what do I need to consider when installing an Electric tarp systems on a dump truck

Try going on Mountaintarp.com
They have several pictures showing different style tarp systems on dump bodies, trailers etc.

 

Which type of electric tarp are you going to use? The flip tarp with the long arms on each side of the bed? Or the cable pulley type that slides across the top rail of the bed. Is the cab protector stepped, or even with the top of the bed?

 

I would mount it low on the back wall for two reasons. You need it low so the tarp will lay down on the load which prevents wind from getting under the tarp especially when driving in a cross wind. The second reason would be mounting it low gives it more protection from tree limbs when tailgating rock.

 

Lets see, your putting a roll up tarp on a dump bed. So, will things get "dumped" into the box? Will you ever have mis shaped things dropped into it? Culvert pipes, tree stumps, rip rap, shot rock, bad operators taking out the side boards? Mount the roll as far forward as humanly possible. So they have to hit the front of your cab shield to bend the roll. Then figure if the arms are going to interfere with the doors, cab of the truck, if needed bend out of the way. See if the arms need to be bent to stay under the side boards when rolled up. Now figure if your tarp needs to cover your tailgate on top, here the state paving jobs require that. Now just measure from open position to covered position and weld the hinge / springs half way on the bottom of the side walls.

 

All the manufacturers say to mount the arm pivot points high on the dump body, but don't mount it low, keeps them out of the way of your sloppier hoe operators. Also get the angled upper arm sections, same deal it keeps more parts out of harms way.

The 'reel' as you call it should be mounted up against the headboard. I have mine sitting on the side rails of the bed up against the headboard. I've seen some other ways that people mount them they seem to get torn up less my way.

I have, and have installed 2 pulltarps electric tarp systems on trucks. Like them, they hold up good, easy install and easy to get parts for. I like em.

These are dump trucks, the world isn't perfect, some loads you'll get loaded and the tarp just won't work unless you have a chainsaw, cutting torch, etc. And also being in the world of dump trucks things are bound to get tore up at some point no matter what.