Here at Mytee Products, we sell both heavy-duty truck tarps and Regular tarps. They are not the same thing. While we sell both, you are unlikely to find heavy-duty truck tarps at your local big-box department or hardware store. Heavy-duty truck tarps are specialty tarps that are sold only by companies like ours.
What is the Difference Between Truck Tarps and Regular Tarps?
Heavy-duty truck tarps are made from vinyl, canvas, and parachute fabric. They are manufactured to the highest standards and are often double-stitched at the seams and corners for extra durability. A typical truck tarp is manufactured with built-in grommets and D-rings for use with bungee straps and ropes.
As a general rule, regular tarpaulins are all-purpose tarps made for light-duty work. They are fine for keeping out the rain or providing shade. They are fine for covering utility trailers and pickup truck beds for short journeys around town. Some kinds of mesh tarps can even be used as construction blinds or snow fences. But none of them is tough enough to withstand the punishment of trucking dishes out.
Different Kinds of Regular Tarpaulin
Getting back to regular tarps, there are different types to choose from. Beginning with the standard poly tarp. This is a blue all-purpose tarp similar to what you might find in a department store. Poly tarps are good for covering woodpiles or temporarily protecting a storm-damaged roof until repairs can be made.
We carry various types of tarpaulin, described below;
1. Mesh Tarps:
Mesh shade tarps are made with mesh material for breathability. They generally come in both black and green. Construction companies like to use them to provide shade and create visual barriers around construction sites. Truck drivers rely on them when transporting certain kinds of loads, such as bees for example.
2. Demolition Tarps:
As the name suggests, demolition tarps are designed to be used on light construction projects. They are intended to replace the dumpster. A demolition tarp is laid flat so that construction debris can be laid on top. Once full, it has a built-in sling for lifting.
3. Canvas Tarps:
Like poly tarps, canvas tarps are all-purpose tarps. Campers and hikers appreciate them because they make for a great temporary shelter on short trips. They can be used to cover anything you would otherwise cover with a poly tarp.
4. Utility Tarps:
Utility tarps are also similar to poly tarps but with one significant difference: they are made of vinyl where poly tarps are made of polyethylene. A vinyl utility tarp is therefore not as strong and is really intended for the lightest of projects.
5. Drip Tarps:
Also known as drip converters tarps, these are small poly tarps intended to redirect water from a dripping ceiling, A/C unit, etc. Drip tarps have a built-in drain to which a tube can be connected. This allows collected water to be diverted away from any sensitive areas.
We assume regular tarpaulin takes their name from the idea that you just regular tarps them on whatever you need to protect. Obviously, that would not apply in the case of diverting drips or putting up tarps to block the view of a construction site. But that is neither here nor there.
If you need light-duty tarps for use around the home or work site, one of our regular tarps will probably get the job done. Stick with heavy-duty truck tarps if you are a truck driver looking for maximum cargo protection. Regular tarps may cost less, but they are not going to stand up to the punishment of daily life on the road.
