Dump Truck Tarp Guide: Mesh vs Vinyl
Dump Truck Tarp Guide
A dump truck with an open top is easy to load. It is also easy for gravel, sand, or trash to fly out of it at highway speed. One small rock can crack a windshield. A cloud of dust can blind the driver behind you.
A dump truck tarp stops that from happening. It covers the top of the bed and holds the load in. This guide explains the two main types, how to choose the right size, and how to keep your tarp working for a long time.
In This Guide
Why You Need to Cover the Load
There are three good reasons to tarp a dump truck.
Safety. A covered load cannot throw rocks, dirt, or scrap onto other cars.
The law. Many states and cities require trucks with loose loads to be covered. Fines for an uncovered load can be steep. Rules are different from place to place, so check the rules where you work.
Your load. A cover keeps light material from blowing away and can protect the load from rain.
Many job sites, quarries, and landfills will also turn you away if you do not have a working tarp.
The Two Main Types
Mesh Tarps
A mesh tarp is woven with tiny holes in it, like a screen door. Air can pass through, but rocks and trash cannot.
Because air flows through it, a mesh tarp does not puff up like a sail in the wind. That puts less stress on the tarp and the tarp arms.
Mesh is the best pick for:
- Gravel and crushed stone
- Sand and dirt
- Mulch and wood chips
- Brush and yard waste
- Demolition waste and scrap
Mesh will not keep rain out. If your load must stay dry, you need a solid tarp.
Safe & Tie carries a heavy-duty dump truck mesh tarp made for daily hauling.
Solid Vinyl Tarps
A vinyl tarp is a solid sheet. It blocks wind, rain, and heat loss.
Vinyl is the best pick for:
- Hot asphalt, which must stay hot until it is laid
- Loads that must stay dry
- Fine material like powder or ash that could sift through mesh
Asphalt tarps are made from special vinyl that handles high heat. A normal vinyl tarp can be damaged by a hot load, so use one that is rated for asphalt.
Mesh vs Vinyl at a Glance
| Feature | Mesh | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Air flow | Lets air through | Does not |
| Rain | Lets water in | Keeps it out |
| Wind | Less flapping and lift | Catches more wind |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Best for | Gravel, sand, and trash | Asphalt and loads that must stay dry |
Many owners keep one of each and switch based on the job.
How to Measure for a Tarp
A tarp that is too small leaves gaps. A tarp that is too big sags and flaps. Take a few minutes to measure.
- Measure the length. Measure the top of the bed from the front to the tailgate. Add a few extra feet. The extra length covers a heaped load and lets the tarp hang over the tailgate.
- Measure the width. Measure across the top of the bed from one outer edge to the other. The tarp should be wide enough to reach both top rails.
- Check your tarp system. If you have a roller system, look at the roller width and the pocket size the tarp needs.
Common widths are 7 to 8 feet. Common lengths run from about 14 feet to 30 feet or more, based on the truck.
Tarp Systems
How the tarp goes on and comes off matters just as much as the tarp itself.
Manual Pull Tarps
The simplest type. The tarp is rolled on a bar at the front of the bed. You pull it back by hand with a rope and tie it off. It costs the least but takes the most time and effort.
Hand Crank Systems
The tarp rolls onto a spool at the front. Spring-loaded arms pull the tarp back over the load, and you crank it forward to roll it up. You work it from the ground.
Electric Systems
An electric motor rolls the tarp in and out at the push of a switch. The driver can cover the load in seconds, often without leaving the cab. This is the top pick for trucks that haul many loads a day.
Whatever system you have, buy a tarp made to fit it. The pocket at the end of the tarp has to match the bar on your arms.
What to Look for When You Buy
- Strong fabric. Heavy mesh or vinyl holds up to daily use.
- Reinforced edges. Webbing sewn along the sides stops the tarp from tearing.
- Solid stitching. Double-stitched seams last longer.
- Good grommets. Brass or steel grommets along the sides give you tie down points.
- A sewn pocket. A pocket at one end slides over the tarp bar on arm systems.
- Sun protection. Material treated to resist sun damage will not turn brittle as fast.
How to Make Your Tarp Last
Dump truck tarps live a hard life. A few habits help.
- Do not overfill. Sharp pieces sticking up above the bed rails will tear the tarp.
- Flatten the load. Level off tall piles with the loader bucket before you cover.
- Tie down the sides. Use bungee straps or rubber tarp straps on the side grommets so the wind cannot get under the tarp.
- Roll it up when empty. A tarp left spread over an empty bed flaps and wears out for no reason.
- Fix small tears fast. A small rip grows quickly at highway speed. Patch it right away.
- Check the arms and springs. Bent arms pull the tarp crooked and wear one side.
- Keep it clean. Knock off mud and rinse off asphalt bits when you can.
Other Gear That Helps
A few small items make tarping quicker and safer.
- Rubber tarp straps and bungee cords for the sides
- Gloves for handling rough edges
- A safety vest for job sites and roadside stops
- Warning triangles and a fire extinguisher
You can find tarps in the Safe & Tie tarps collection and safety items in the safety equipment collection.
Final Thoughts
Picking a dump truck tarp comes down to what you haul. Mesh is the everyday choice for gravel, sand, and waste because it lets air through and holds the load in. Solid vinyl is the choice for hot asphalt and loads that have to stay dry. Measure your bed, match the tarp to your system, and take care of it. A good tarp keeps the road safe and keeps you clear of fines.
Cover Your Load the Right Way
Shop the heavy-duty dump truck mesh tarp at Safe & Tie.
Shop Mesh TarpFrequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tarp my dump truck?
In many states and cities, yes, when you carry loose material. The rules vary, so check the laws for the areas you work in.
Is mesh or vinyl better for gravel?
Mesh is the usual choice. It holds the rock in, lets air pass through, and is lighter to handle.
Can I use a mesh tarp for asphalt?
No. Hot asphalt needs a solid, heat-rated vinyl tarp that holds the heat in and can stand up to high temperatures.
How much longer than the bed should the tarp be?
A few feet longer is a good rule. The extra length covers heaped loads and lets the tarp reach over the tailgate.
How long does a mesh tarp last?
It depends on how often you haul and what you carry. With good care and quick repairs, a quality mesh tarp can last several seasons.