A tarp deploying apparatus includes breakaway connector between a radial arm assembly and a tarp roller. The breakaway connector is designed to fracture, or otherwise come apart, to prevent damaging stress from being applied to the tarp roller by the radial arm assembly. Therefore, if a rear flap of a rear-dump trailer on which the radial arm assembly is mounted is dislodged from the tub of the trailer, the breakaway connect will permit separation of the radial arm assembly from the tarp roller without damaging the radial arm assembly or the tarp roller.