Dump Insert Accessories Explained: Tarp Kits, Cab Protectors, and Sideboards
A dump insert alone can transform your pickup into a versatile work truck. But with the right accessories, you can take your EZ-Dumper® insert even further improving safety, increasing load volume, and extending your equipment’s life. EZ-Dumper® offers a range of add-ons including tarp kits, cab protectors, and sideboards (side extensions) that are engineered to integrate seamlessly with your insert.
In this guide, we’ll explore each of these accessories in detail, explaining what they do, why they matter, and how they fit into real-world applications for contractors, municipalities, and homeowners.
Why Accessories Matter for Dump Inserts
A dump insert is already a smart investment, but accessories allow owners to adapt their truck to specific job needs. For landscapers, that might mean carrying more mulch. For snow removal, it could mean preventing salt from spilling over the cab. For contractors, safety and compliance often come first.
EZ-Dumper® accessories are designed with the same durability as the inserts themselves. Made from steel or stainless steel, they’re built to withstand harsh use and extreme environments, giving operators flexibility and confidence on every job.
EZ-Dumper® Tarp Kits
What Is a Tarp Kit?
A tarp kit is a retractable cover that mounts over your dump insert, allowing you to quickly secure loads during transport. It prevents material from blowing out, reduces spillage, and helps ensure compliance with local hauling regulations.
Benefits of Adding a Tarp Kit
- Safety and Compliance: Many states require loads to be covered on public roads. A tarp system keeps you compliant and avoids fines.
- Protection: Keeps lightweight materials such as mulch, leaves, or insulation from blowing away.
- Convenience: Quick roll-and-secure design means you don’t have to improvise with straps or tarps every trip.
EZ-Dumper® offers tarp kits compatible with both steel and stainless steel inserts, giving owners peace of mind whether they’re hauling landscaping debris or construction waste.
EZ-Dumper® Cab Protectors
What Is a Cab Protector?
Cab ProtectorA cab protector is a vertical extension mounted at the front of the dump insert, right behind the truck cab. It acts as a shield between your load and the cab, preventing debris from shifting forward during transport or dumping.
Benefits of a Cab Protector
- Safety for Driver and Truck: Blocks shifting gravel, stone, or firewood from damaging the rear cab window.
- Structural Support: Provides a mounting base for accessories such as tarp systems.
- Added Durability: Built from the same gauge steel or stainless steel as the inserts, ensuring strength and corrosion resistance.
For short-bed or full-size trucks alike, a cab protector is one of the most valuable add-ons, especially for contractors working with heavy or loose material.
EZ-Dumper® Sideboards & Side Extensions
What Are Side Extensions?
Sideboards, also known as side extensions, are vertical add-ons that increase the height of the dump insert walls. By extending the side and tailgate height, they expand the volume capacity of the insert.
Benefits of Side Extensions
- Increased Volume Capacity: A standard 8’ insert holds 2 cubic yards, but with extensions, that capacity can be boosted to 4 cubic yards.
- Versatility: Ideal for hauling lightweight bulk materials such as mulch, brush, or leaves.
- Customizable Options: EZ-Dumper® offers side extension bracket kits in multiple heights, allowing operators to choose the configuration that fits their work best.
For landscapers and municipal crews, sideboards are essential when moving bulky but lighter materials. They maximize productivity by cutting down on trips.
Comparing Dump Insert Accessories
Here’s a quick look at how these accessories stack up in terms of purpose and benefits:
| Accessory | Primary Function | Best For | Material Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarp Kit | Covers and secures load during transport | Contractors, landscapers, compliance needs | Steel or stainless compatible |
| Cab Protector | Shields cab from debris; supports tarp system | Heavy hauling, stone, gravel | Steel or stainless |
| Side Extensions | Increases volume capacity of dump insert | Bulk mulch, brush, leaves | Steel, stainless, bracket kits |
Each accessory addresses a specific operational need, but they’re most powerful when used together. For example, pairing sideboards with a tarp kit allows you to carry more while keeping loads secure.
Installation and Maintenance
All EZ-Dumper® accessories are designed for easy installation. Cab protectors and sideboards bolt securely into place, while tarp kits mount with simple hardware. Most installations take less than an hour, especially when performed during the initial dump insert setup.
Maintenance is minimal. Accessories made of powder-coated steel should be inspected for scratches and touched up as needed. Stainless steel accessories require almost no maintenance beyond cleaning.
FAQs About Dump Insert Accessories
Do I need a tarp kit for my EZ-Dumper® insert?
Yes, if you’re hauling lightweight or loose materials on public roads. Many areas legally require covered loads.
Will a cab protector fit my short-bed insert?
Yes. Cab protectors are available for both 6’ and 8’ inserts.
Do side extensions affect weight capacity?
No. Sideboards increase volume, not lift rating. Payload capacity remains 6,000 lbs.
Can I install these accessories myself?
Yes. Most can be installed with basic tools. If unsure, an EZ-Dumper® dealer can install them professionally.
Are accessories covered by warranty?
Yes. EZ-Dumper® offers the same 2-year warranty coverage for accessories when properly installed.
Final Thoughts
EZ-Dumper® dump inserts already provide an unmatched way to turn your pickup into a true dump truck. But with accessories like tarp kits, cab protectors, and sideboards, you can unlock even greater performance, safety, and efficiency.
From protecting your cab to doubling your hauling volume, these add-ons are built with the same rugged standards that define every EZ-Dumper® product. For professionals and homeowners alike, investing in accessories ensures your dump insert is equipped to handle every job, every season.
