Extra Heavy Duty Tarp: What the Specs Really Mean Before You Buy
Tarp listings are full of numbers. Denier, mil, weave, ounces per square yard. It is easy to skim past them and just choose the biggest-sounding “heavy duty” label. But if you are buying an extra heavy duty tarp, those numbers tell you whether the tarp will survive your use or fail in a month.
This article decodes the specifications of The Tarp Co.’s Black and White Extra Heavy Duty Tarp and Load Cover, called the Loadsaver, so you know what you are paying for.
The headline specs
The product page lists these details.
D-rings every 24 inches
Oversized aluminum grommets in the corners
Double-thick perimeter
Reinforced D-rings and grommets
Heavy duty 5mm rope in the hem
10 x 8 weave
1600 denier HDPE threads with an LDPE coating
Maximum 5% U.V.I. treatment
Approximately 13 to 14 mil thick
7.07 ounces per square yard
Prices start from $68.84. Sizes range from 8' x 10' to 12' x 24'. Let’s go through what each of these means.
Denier: how thick the threads are
Denier measures the thickness of the thread. Higher means thicker. This tarp uses 1600 denier HDPE threads. For comparison, The Tarp Co.’s brown heavy duty tarp uses 850 denier threads. Thicker threads generally mean greater tear and tensile strength.
Weave: how many threads per inch
The 10 x 8 weave means 10 threads in one direction and 8 in the other per square inch. At first glance, that looks lower than the 14 x 14 weave on lighter tarps. But thread thickness changes the picture. Fewer, thicker threads can produce a stronger fabric than more, thinner ones. The real test is overall weight and thickness, and the numbers here are higher.
Mil: how thick the whole tarp is
A mil is one thousandth of an inch. At roughly 13 to 14 mil, this tarp is thicker than typical lighter poly tarps. Thickness contributes to puncture and abrasion resistance. When loads shift or sharp edges are involved, extra thickness is a real advantage.
Weight: ounces per square yard
At 7.07 ounces per square yard, it is a heavy poly tarp. Compare this to the 4.1 ounces of The Tarp Co.’s drawstring yard tarp or 5.2 ounces for the brown heavy duty tarp. Heavier tarps usually mean more material, more strength, and more durability, though they also weigh more to handle.
U.V.I.: sun resistance
Polyethylene breaks down in sunlight. UV inhibitors slow that process. This tarp has a maximum 5% U.V.I. treatment, higher than the 1% and 3% found on lighter products from the same seller. If your tarp will spend long periods in the sun, that extra protection is worth having.
Double-thick perimeter and reinforced attachment points
Tarps usually fail at the edges and corners. They are where tie-downs pull hardest. The Loadsaver has a double-thick perimeter, a 5mm rope in the hem, oversized aluminum grommets in the corners, and reinforced D-rings every 24 inches.
D-rings are a notable feature. They give a flat, strong attachment point that works well with bungees, rubber straps, and hooks. Many drivers prefer D-rings for flatbed work because they hold up well under repeated tension.
What it is built for
The product page says the Loadsaver is designed for securing loads on a pickup or flatbed, and describes it as ideal for everyday local hauling. The black top and white bottom give a clean, professional look, and the construction supports regular use.
There is an important caveat from the seller. It is excellent for most short-distance applications, but for long-haul use a vinyl tarp is recommended. If you need that, The Tarp Co. suggests requesting a custom quote. I appreciate that honesty. Poly is strong, but sustained highway wind and abrasion are harsh, and vinyl is more suitable for those conditions.
Where extra heavy duty makes sense
Local hauling. Landscapers, contractors, and farmers who move loads short distances will benefit from a tarp that does not shred.
Construction and storage. Covering lumber, equipment, and materials on a site over long periods.
Roof protection. As a temporary cover, a thick poly tarp holds up better than a light one.
Agricultural use. Covering feed, equipment, and supplies.
Repeat use. If you use a tarp every week, a thicker one pays off in fewer replacements.
Where it may be overkill
A tarp this tough also weighs more and costs more. If you are just covering a woodpile for a season or putting a cover over a small piece of equipment, a lighter tarp may be enough. For occasional camping or light yard tasks, extra heavy duty is more tarp than you need.
Sizing
Cut sizes and finished sizes differ slightly. A 12' x 16' tarp finishes around 11'8" x 15'9". A 12' x 24' finishes around 11'8" x 23'9". Measure your load or surface, including height and any overhang, and choose a size that gives you enough slack to tie down securely.
Installation tips
Use as many D-rings as you can. Spread tension evenly. Attach with bungees or rubber straps that match your needs, and avoid sharp knots that can wear the hem. If you are using it over a load, secure the load first. A tarp is a cover, not a restraint.
Check the tarp regularly for abrasion, especially at edges that contact sharp corners. A bit of padding over a sharp edge extends tarp life.
Care
Rinse mud and grit off. Let the tarp dry before storing. Fold it loosely and store out of direct sunlight. Look over the corners and D-rings after heavy use.
Final thoughts
Understanding the numbers turns a confusing listing into a clear decision. The Loadsaver pairs thick threads, a heavy coating, a strong UV treatment, reinforced edges, and D-rings. It suits local hauling and demanding stationary use, and The Tarp Co. is honest about its limits. For anyone who needs an extra heavy duty tarp that can take repeated use, it is a serious option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this an extra heavy duty tarp?
It has 1600 denier threads, roughly 13 to 14 mil thickness, 7.07 oz per square yard, a double-thick perimeter, and reinforced D-rings and grommets.
What is the UV protection?
A maximum 5% U.V.I. treatment in the coating.
What sizes are available?
From 8' x 10' up to 12' x 24'.
Is it good for long-haul trucking?
The seller says it suits short-distance use, and recommends vinyl for long-haul. A custom quote is available.
Does it have D-rings?
Yes, reinforced D-rings every 24 inches, plus oversized aluminum grommets in the corners.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $68.84.
Is it waterproof?
The page describes it as waterproof industrial tarp material. Check the listing for the latest details.
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