Hauling Industry News

Vinyl Tarps: Durable Protection for Every Hauling Need

By bill.huth | January 27, 2025

When it comes to protecting truck loads, vinyl tarps are often selected for their strength, flexibility and weather resistance. They are a staple in industries like construction, agriculture and other demanding applications. Whether you’re hauling gravel, shielding soil from rain or hauling scrap metal, vinyl tarps provide the protection and peace of mind you need.

In this article, we’ll explore vinyl tarps in more detail. We’ll look at the features, benefits and applications to helpyou choose the right one for your hauling needs.

What Are Vinyl Tarps?

Vinyl tarps are used in combination with truck tarping systems to secure loadsand prevent debris from falling onto the roadway. Tarps made of vinyl are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable material known for its flexibility, weather resistanceand long-lasting performance.

One of the standout features isvinyl’s exceptional resistance to tearing, punctures and abrasions, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications across various industries.Additionally, these tarps are waterproof, providing protection against rain, snow, and moisture, which is especially critical for safeguarding sensitive materials.

18 oz Vinyl Tarps: A Great Option for Many Applications

One of the key factors affecting a vinyl tarp’s strength and durability is its thickness. When shopping for a tarp, you’ll notice a measurement provided in ounces. This refers to the weight of the material per square yard. Generally, more ounces equate to a better-quality tarp. A common starting point is an 18oz vinyl tarp , although there are thicker options for extremely demanding environments.

Waterproof Vinyl Tarps: Protect Your Load for Poor Weather

waterproof vinyl tarpsVinyl tarps also offer waterproof properties which is ideal for hauling loads that require protection from moisture or loads that are temperature sensitive. Whether you’re transporting heavy loads or shielding equipment from harsh weather, waterproof vinyl tarps deliver reliable protection and unmatched versatility.

Additional Features of Vinyl Tarps

Vinyl tarps are indispensable for protecting loads in various hauling applications. Here are some additional reasons drivers opt for a vinyl tarp :
Cold Crack Resistance

Cold crack resistance refers to the ability of a tarp to remain flexible and durable even in freezing temperatures. Unlike some materials that become brittle and prone to cracking in low temperatures, vinyl tarps maintain their structural integrity.

Single Piece Construction

High-quality tarps are manufactured as single-piece tarps. This construction method minimizes weak points, making the tarp stronger and more resilient against heavy use, high tension and harsh weather.

Abrasion Resistance

These tarps are highly resistant to abrasion, which is crucial for loads that may shift during transit, such as scrap metal. This resistance to wear and tear helps extend the tarp’s lifespan.

Reinforced Edges and Grommets

A high-quality vinyl tarp often features reinforced edges and heavy-duty grommets. The reinforcement, which can include polyester webbing along the sides, significantly increases the tarp’s strength and durability. Grommets provide secure attachment points, ensuring the tarp remains firmly in place during transit, even in high winds or at high speeds.

Customizable Properties

Vinyl can be formulated with various additives to enhance specific properties, such as UV resistance, flexibility and additional strength. These additives allow the tarps to be tailored to meet the demands of different hauling environments. For example, UV-resistant tarps are perfect for long-term exposure to sunlight.

Applications of Heavy-Duty Vinyl Tarps

When selecting a tarp for your dump truck or trailer, it’s essential to consider the specific materials you will be hauling and the conditions they will be exposed to. Vinyl tarps are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, but matching the tarp to your particular needs ensures optimal performance.

Agriculture Applications

In agriculture applications, these tarps provide protection when hauling crops, hay and equipment. Their waterproof and durable construction ensures loads remain secure and shielded from rain, wind and debris.

Construction Applications

Vinyl tarps are essential for construction hauling, offering protection for materials like gravel and sand during transit. Their durability and waterproof properties ensure loads stay secure and protected from the elements.

What Tarp is Right for You?

Pulltarps manufacturers an 18ozvinyl tarp that will hold up under the most stringent circumstances. These tarps are seamless, full-width and waterproof. They are also reinforced with webbing along the length of both sides and provide complete protection from the elements. It’s suitable for use with semi-automatic tarp systems such as the SuperShield™ 9500M System, and automictic systems such as the SuperShield™ 9500E – both industry favorites with truck and trailer drivers.

Next Steps for Selecting Your Vinyl Tarp

Vinyl tarps are a versatile and durable solution for many hauling applications. Their resistance to harsh weather, tears and cold cracking ensures long-lasting performance. Investing in high-quality vinyl tarps means greater efficiency, security and peace of mind for your operations.

The Pulltarps Build a Tarp helps you find the perfect tarp for your dump truck or trailer. If you’re ready to order, but have some questions, contact our customer service team.