leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp Review: The Professional Hauler’s Verdict

There’s a certain feeling in the pit of your stomach when you glance in the rearview mirror and see something shift in your load. For anyone who has ever hauled gravel, mulch, construction debris, or agricultural materials, that moment is a familiar, unwelcome guest. I remember one particularly windy day on an interstate job, hauling crushed stone for a landscaping project. My old, cheap vinyl tarp, which I thought was “good enough,” started to act like a sail. It billowed, it flapped violently, and before I could safely pull over, a corner tore loose. The result wasn’t just a messy cleanup; it was a safety hazard, a potential fine, and a serious blow to my professional reputation. Losing part of your load isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a liability. That experience taught me a hard lesson: your cover isn’t just an accessory; it’s a critical piece of equipment that protects your material, the public, and your bottom line.

What to Consider Before Buying a Dump Truck Tarp

A Dump Truck Tarp is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a key solution for ensuring safety and compliance on the road. Its primary purpose is to contain and secure loads, preventing materials like sand, gravel, or debris from becoming dangerous projectiles at highway speeds. This containment is often mandated by local and federal regulations (like DOT requirements), making a reliable tarp a non-negotiable tool for professionals. Beyond compliance, a quality mesh tarp offers the significant benefit of airflow. Unlike solid tarps that can catch wind and create immense stress on the tarp and its roller system, a mesh design allows air to pass through, dramatically reducing wind flap, extending the life of the cover, and improving fuel efficiency. It’s an investment in operational security and longevity.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily grind of commercial hauling. This includes professionals in construction, landscaping, agriculture, waste management, and aggregate transport. If you operate a dump truck or a dump trailer and need a robust, tear-resistant solution that can handle the elements and the rigors of a mechanical crank or roller system, this is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who need 100% waterproof protection for their cargo, as the mesh design is inherently permeable. In those cases, a solid vinyl tarp would be a better choice. Furthermore, if you’re a standard pickup truck owner looking to cover your bed, this is overkill and improperly sized. You would be much better served by a dedicated tonneau cover, which comes in soft roll-up, hard folding, or retractable designs.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fitment: This is the most critical factor. The tarp must be properly sized for your truck body. A common rule is for the tarp to be 2 to 3 feet longer than the truck body to allow for adequate coverage over the cab shield and tailgate. Equally important is the pocket size for your crossbar or roller system. Measure the diameter and length of your bar to ensure it fits snugly within the tarp’s pocket without excessive strain or slack.
• Material & Durability: The material dictates the tarp’s lifespan. Look for heavy-duty, vinyl-coated mesh, often measured in ounces per square yard (oz/sqyd)—with 10oz or more being a good benchmark for durability. Pay attention to the yarn density, such as 1000D x 1000D, which indicates a thick, strong thread that resists tearing. UV and flame-resistant treatments are essential for protecting the material from sun degradation and improving safety.
• Reinforcement & Hardware: A tarp is only as strong as its weakest point. Inspect the reinforcement. The best tarps feature multi-layered webbing stitched around the entire perimeter, often with double or quadruple stitching. This prevents the edges from fraying and grommets from pulling out. The grommets themselves should be made of a non-corrosive material like brass or stainless steel to prevent rust streaks down the side of your truck.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The tarp should integrate seamlessly with your existing system, whether it’s a manual crank or an electric roller. A well-constructed pocket, lined for extra durability, makes installation much easier. For maintenance, a mesh tarp is relatively simple to care for; a periodic rinse with a hose to remove dirt and debris is usually all that’s required to keep it in good working order.

While the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp is an excellent choice for its intended purpose, it’s wise to understand all your options, especially if you’re outfitting a standard pickup. For a broader look at covers designed for personal trucks, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Tarp That Means Business

Right out of the included zipper storage bag, the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp feels substantial. There’s no mistaking this for a cheap, light-duty hardware store tarp. The 11oz/sqyd vinyl-coated mesh has a satisfying heft and a tight, uniform weave that speaks to its high-density construction. Running a hand along the perimeter, the reinforcement is immediately apparent. The manufacturer calls it double-needle stitch webbing, and in person, it’s a thick, tough band of material that feels like it could withstand a serious beating. The stitching is clean, with no loose threads. The grommets, finished in black oxide, are thick and solidly pressed. They don’t feel like they’d pull out under the tension of a bungee cord. The 6-inch pocket at the end is reinforced with a solid vinyl liner, a thoughtful touch to prevent the metal crossbar from eventually wearing through the mesh. Our initial impression is clear: this is a professional-grade tool built for longevity, not a disposable cover.

In the Field: A Performance Breakdown of the leaveshade Mesh Tarp

A tarp’s true character is revealed not on a shelf, but in the wind, under the sun, and against the abrasive reality of daily hauling. We put the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp through its paces on several jobs, from hauling landscaping debris to loads of gravel, to see if its impressive specs translated to real-world performance. The answer, in short, is an emphatic yes. This is a cover that punches well above its price point, demonstrating a level of durability and thoughtful design that is typically found on far more expensive custom tarps.

Unmatched Durability and Material Strength

The foundation of this tarp’s performance is its material. The spec sheet lists 11oz/sqyd, 1000D x 1000D vinyl-coated woven mesh, but what does that actually mean? It means this material is incredibly difficult to tear. During our testing, we intentionally tried to snag it on sharp corners and abrasive surfaces. Where cheaper tarps would immediately rip, the leaveshade’s high-density weave resisted puncture and abrasion. The 1000 Denier (D) yarn is a thick, industrial-strength thread that forms the backbone of the mesh, and its 11×11 per-inch weave creates a tight grid that distributes stress effectively. The vinyl coating adds a crucial layer of protection, not just for water resistance (it’s not waterproof, but it will shed a light rain), but more importantly, for UV resistance. We left a section of the tarp exposed to direct, intense sun for weeks, and we saw no signs of the fading, brittleness, or degradation that plagues lesser materials. This UV treatment, combined with its inherent flame resistance, is critical for a piece of equipment that lives its life outdoors. The standout feature, however, is the reinforcement. The double-needle stitch webbing around the hem is where the rubber meets the road. This is the area that takes the most abuse from wind, tension, and handling. The stitching is heavy and flawless, and it ensures that the grommets have a solid, multi-layered foundation to hold onto, virtually eliminating the risk of them tearing out under load. When you see its full feature set and user reviews, you’ll find this build quality is a consistently praised attribute.

Smart Design for Real-World Hauling

Durability alone isn’t enough; a tarp has to be practical. This is where the “mesh” aspect of the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp truly shines. We tested it on the highway at speeds up to 70 mph, and the difference between it and a solid vinyl tarp was night and day. There was virtually no “ballooning” or violent flapping. The mesh allows air to pass through cleanly, which drastically reduces the strain on the tarp itself, the roller mechanism, and even the truck. This not only prevents premature wear and tear but also contributes to better vehicle stability and fuel economy in windy conditions. The hardware is equally well-thought-out. The use of #2 copper brass for the grommets is a premium choice. Unlike cheaper steel or aluminum grommets that can rust and corrode within months, these brass grommets, with their black oxide finish, are built to last. They won’t leave ugly rust stains running down the side of your truck or trailer. The 2-foot spacing is ideal. It provides plenty of attachment points for bungee straps or ropes, allowing for a taught, secure fit without creating large, unsupported sections that can flap and whip in the wind. Every element of the design feels like it was conceived by someone who has actually spent time on a job site.

The 6-Inch Pocket and Installation Nuances

The integration with a mechanical or manual roller system hinges entirely on the pocket design. The leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp features a 6-inch pocket, which is a common standard for many dump truck tarp systems. In our testing with a standard crossbar, the fit was perfect. The bar slid in smoothly, and the pocket’s flat-lay measurement was true to the advertised 6 inches. The addition of a solid vinyl lining inside this pocket is a fantastic, durability-focused detail. The constant friction and pressure from the metal crossbar during rolling and unrolling is a major wear point, and this vinyl reinforcement directly addresses it, preventing the mesh from fraying over time. However, this is also where we must offer a critical piece of advice. We noted feedback from one user who found the pocket did not fit their specific crossbar, despite praising the tarp’s overall construction. This highlights a vital point: not all roller systems are created equal. Before you order, you must measure the circumference and diameter of your system’s crossbar. While 6 inches is a standard, some older, custom, or off-brand systems may vary. Taking five minutes to measure will save you the headache of a return and ensure a perfect, hassle-free installation from day one.

Long-Term Value and the 3-Year Warranty

In the world of commercial equipment, the initial purchase price is only part of the equation. Total cost of ownership is what truly matters, and this is where the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp establishes itself as a phenomenal value. Many budget tarps might last a single season before they’re torn, faded, and need replacing. This tarp is clearly built for the long haul. The combination of premium materials, robust reinforcement, and non-corrosive hardware means you can reasonably expect years of reliable service. The manufacturer, Tentproinc, backs this up with a 3-year warranty. This is a significant statement of confidence in their product’s durability. A warranty of this length is rare in this category and provides incredible peace of mind. It transforms the purchase from a consumable expense into a long-term investment in your business’s safety and efficiency. When you consider the cost per year of service, this tarp is not just a high-performer, it’s also an incredibly smart financial decision. You can check the latest price and discover the warranty details to see how it compares to the competition.

What Other Users Are Saying

While our hands-on testing was overwhelmingly positive, we always look to broader user feedback to round out our perspective. The general sentiment for the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp is very strong, with most users focusing on its exceptional build quality for the price. We saw feedback from one user who praised the overall construction, stating it “appears to be well-made” right out of the box. This aligns perfectly with our first impressions of the heavy-duty mesh and reinforced stitching. However, that same user encountered a fitment issue, having to return the tarp because their specific crossbar required a different pocket size. This experience, while unfortunate for them, provides a valuable real-world lesson that we also discovered: the absolute necessity of measuring your hardware before you buy. It confirms that while the tarp is built to a high standard, it’s not a universal fit. This feedback is crucial because it manages expectations and empowers potential buyers to make an informed decision by taking that one simple, extra step.

leaveshade vs. The Competition: Is It Right For Your Truck?

It’s vital to frame this comparison correctly. The leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp is a specialized cover designed for commercial and heavy-duty applications like dump trucks, dump trailers, and landscape trucks. Its competition is other heavy-duty mesh tarps. However, if you’ve landed on this review while searching for a cover for a standard pickup truck like a Ford F-250, Toyota Tacoma, or Ram 1500, you are in the market for a different product entirely: a tonneau cover. To help guide you, here’s a look at three popular tonneau cover alternatives that serve a completely different purpose.

1. MOSTPLUS Tri Fold Soft Tonneau Cover for Toyota Tacoma 5 FT

The MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold is a soft tonneau cover designed for ease of use and affordability. Unlike the leaveshade tarp, its job is to protect cargo in a pickup bed from rain and prying eyes. Its tri-fold design allows for quick access to the bed without having to remove the entire cover. Made from vinyl stretched over an aluminum frame, it’s lightweight and easy for one person to install. This is an excellent choice for a Toyota Tacoma owner who needs basic security and weather protection for groceries, luggage, or tools, and values speed and convenience over absolute, heavy-duty security.

2. RealTruck BAKFlip MX4 Tonneau Cover

The BAKFlip MX4 represents a significant step up in security and durability. This is a hard-folding tonneau cover made from durable aluminum panels with a matte black finish. When closed and the tailgate is locked, it effectively turns the truck bed into a secure vault, offering far more protection than a soft cover. It can also be folded up against the cab to allow for nearly 100% bed access for hauling larger items. A Ford F-250/350 owner who carries expensive tools or equipment and needs maximum security without sacrificing bed access would find the MX4 to be a superior choice to a soft cover.

3. Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5’7″

The Tyger Auto T1 offers a blend of the sleek, low-profile look of a soft cover with the full bed access of more expensive options. As a roll-up cover, it can be completely rolled toward the cab and secured with straps, leaving the entire bed open for large cargo. It uses a hook-and-loop system on the sides for a tight seal and features a latching system at the tailgate for security. This is a great option for a Ram 1500 owner who frequently hauls bulky items like furniture or ATVs but still wants the everyday weather protection and improved aerodynamics of a bed cover.

The Final Word: Is the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp a Smart Investment?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear. For its intended audience—the professional operator of a dump truck or trailer—the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp is an outstanding piece of equipment and a fantastic value. It’s not designed for pickup trucks and it’s not waterproof, but it excels at its core mission: to safely and reliably contain heavy-duty loads. Its rugged construction, from the high-density 1000D mesh to the double-stitched webbing and rust-proof brass grommets, is built to withstand the daily abuse of a commercial environment. The smart design, which prioritizes airflow to reduce wind flap, demonstrates a real understanding of the challenges haulers face on the road.

When you factor in the exceptional 3-year warranty, this tarp transcends being a simple purchase and becomes a smart, long-term investment in your operation’s safety and efficiency. If you’re tired of replacing flimsy tarps every season and need a dependable cover that works as hard as you do, we can give the leaveshade 8’X20′ Mesh Tarp our strongest recommendation. Just be sure to measure your crossbar first. For any professional ready to upgrade their rig with a cover that won’t let them down, we highly recommend you check the latest price and secure yours today.