Medium duty tarps are 100% waterproof and come with a 3 year UV guarantee. They are perfect for applications that require a lightweight tarp.
100% Waterproof
Our Medium Duty Tarps are born waterproof. The raw materials used in their production are waterproof, ensuring that each layer of our tarps provides complete waterproof protection. Unlike other tarps, which often have only a thin, water-resistant coating applied after manufacturing, our tarps offer full waterproofing throughout.
XF Film - Swiss Patented Film
Our Medium Duty Tarps are made from XF Film. This specialized Swiss-patented film ensures exceptional strength, durability, and reliability. Our unique manufacturing process sets our tarps apart from anything else in the industry. You can learn more about the XF Film and our production process here.
UV Resistant - 3 Year Guarantee
ARK Medium Duty Tarps offer excellent UV resistance and come with a 3-year UV guarantee. Designed for extended outdoor use, they will not peel, crack, or disintegrate under harsh sunlight, making them ideal for Australia's extreme weather conditions.
Ultrasonic Welded Eyelets
The eyelets on the Medium Duty Tarps are ultrasonically welded onto a sleeve of thick plastic, integrating them into the tarp material for added strength.
Strong & Reliable
During our manufacturing process, the layers of raw material are laminated in opposing directions, creating greater cross-directional strength. Unlike normal poly tarps that are typically woven in a single direction, ARK Medium Duty Tarps offer superior strength and better field performance.
Backed By Australian Lab Tests
All our tarps have been tested to meet various Australian standards. When we say our covers are tried and tested, we mean it. We control the entire production process from start to finish, ensuring all quality and compliance checks are met before the product reaches your hands.
Why Our Tarps Stand Out
| ARK TARP – XF FILM | OTHER WOVEN TARPS | CANVAS TARPS | PVC TARPS | |
| UV resistance | UV inhibitors are incorporated in the raw material blend - 3 Year UV Guarantee | UV inhibitors are usually applied as a thin surface coating, which wears off faster, reducing long-term sun protection | Limited UV resistance: typically untreated, which leads to faster degradation in prolonged sun exposure | UV resistant but may degrade over time depending on the thickness and treatment of the PVC coating |
| Waterproofness | Raw material is inherently waterproof throughout | Waterproof coating is applied on the surface, but this thin layer can degrade, leading to reduced water resistance over time | Water-resistant but not fully waterproof; canvas can absorb water and may require additional treatments to stay water-resistant | Fully waterproof with a thick PVC coating, ideal for heavy-duty outdoor use but prone to cracking in high temperatures |
| Longevity | Long life as tarp is 100% waterproof and UV resistant through the entire thickness of the product | Coating wears off, causing cracking and peeling, which leads to shorter lifespan and vulnerability to elements | Durable but susceptible to mildew, mould, and rot if frequently exposed to moisture, leading to a shorter lifespan | Long-lasting in stable conditions, but coating can crack or peel over time with high exposure to sun and cold |
| Strength | Layers are laminated in opposing directions creating greater cross directional strength | Woven in a single-direction weave, which can be inherently weaker and more prone to tearing under stress | Strong and tear-resistant but less flexible; canvas can rip if punctured or cut, especially after wear | High tensile strength; resistant to tearing but less flexible than XF Film, making it more likely to rip under heavy stress |
| Eyelets | Ultrasonically welded on a sleeve of thick plastic, making them part of the tarp material | Rivetted on the tarp making them more vulnerable as they punch through the tarp material causing potential tear points. | Typically riveted or grommeted; canvas can weaken around eyelets due to fabric tension and moisture absorption | Metal or plastic grommets; more durable than canvas or woven tarps but still prone to pulling out under heavy strain |
| Material Composition & Manufacturing Process | Constructed from multiple cross-laminated layers with UV inhibitors and waterproofing embedded in the raw material. Layers are laminated in opposing directions, enhancing cross-directional strength and resistance to tearing. | Made by weaving polyethylene or polypropylene threads in a pattern, then coated with a thin layer of poly material for added strength. Coatings are often thin and may wear off over time. | Woven from thick natural cotton or synthetic polyester fibers in a tight weave; often treated with wax or waterproofing agents to resist water and UV exposure. | Produced from synthetic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers laminated over a woven polyester scrim. The PVC is coated and heat-sealed or welded for waterproofing, though high temperatures can affect flexibility and longevity. |
| Environmental Considerations | Fully recyclable as made from virgin plastic material, with a focus on UV resistance to prolong lifespan and reduce frequency of replacement | Typically, non-recyclable; coatings may degrade faster, requiring more frequent replacement | Biodegradable if untreated, but typically treated canvas is less eco-friendly due to waterproofing chemicals | High environmental impact from PVC production; often non-recyclable and may release chemicals upon disposal. |
Medium Duty Tarp Applications
ARK Medium Duty Tarp is an all-purpose Tarp suitable for:
- Outdoor use
- Car & Caravan covers
- Camping
- Ground sheets
- Any General Purpose Cover
Tips & Tricks
We don’t recommend using the Medium Duty Tarp as a suspended cover. If you do choose to use it, we highly recommend the following:
- Ensure that all the eyelets are secured to distribute the load on the tarp evenly
- Rope is applied across the top of the tarp to prevent the tarp from becoming a parachute against the wind. In doing so tie a rope to every eyelet, passing it over the tarpaulin to the opposite eyelet tying the rope slightly shorter than the tarpaulin at that eyelet
- Allow for water to run off from the tarp and not pool in the middle. The water will not cause any leaks, but the pooling will add extra weight and strain to the eyelets. Once the tarp has been set up, you can pour some water over it to ensure that there is enough slope provided for the water to run off
Note – We recommend our stronger grade tarps with stronger eyelets where the tarp is to be used as a suspended roof shelter or where strong pressure will be applied to the corners and side eyelets. The tarpaulin should be roped over to avoid the “parachute effect”. The performance of each tarp varies in accordance with the use and type of install.
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The web site is fairly easy to decide what you want, and the Tarp arrives promptly in the mail. I have had the white tarp for about 6 months. It is one piece material, not woven. Although white it is some what see through. It is very strong and very puncture resistant
Awesome 🤩
UPDATE 10 MONTHS LATER
Our original impression:
The tarp is as discribed. Very lightweight so easy to handle. Is is a bit noisy in the wind, but completely serving it’s purpose of keeping the horse float dry. Time will tell if it lives up to expectations. So far so good.
We were very impressed with the service of ARK tarps. Quick delivery!!
I just ordered my second lightweight tarp today – For the tractor this time. The first tarp covers my horse float and is removed and replaced frequently.
I am very impressed with the quality of this tarp. It stretches a bit in severe wind but shows no signs of tearing in spite of being in the sun every day. It got stuck on a sharp edge of the trailer which caused a small tear. After 5 months, that tear is exactly the same – no fraying or expansion of the hole.
My trailer has a wooden floor, so crucial to keep it dry. Since covering it with this tarp I have not had one drop of rain on the floor.
I am a small person and can easily cover the trailer with this tarp by myself.
In time, we learned how to secure the tarp with elastic bands which almost eliminated wind noise. Compared to heavier tarps, this one does not “spook” my horses when they walk by. Great benefit 👌.
I easily give this tarp top rating on weight, quality, fulfilling it’s function, waterproofing and durability!💯%
The tarp arrived very quickly. A bit different to some other things that I have ordered on line.
Seems good but will let you know in a year or so as in a hostile spot