized truck tarps to pair with this system, DeBrovys offers a comprehensive inventory.
Why Choose the Bullet System from DeBrovys?
Investing in a high-quality automated tarp system is a decision that directly impacts your bottom line. Manual tarping is not only time-consuming but also exposes drivers to significant safety risks, including falls and strains. The Bullet Complete System mitigates these risks entirely. Furthermore, driving with an unsecured load can result in hefty fines, vehicle damage, and liability claims from other motorists. The specialized 30-degree arms ensure that even trucks with challenging cab configurations can benefit from automated tarping without risking damage to the truck or the tarp. The consistent, reliable tension provided by the flat coil springs ensures your load remains secure, regardless of the material being hauled.
When you purchase through DeBrovys, you are partnering with an industry expert. We understand the unique challenges faced by the trucking, construction, and waste management industries. Our team can assist you in selecting the perfect heavy duty mesh tarps or waterproof vinyl covers to complement your new Bullet system. For insights into maintaining your equipment and choosing the right materials for different seasons, explore our blog on the benefits of vinyl truck tarps. Upgrade your fleet today with the Bullet Complete System and experience the difference in safety, clearance, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the straight arm and 30-degree upper arm Bullet system?
The 30-degree upper arm system features a precision bend in the upper section of each pivot arm. This bend lifts the cross tube higher during the deployment arc, providing critical clearance over cab shields, exhaust stacks, and heaped loads that would otherwise interfere with a straight arm system. If your dump truck has a tall cab protector or you regularly haul heaped loads, the 30-degree arm system is the correct choice.
What is included in the Bullet 30-Degree Complete Tarp System?
The complete system includes a pair of aluminum pivot arms with 30-degree upper bends, heavy-duty flat coil spring housing, a high-torque electric motor, an in-cab rocker switch with wiring harness, and all mounting hardware. A tarp is sold separately and must be sized to your specific dump body dimensions.
What dump truck body sizes is the Bullet 30-degree system compatible with?
The Bullet 30-degree aluminum pivot arm system is designed to fit a wide range of standard dump truck and dump trailer body sizes. The bent arm configuration is specifically suited for bodies with cab shields or high sideboards that require additional clearance. For specific fitment questions, contact DeBrovys with your body dimensions and cab shield height.
Can I install the Bullet 30-degree tarp system myself?
Installation requires welding or heavy-duty bolting of the pivot mounts to the dump body, as well as routing 12V electrical wiring from the battery to the motor and into the cab for the rocker switch. The 30-degree arm configuration also requires precise alignment to ensure the arms arc correctly over the cab shield. This work should be performed by an experienced truck equipment installer or fabrication shop.
What type of tarp works best with the Bullet 30-degree system?
The Bullet 30-degree system is compatible with mesh tarps, asphalt tarps, and vinyl tarps. For hauling gravel, sand, or demolition debris, a heavy-duty mesh tarp allows airflow while containing the load. For asphalt hauling, a solid vinyl or asphalt tarp retains heat. DeBrovys offers a full selection of replacement tarps sized for your specific dump body.
Custom Field
Product Reviews
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Perfect solution for our high-sided dump trucks
We had been struggling to find a tarp system that would clear the cab shields on our newer dump trucks. The Bullet 30-degree arm system solved the problem completely. The bent arms arc right over the cab protector without any interference, and the flat coil springs keep the tarp tight even at 65 mph. The rocker switch is simple and reliable. Our drivers installed it in about half a day and have been using it trouble-free for months. Highly recommend for anyone with a taller cab shield configuration.