Mesh and PVC are the two most common tarp materials on Australian trucks and bins. Both keep your load covered, but they suit different jobs. Here’s how to choose.
The short answer
- Choose mesh for light, bulky or dry loads like mulch, green waste, compost and landscaping supplies.
- Choose PVC when the load needs to stay dry or the fines need to stay in: sand, soil, quarry products and wet loads.
Mesh tarps
Mesh is an open-weave fabric that lets air through. It’s lightweight and breathable, with excellent airflow, which suits loads that don’t need to be kept dry. Rain will get through a mesh tarp, so it’s not the right choice when the load has to stay dry.
- Breathable and lightweight
- Excellent airflow
- Ideal for mulch, green waste, compost and landscaping
- Standard on Fragar pull-out tarp kits
PVC tarps
PVC is a solid, heavy-duty fabric. It’s waterproof and stands up to UV and weather, so it keeps rain off the load and keeps fine material from escaping.
- Waterproof
- Heavy-duty
- UV and weather resistant
- Ideal for sand, soil, quarry products and wet loads
Mesh vs PVC at a glance
| Mesh | PVC | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps rain out | No | Yes |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Airflow | Excellent | None |
| Best for | Mulch, green waste, compost, landscaping | Sand, soil, quarry products, wet loads |
Tarp specifications on our measure sheets
When you order a made-to-measure tarp, you’ll see three specifications on the measure sheet:
- 60% quarry spec, in mesh or PVC
- 80% waterproof PVC, with an optional roll-up flap with ropes and rubber rings
- Asphalt spec black canvas
Colours
Mesh comes in black, maroon, green, red, light blue, dark blue, terracotta and grey, plus HiVis orange and HiVis green (surcharge applies). PVC comes in black, red, white, grey, blue, maroon, green and yellow.
Which systems can I get?
- Pull-out tarp kits come with a heavy-duty mesh tarp and can be ordered online.
- Front to back retractable tarps are made to measure in mesh or PVC.
- Skip bin and hook lift bin tarps are made to measure in mesh, PVC or canvas.
Still not sure?
Tell us what you carry and how you use your truck, and we’ll recommend the right material. Call 1300 850 413 (7am–5pm Mon–Fri) or email sales@fragargroup.com.au.
Need a tarp for your truck?
Pull-out tipper tarp kits: cut to your box width and delivered Australia-wide, from $1,199 inc GST. Order online
Retractable tarp systems: mesh or PVC, hand wind or electric, made to measure. Request a quote
Questions? Call 1300 850 413 (7am–5pm Mon–Fri) or email sales@fragargroup.com.au.
