Mesh tarps provide breathable coverage for loose loads that need containment, but don’t necessarily require complete waterproof coverage. Their open-weave construction allows air to pass through the fabric, helping with debris control.
Different fabric weights and weaves are used for different loads and hauling conditions. Lighter materials such as mulch or compost can be covered with a standard mesh tarp, while heavier or abrasive loads like demolition debris and scrap metal typically need a heavy-duty tarp.
This article covers mesh truck tarp uses, features, and key considerations to help you choose the right type for your load and hauling needs.
Mesh Tarps: Features, Materials, and Applications
Mesh tarps are made from high-strength synthetic fibers with an open-weave design that allows air to pass through the fabric. They are available in different weights and weaves for different hauling applications, with UV protection available for outdoor use.
Standard mesh tarps are lighter and commonly used for materials such as sand and gravel. Heavy-duty mesh tarps use higher-denier fabrics and heavier construction for abrasive loads such as demolition debris and scrap metal. Different weaves also affect airflow and containment. Tighter weaves help contain finer materials and more open weaves allow for more airflow.
Mesh Tarp Applications
Mesh vehicle tarps are used for construction, landscaping, waste management, and other hauling applications where debris control and airflow are needed. Mesh is not waterproof, so it is not the right choice for loads that must stay dry or need complete protection from rain and moisture. If sealed coverage is required, vinyl tarps are the preferred option.
- Construction loads: Mesh tarps are used to haul sand, gravel, crushed stone, and dirt. Heavier or abrasive loads such as demolition debris and scrap metal usually need thicker mesh vehicle tarps to prevent tearing and punctures.
- Landscaping and loads: Mesh tarps can easily contain grass clippings, leaves, compost, mulch and tree branches. These loads might need breathability to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of material blowing or spilling on the road.
- Waste management loads: Mesh tarps are also suitable for hauling non-hazardous waste, light scrap metal, and other loose debris.
How to Get Secure Coverage with Mesh Tarps
Choosing the right mesh tarp depends on your load and hauling requirements. Think about the type of load you usually haul, the distance your vehicles cover, weather exposure, and tarping frequency to ensure reliable load protection.
A few factors to consider include:
Load Type
Fleets rarely haul only one type of load. Even fleets that haul construction or landscaping materials can have payloads with different coverage needs. Landscaping loads may include grass clippings and compost that need airflow, as well as soil and other materials that need more protection from moisture. Construction fleets may haul demolition debris that needs stronger mesh, along with aggregates or equipment that require complete weather protection.
For fleets handling mixed loads, higher-denier, heavier mesh tarps with a tighter weave can provide a stronger option for loads that need secure containment and debris control but do not require sealed waterproof coverage.
Pulltarps offers Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty mesh tarps, designed to hold up under harsh weather conditions and frequent use on truck and trailer bodies. With an open weave for multi-use applications, improved airflow, and double needle block stitching for reinforced strength and durability, Pulltarps mesh tarps ensure durable and reliable load protection.
Hauling Distance
Long-distance highway routes, abrasive loads, repeated deployment, and frequent loading cycles place more stress on tarps and tarp systems. Choosing well-constructed vehicle tarps and tarp systems matched to your load and hauling conditions helps provide reliable coverage and consistent operations without the risk of frequent repairs that can lead to downtime and delays.
For demanding routes such as construction sites or long-distance routes, heavy-duty mesh tarps used on dump trucks provide better resistance to tearing, punctures, and abrasion. Trailers hauling lighter and smaller loads like tools, soil, equipment, and supplies can use lighter mesh tarps.
When choosing vehicle mesh tarps, check material thickness and denier count. For example, Pulltarps 18 oz super heavy-duty mesh tarps have a higher denier count, making them ideal for carrying abrasive loads and frequent hauling without tearing.
Wind Exposure
Mesh tarps reduce wind resistance by allowing air to pass through the fabric. This minimizes tarp billowing and flapping at highway speeds, helping maintain stable coverage over the load.
Fleets that regularly haul over longer distances should consider higher-denier or heavy-duty mesh tarps. Highway speeds and extended exposure to wind can increase flapping and wear, and heavier mesh retains more stability at high speeds.
If you need help sizing your truck mesh tarp, the Pulltarps replacement tarp configurator can help determine the best fit for your dump truck based on body dimensions and hauling application.
Improve Load Containment and Debris Control with Mesh Tarps
Mesh tarps are the most versatile truck tarps, with a wide range of hauling applications and the flexibility to cover different types of loads. From debris control that helps prevent material loss and compliance violations to reducing wind resistance and providing airflow, mesh tarps help keep loads secure and operations efficient.
If you need a complete tarp system, Pulltarps also offers a Build Your Tarp Configurator that helps match automatic and semi-automatic tarp systems to your truck, trailer, and hauling application.