Flatbed covers
For steel, coils, machinery and general cargo. Check the load shape, side drops and sharp contact points.
View Flatbed Tarps
Heavy Duty Truck Tarps – Durable & Reliable
Choose the right cover for your truck, cargo and route. Explore finished truck tarps, custom cover designs and PVC fabric rolls from Unitarp.
PVC-coated polyester is a common choice for reusable, heavy-duty truck covers that need rain protection. For long-distance transport, compare tensile and tear strength, weather performance, seams and wear-point reinforcement. Match the grade and finished design to your truck and cover system—not GSM alone.
Find your truck tarp type
A flatbed load cover, a sliding side curtain and a dump-truck tarp do different jobs. Start with the cargo shape and the way the cover opens.
Lumber & tall loads
For bulky loads that need deeper side coverage. Confirm end flaps, overlaps and finished weight.
View Lumber Tarps
Dump & tipper covers
Match the load, body opening and roller or arm system. Choose airflow or rain protection as needed.
View Dump Tarps
Side curtains & fitted covers
Send the body drawing and fitting layout. Curtains, fitted covers and moving roofs need system-specific details. For construction, lacquer and approval tests, use our PVC side-curtain fabric specification guide.
Discuss a Custom CoverApplication images show cover types and details. Confirm the material, hardware and final design for your order.
Need finished truck tarps?
Send the finished size, drawing, seams, reinforced zones, fittings and quantity. We can review the cover you need.
Need PVC fabric rolls?
Send the product grade, usable roll width, roll length and tests needed by your fabricator. Compare rolls and finished tarps.
PVC, PE or mesh: which material fits the job?
| Material | Useful starting point | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Solid PVC-coated polyester | Reusable weather covers with repeated handling | Grade-specific strength, coating, cold flexibility, seams and finished weight |
| Woven PE tarp | Suitable lighter, occasional-use or cost-sensitive cover needs | The grade and cover design for your route; PE products vary in durability |
| Truck-tarp mesh | Airflow and suitable loose-load coverage | Mesh openings, load type and system fit; mesh is not a solid rain barrier |
| Hot-load cover material | Asphalt or other defined heat exposure | Written suitability for temperature, duration and contact; ordinary PVC is not the default |
For PVC options, also compare coated and laminated construction. Material names and weight labels do not replace product test data.
Why tensile and tear strength matter for truck tarps
01 / Tensile
Resistance to a pull
Tensile testing shows how a fabric sample resists pulling. Truck covers are tensioned in use, so ask for results in both fabric directions.
02 / Tear
Resistance to tearing
Tear testing measures different behaviour. Small cuts or worn areas can develop into larger tears. Ask for the exact tear test and both directions.
Compare like with like: the same test method, units, directions and conditions. A fabric test result is not a load rating for a D-ring, seam or complete cover.
| Specification | Put this in the inquiry | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric construction | Base fabric, weave, coating and finish | Two fabrics with the same GSM may perform differently |
| GSM & thickness | g/m² and measured mm, each with agreed limits | GSM is weight per area—not thickness or strength |
| Tensile strength | Warp/weft values, units and method, such as ISO 1421 | Allows a fair comparison of pulling resistance |
| Tear resistance | Warp/weft values and method, such as ISO 4674-1 | Checks tearing separately from tensile strength |
| Coating & water protection | Adhesion data, water test and seam requirements | The fabric, coating bond and finished seams need separate checks |
| Weather & handling | UV/weathering results, heat/cold needs and fold or roll use | Matches the fabric to your route and operating conditions |
| Finished design | Dimensions, reinforcements, fittings, pockets and system model | Good fabric still needs the right cover design |
Need a deeper comparison? See truck-cover GSM selection and flatbed specifications and our heavy-duty strength guide.
Six checks for long-haul truck tarps
01
Fit & tension
Match the cover to the vehicle and load. Follow the system instructions to limit loose fabric and flapping.
02
Wear points
Identify sharp corners, bows and moving contact. Agree local patches and edge protection before production.
03
Seams & fittings
Check seam construction, hems and attachment layout. Do not choose universal D-ring spacing by habit.
04
Rain protection
Check fabric, seams, end closures and overlaps. A waterproof fabric does not seal every gap in a finished cover.
05
Route climate
Specify strong sun, rain, heat and cold. Tell us whether the tarp must fold or roll at low temperature.
06
Repeat handling
Check cover mass and opening frequency. Inspect worn areas early and plan compatible repairs or replacement.
The tarp protects the load; the load-securing system restrains it. Use both as required for the vehicle, cargo and route. A weather-cover fabric is not a substitute for cargo straps or a rated vehicle system.
Explore UV, heat and cold performance or waterproofing and exposure requirements.
Measure the loaded shape, not only the trailer floor
Cover width starts with all 3 parts
Left drop
↓
↓
Load top
width ↔
width ↔
Right drop
↓
↓
Concept only · confirm the final cover drawing
- Record loaded length and width. Include any parts that project beyond the main load.
- State side and end coverage. Include drop depth, end flaps and overlaps between covers.
- Mark contact zones. Show corners, lifting/access points and areas needing reinforcement.
- Send the system details. For curtains or roll systems, include the model and fitting drawing.
One long cover and several smaller covers handle differently. Agree the number of pieces and complete weight.
Fabric-only mass = area (m²) × GSM ÷ 1,000
Example: 30 m² at 650 GSM = 19.5 kg; at 900 GSM = 27 kg. Finished weight also includes overlaps, hems, patches and hardware. This is a calculation, not a product weight or lifting limit.
Explore PVC fabric options
These are starting points for a material discussion, not a universal truck-tarp ranking. Request the current TDS for the exact construction, color and finish.
610 GSM · roll material
UKCT1122/610
Compare this grade when cover weight and handling are part of your selection.
View 610 GSM Fabric
650 GSM · roll material
UKCT1122/650
Review the construction and strength data against your cover requirements.
View 650 GSM Fabric
900 GSM · roll material
UKCT1133/900
Compare the test results, flexibility and added mass for your application.
View 900 GSM FabricNeed another weight or finish? Browse PVC tarpaulin rolls or send your target specification.
Ask for evidence that matches your cover
- Current product TDS: exact fabric code, revision, units and methods.
- Relevant test report: sample identity, date, warp/weft results and test conditions.
- Sample and finished drawing: color, seams, hems, reinforcement and fittings.
- Order checks: agreed dimensions, tolerances, inspection and packing details.
Use our PVC tarpaulin specification sheet and buyer template to prepare the request.
Three buying mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the heaviest GSM without checking strength or handling.
- Buying only by trailer length, without loaded dimensions and drops.
- Comparing a fabric TDS while leaving seams, fittings and system fit undefined.
Truck tarpaulin FAQ
What type of tarpaulin is commonly used for heavy-duty truck covers?
PVC-coated polyester is a common choice for reusable solid weather covers. Choose the grade for the cargo, route and cover system. Mesh is useful where airflow matters; suitable PE grades can fit lighter or occasional-use needs.
Why are tensile and tear strength important for truck tarps?
They describe different behaviour. Tensile strength concerns pulling; tear resistance concerns tearing under a stated test. Both matter when a cover is tensioned and small cuts or wear are present. Compare both directions and check the finished seams and reinforcement too.
What features make a truck tarp suitable for long-distance transport?
Good fit, matched strength, weather protection, sound seams, reinforced wear points and compatible fittings. Also check cold handling, cover weight, correct tension and regular inspection. No single GSM proves long-haul performance.
Is 900 GSM always better than 650 GSM?
No. Compare construction, test data and complete cover weight. A heavier grade may suit one job but make another cover harder to fold or roll. Use the requirements of your truck and cover system.
Is a PVC truck tarp waterproof?
Solid PVC-coated fabric can provide a waterproof barrier. Finished-cover protection also depends on seams, overlaps, end closures, fit and damage. Specify both the material and finished-cover checks. Mesh is not a rain barrier.
What size truck tarp should I order?
Measure the loaded length and width, required side drops and end coverage. Add the needed overlaps, flaps and fitting positions to a drawing. Trailer length alone does not determine the finished tarp size.
How long does truck tarpaulin last? Can it fade or crack?
Service life varies with the grade, sun exposure, abrasion, folding and maintenance. UV protection and correct handling help, but no fixed number of years applies to every truck cover. Send your route and use so we can discuss suitable material and weathering data.
Can damaged PVC truck tarps be repaired?
Some damage can be repaired with compatible PVC patches or a suitable welding process. Assess seams, fixing points and brittle or worn fabric before repair. Read our cleaning and repair guide for care basics.
Can I order a custom cover or special finish?
Send the size, drawing, color, printing and reinforcement needs. If you need flame retardancy or another special property, name the required test and request documents for the exact grade and scope.
How much does a custom truck tarp cost?
The quote depends on material, finished size, seams, reinforcement, fittings, printing and quantity. Send those details to get a useful comparison. Roll-fabric cost and a complete finished-cover price are different.
Tell us what your truck tarp needs to do
Send the truck type, cargo, dimensions or drawing, route climate and quantity. Tell us whether you need finished tarps or fabric rolls. Unitarp can help you compare options and request the matching material data.
Technical references
ISO 1421 and ISO 4674-1 describe tensile and tear tests for coated fabrics. Shur-Co’s guidance explains why fit, tension and wear checks matter. UK DVSA guidance distinguishes sheeting from cargo restraint. These references explain the checks, not certification of every tarp. Follow the vehicle and system instructions and the transport rules for your route.
Find the right truck tarp specification
Please include: 1) truck and cargo type, 2) cover dimensions or system model, 3) route climate, 4) quantity, and 5) finished tarps or fabric rolls. If you have a drawing, mention it in your message.
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