The choice of material for a truck tarp is essential regarding its suitability and performance because different materials have different strengths and weaknesses. Some materials are better suited for specific applications than others. For example, a tarp made from a lightweight material may be suitable for covering cargo that needs to be protected from the sun and rain. However, it may not be strong enough to protect cargo from heavy winds or sharp objects.
Canvas Tarps
Durability
Canvas is renowned for its robustness and resistance to wear and tear. It's designed to withstand the harsh conditions and constant exposure to the elements that trucks and other vehicles encounter during transportation. Canvas tarps are built to endure heavy use, making them a long-lasting investment. They can resist abrasion, punctures, and other potential sources of damage on the road.
Breathability
Canvas is a breathable material, allowing air to pass through the fabric. This characteristic is significant for applications where moisture management is essential. Unlike some synthetic materials, canvas does not trap moisture underneath, preventing the development of mold, mildew, or rust on the cargo or the vehicle itself.
Weight
Canvas tarps are considerably heavier than most synthetic tarps, making them challenging to deploy and remove. When fuel efficiency or maximum loads are a concern, the added weight of canvas tarps may be an issue.
Water Resistance
Canvas exhibits moderate water resistance, but it is not entirely waterproof. However, it can be treated with water-resistant coatings or wax to improve its ability to repel water. While canvas tarps may not be suitable for completely waterproofing cargo in heavy rain, heavy-weight tarps can protect against light to moderate rain and prevent moisture from infiltrating and damaging goods.
Cost
Canvas tarps are often more expensive than synthetic alternatives. However, their proven durability may make them an attractive choice for many trucking companies and individuals, especially when used to cover different types of loads. When properly maintained, canvas tarps have a long lifespan, which may justify the initial investment.
Environmental Considerations
All-cotton canvas tarps are more eco-friendly than their synthetic counterparts due to their biodegradability. When canvas reaches the end of its life cycle, it doesn't contribute to long-lasting environmental pollution. This quality aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing the ecological footprint of transportation and logistics operations.
Polypropylene Tarps
Durability
Polypropylene is a highly durable material resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasion. This durability makes it an ideal choice for truck tarps and covers often subjected to harsh conditions.
Breathability
Polypropylene is a moderately breathable material that allows some airflow but not as much as canvas. Depending on the cargo, this characteristic can be both an advantage and a drawback. Moderate breathability is ideal for some goods that need protection from excessive moisture and humidity but not for those that require complete ventilation.
Weight
Polypropylene tarps are relatively lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and install, a boon for truck drivers who need to cover and uncover their loads efficiently. Reduced weight can also be beneficial in terms of fuel efficiency and overall vehicle weight. They are a good choice when weight constraints are a concern and there's a need to minimize the additional load on the truck.
Water Resistance
Polypropylene is water-resistant, but it is not entirely waterproof. However, these covers are often available with additional coatings or laminates that make them waterproof.
Cost
Polypropylene is a relatively inexpensive material, which can make it a cost-effective choice for truck tarps and covers.
Poly (HDPE) Tarps
Durability:
Poly tarps are highly durable. They can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including UV exposure, without degrading or becoming brittle. HDPE is inherently resistant to tears and abrasions, making it a reliable choice for long-term use in demanding trucking applications.
It is also resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Breathability:
HDPE is not breathable, which means it doesn't allow significant airflow. Still, this can be advantageous when transporting goods that require complete protection from the elements, including moisture, as poly tarps create a tight barrier against external factors.
Weight:
Poly tarps are relatively lightweight. Their lightweight nature is an advantage in handling, fuel efficiency, and minimizing additional load on the truck. This characteristic makes them attractive when weight and time constraints are present.
Water Resistance:
Poly tarps are inherently waterproof and do not require additional treatments to make them so. They provide excellent protection against heavy rain and moisture, ensuring the cargo remains dry and unaffected by water damage. They are also resistant to mold and mildew.
Cost
Poly tarps are the most affordable type of tarp. They are widely available, making them popular for truck tarps and covers. They provide a good balance of performance and affordability. Their long lifespan and resistance to environmental factors contribute to their cost-effectiveness.
Reinforced Poly Tarps (RPE)
Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) is constructed of multiple layers of HDPE or LDPE surrounding a woven reinforcing core. The resulting material is much more durable and tear-resistant than traditional poly tarps. RPE is also waterproof, UV-resistant, and chemical-resistant.
Durability
Reinforced poly tarps resist tears, punctures, and abrasion thanks to the woven core. They maintain flexibility and are resistant to damage from freezing temperatures. Reinforced poly tarps are designed to withstand demanding conditions and heavy use. They have a long lifespan despite regular exposure to harsh conditions.
Breathability
Reinforced poly tarps do not allow air to circulate. They create a nearly impenetrable barrier against the elements, which can be critical when protecting sensitive cargo from moisture, dust, or other external factors. While lack of airflow can be a disadvantage in some applications, it is not typically a significant concern for most cargo.
Weight
RPE is a remarkably lightweight material for its strength, which makes reinforced poly tarps easy to handle and install. This characteristic is vital for truck drivers, who need to be able to tarp and un-tarp their loads quickly and efficiently. It also makes these tarps an efficient choice to minimize the additional load on the truck.
Water Resistance
Reinforced poly tarps are inherently waterproof and do not require additional treatments to make them impervious to water. They’re resistant to mold and mildew growth and offer reliable protection against heavy rain and moisture, ensuring cargo remains completely dry.
Cost
While reinforced poly tarps are more expensive than some other materials, they’re still very affordable compared to most heavy-duty tarps. Their cost is usually justified by the exceptional durability, water resistance, and protection they provide. Their long lifespan and ability to endure harsh environmental conditions make them an excellent choice for cargo protection.
Nylon
Durability
Nylon tarps are known for their durability. They have high tensile strength, making them highly resistant to tears. This durability ensures that they can withstand repeated rough handling. These tarps can be UV resistant, depending on the type of nylon used, although some tarps are aided with a UV-resistant coating.
Breathability
High-denier nylon is not breathable and does not allow air to flow through the material. In fact, any cover that’s marketed as waterproof is not breathable. In contrast, nylon mesh or fabric with a low thread count does allow air to move more easily, as long as it hasn’t been coated to make it waterproof.
Weight
Nylon tarps are extremely lightweight, making them a practical choice when there is an urgent need to minimize additional weight on the truck. This feature can contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced strain on the vehicle.
Water Resistance
Nylon can inherently repel light moisture, but additional water-resistant coatings or laminates are often applied to enhance water resistance in heavy rain. These additional treatments can make it suitable for applications that require moderate moisture protection. Still, when complete moisture protection is necessary, there are better options.
Cost-Effectiveness
Nylon tarps are generally more expensive than most other tarp materials, depending on the quality of the material and any additional coatings or treatments. The added cost is sometimes justified by their durability and ability to withstand demanding conditions. Still, other options offer similar qualities and are easier on the budget.
Vinyl (PVC)
Durability
Vinyl tarps are highly durable and have a reputation for robustness. They are resistant to tears, abrasion, and UV exposure. This durability ensures they can withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide long-term protection for cargo.
Breathability
Vinyl is not a breathable material. It creates a nearly impermeable barrier against external elements, making it ideal for cargo needing complete protection from moisture, dust, and other factors.
Weight
Vinyl tarps are relatively heavy compared to some other materials. Their weight may not be an issue in some situations. Still, it should be considered when there are strict weight constraints or concerns about additional load on the truck. A heavy tarp weight can also make tarping and un-tarping slow and difficult. It may lead to injuries, particularly from strains.
Water Resistance
Vinyl tarps are inherently waterproof. They provide reliable protection against heavy rain and moisture, with no need for coatings.
Cost
Vinyl tarps are typically more expensive than other materials due to their durability and waterproof characteristics. However, their long lifespan and exceptional protection often justify the investment. In applications where cargo protection is paramount, vinyl tarps can be a cost-effective choice.
