Mesh vs vinyl tarps for hauling: Which material is best for your load type?

Truck tarps keep materials secure and compliant on the road while protecting loads from sun, moisture, wind, and escaping debris. They are used across many applications, from construction and landscaping to demolition debris and equipment, so choosing the right tarp is not always straightforward. The truck tarp you select should match your load type to ensure reliable coverage and performance.

Mesh and vinyl tarps are two of the most common options for hauling. Both provide secure load containment, but they differ in features and how they perform in specific conditions. This article looks at mesh vs. vinyl tarps and which applications each material is best suited for.

Heavy Duty Mesh Tarps for Secure Load Containment

Mesh tarps are made from high-strength synthetic fibers with an open weave design that allows air to pass through. Available in different weights, weaves and colors, mesh tarps can be tailored to specific needs, with additional UV protection when needed.

Standard mesh tarps are lightweight, making them suitable for everyday loads like sand and gravel. Heavy-duty mesh tarps are made with higher-denier fabrics, making them thicker and more durable to handle abrasive materials like demolition debris and scrap metal.

The benefits of mesh tarps include:

• Lightweight and breathable, mesh tarps reduce wind resistance and flapping.
• Ideal for loose loads that need containment, for example, debris and sand.
• Keep loads compliant and protected by reducing the risk of litter or debris.
• Available in standard and heavy-duty options for light and demanding applications.

Pulltarps heavy-duty mesh tarps are manufactured with 11oz or 18oz vinyl-coated polyester fabric and feature brass grommets, reinforced webbing and double needle block stitching for reinforced strength and durability for durable and reliable load protection.

Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarps for Solid Coverage

Heavy-duty vinyl tarps offer complete, waterproof coverage. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these truck tarps are exceptionally strong and built to withstand tough weather conditions. The thickness of PVC helps protect payloads from moisture, wind or snow, and makes it highly resistant to punctures and wear from rough handling or extended use.

Their waterproofing abilities make them ideal for covering materials that must stay dry, such as construction aggregates, agricultural supplies, or equipment. Heavy-duty waterproof vinyl tarps can also be treated with UV-resistant coatings to prevent degradation from prolonged sun exposure.

The benefits of vinyl tarps include:

• Provides waterproof coverage, sealing off loads from moisture and external elements.
• Extremely durable, making them ideal for long-distance and frequent hauling applications
• Versatile and flexible, vinyl tarps offer reliable protection for various load types and sizes.

Pulltarps vinyl heavy-duty waterproof tarps have a fabric weight of 18oz with rust-proof grommets spaced every three feet for easy tie down or attachment to your tarp roller bar. These durable truck tarps provide seamless full-width coverage for dump trucks, trailers, and other uses.

Mesh Vs Vinyl Tarps: Choosing the Right Truck Tarp Material for Your Load

When choosing between mesh and vinyl tarps, the load type and level of coverage required are the main deciding factors. Loads that waterproof coverage work best with vinyl tarps. For loose material that needs containment but not weather protection, mesh tarps are more suitable. Other considerations include:

Airflow and Wind Drag

Mesh tarps allow air to pass through the fabric, reducing wind drag at higher speeds. This makes them suitable for lighter landscaping debris or aggregates that do not require sealed coverage. Vinyl tarps create a solid barrier and are preferred for bulk material that must remain dry. Reinforced hems and secure attachment points help prevent strain in windy conditions. Truck tarp accessories, such as tarp tamers and wind deflectors, can further reduce drag on both materials.

Hauling Conditions

Mesh tarps can be damaged by sharp or uneven material, such as large rocks or scrap, if the load isn’t leveled. Vinyl tarps provide a solid barrier and hold up better against abrasive loads, but the material can stiffen or crack after prolonged sun exposure or in freezing conditions. Choosing vinyl tarps with laminations or UV-resistant coatings helps maintain flexibility. Mesh handles heat and airflow well but does not provide moisture protection, making the load type the deciding factor.

Invest in Durable Truck Tarps Tailored to Your Payloads

To get superior load coverage and ensure safe and compliant operations, match the truck tarp material to your payload. Whether you’re selecting mesh or vinyl tarps, consider system compatibility, ease of installation, and maintenance to choose truck tarps that offer durability and high performance.

The Pulltarps® System Configurator makes selecting a trailer or truck tarp system easy. Start customizing your perfect truck or trailer tarp system today. If you’re ready to order, but have some questions, contact our customer service team.