Abstract: A cover drive system comprises a flexible cover or tarp, a front cover arm, a rear cover arm, and a towel bar. The front cover arm includes first and second sections connected together by a flex member. A drive system is attached to the front cover arm and is configured to deploy and retract a tarp cover. The drive system includes a transmission with a disconnect that permits manual operation of the tarp covering system without removing the drive motor. The rear cover arm includes a rear flex member that permits normal operation of a rear trailer end panel when configured as a hinged tailgate or door. The tarp is supported by a plurality of bows that can accommodate relative movement of trailer side walls during operation. In certain embodiments, the rear cover arm may be substituted with a tarp tensioner. The tarp tensioner includes a tensioning assist spring and block-and-tackle to assist in retracting the tarp from a deployed state.

Abstract: A cover deployment system includes a flexible cover configured to span an open top of a trailer, the trailer having a front end, a rear end, and longitudinally extending side walls extending therebetween, bow assemblies connected to the cover, and a cable system including a pair of cables, an electric actuator, a manual actuator, and a differential. The cables extend longitudinally along the longitudinal side of the trailer. Each cable defines a loop supported by a pulley at the front end of the trailer and a pulley at the rear end of the trailer. The remaining bow assemblies are movably attached to the cables. The electric actuator and the manual actuator are operatively connected to a differential positioned between the electric actuator, the manual actuator, and the pulley. The differential is connected and rotates a pulley to move the cables, thereby moving the cover between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A cover deployment system includes a flexible cover configured to span an open top of a trailer, the trailer having a front end, a rear end, and longitudinally extending side walls extending therebetween, bow assemblies connected to the cover, and a cable system including a pair of cables, an electric actuator, a manual actuator, and a differential. The cables extend longitudinally along the longitudinal side of the trailer. Each cable defines a loop supported by a pulley at the front end of the trailer and a pulley at the rear end of the trailer. The remaining bow assemblies are movably attached to the cables. The electric actuator and the manual actuator are operatively connected to a differential positioned between the electric actuator, the manual actuator, and the pulley. The differential is connected and rotates a pulley to move the cables, thereby moving the cover between closed and open positions.