Canvas vs PVC Truck Tarps: Which Truck Tarp is Best for Transport?

2 Sep Canvas vs PVC Truck Tarps: Which Truck Tarp is Best for Transport?

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Protecting freight on Aussie roads often comes down to one simple question: canvas or PVC truck tarps? Both materials have their place in the industry, from general truck tarps to specialised coil tarps. Canvas has a long history of use, but many operators are now switching to Tegral’s PVC Tarps for their practicality in real-world conditions.

Benefits of Canvas Tarps

Canvas tarps have been a staple in transport for decades, especially in heavy-duty applications like machinery and steel. Their main strengths include:

Breathability – the woven fabric allows limited airflow, reducing condensation.
Abrasion resistance – canvas holds up well against sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Heat resistance – doesn’t soften or stretch as much as PVC in extreme heat.
Repairable – rips and tears can be sewn or patched, extending the tarp’s life.

For fleets carrying rugged, abrasive loads, canvas still holds its ground. But its drawbacks, especially in cold or wet weather, are becoming more apparent.

Benefits of PVC Tarps

Feedback from operators using Tegral’s PVC coil protection bags highlights why PVC is increasingly the go-to choice.

Waterproof and Weather-Resistant
Unlike canvas, which stiffens and absorbs water in the cold, PVC stays pliable and dries quickly. Drivers noted this made handling much easier during winter runs.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
PVC tarps are significantly lighter, making them less tiring to roll and tie down. Customers praised the Tegral coil bags for being easy to manoeuvre, even in oversized formats.
Practical Tie-Down Design
D-ring placements are flexible and driver-friendly, allowing ropes to be positioned where needed.
Cleaner and Lower Maintenance
The smooth PVC surface resists dust and grime, and cleans off far more easily than canvas. Operators reported that after wet runs, PVC bags could be wiped down and reused without the heavy, waterlogged feel of canvas.
Right Fit for the Job
Drivers transporting 14–16 tonne coils found the large PVC bags ideal for full coverage.
Better Rope Handling
Customers preferred 8 mm ropes with PVC bags — light enough to tie quickly, and since they’re not part of the load restraint, they didn’t need to be overly heavy-duty.

Which Should You Choose?

Canvas tarps are still useful where abrasion resistance or breathability are critical, such as certain machinery or agricultural loads.
PVC tarps, backed by customer experience, provide consistent protection in all weather, are easier to handle, and save time on the road.

For most transport operations, especially for coil protection and palletised freight, PVC offers the best balance of protection, usability, and durability.

Tegral’s PVC Tarps

Tegral stocks 2 sizes of Duracoil Steel Coil tarps, 1.8m x 1.8m x 1.8m and 1.35m x 1.35m x 1.65m.

Available at Tegral is also a wide range of Trailer Tarps to suit various trailer sizes.

Conclusion

The verdict from operators is clear: while canvas still has its place, PVC tarps and coil bags deliver superior day-to-day performance. They’re lighter, waterproof, easier to clean, and stay flexible in all weather, making life simpler for drivers and ensuring freight arrives protected.

👉 Tegral’s PVC tarps and coil protection bags are designed with this feedback in mind, combining durable materials with smart, driver-approved features. If your fleet is ready to upgrade, we’re here to help you make the switch.