One of the most common questions I am asked by my customers is "what tarp material is best for my truck". What they really mean is what material is best for my application. Generally speaking there are three tarp materials that are used in nearly all truck tarping applications. (1) Mesh, (2) Vinyl and (3) RFL or Hot Top. All three materials (and please note that each material has a variety of styles, colors, strengths and weaves) are Heavy Duty and designed to handle the rigors of truck tarping applications.
Lets start with Mesh. Heavy Duty Black Mesh (as pictured here) is easily the most common material used in
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| Heavy Duty Black Mesh |
the truck tarping industry encompassing 60% (by my estimation) or more of all truck tarp applications. Although a multitude of mesh materials are used across the industry under a variety of "trade" names such as; Multi-Mesh, Mighty Mesh and Gator Mesh, just to name a few...Heavy Duty Black mesh remains the king. Used on Dump Trucks, Dump Trailers, Roll-Off Truck, Side Dumps, Bottom Dumps and Transfer Trailers, Heavy Duty Black Mesh covers sand, gravel, trash, landscape and construction debris with ease and longevity. Pros and Cons of Mesh; Pros: lightweight, breatheability, multiple applications, durable, color variety. Cons: not water tight, tends to "catch" on debris such as shrubs or nails, potential dryrot in hot sunny areas over time.
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| 18 oz Blue Vinyl |
Vinyl material is most common in the 18oz version. This means the material weighs approx. 18oz/square yard. Other weights of Vinyl used include 14oz and 22oz. 18oz Vinyl, as it is commonly referred, is used for truck tarping applications where the material being covered needs to remain dry or hot (such as asphalt). Vinyl is used on virtually every style of Dump Truck and Dump Trailer. Pros and Cons of 18oz Vinyl; Pros: waterproof, heavy duty, large variety of colors. Cons: beomes stiff in cold weather, potential for dryrot in hot sunny areas over time.
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| Tan RFL |
Finally, we come to RFL and Hot Top material. This material is most commonly used for hot asphalt applications as the material is chemically treated and can handle the extreme temperatures of hot asphalt...common grades of RFL and Hot Top are rated between 375 and 425 degrees. These materials are tightly woven and have a "canvas" appearance. They are very, very durable and I often recommend them for construction debris applications. Unlike Mesh and Vinyl, RFL and Hot Top are usually Black or Tan in color. Pros and Cons; Pros: high heat resistance, very durable, stays more flexable than vinyl, water resistant. Cons: limited color selection.
All of the tarp materials discussed above can be manufactured into virtually any shape or design. For example dump trucks that regularly haul asphalt will utilze an RFL tarp with "flaps". Flaps are extensions on each side of the tarp that can be pulled over the sides of the dump body and secured with rubber straps to create a semi-waterproof enclosure that will hold the heat of the asphalt in the truck.
Hopefully this brief overview has provided some insight to help you determine what tarp material is best for your truck tarp application. If you would like more information on these and other tarping materials please contact me directly at 757-615-4379
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