VEVOR 16 Mil Waterproof Poly Tarp 20 x 40 ft: features, specs and uses

The VEVOR 16 Mil Tarp is an extra-large brown polyethylene tarp, 20 x 40 feet (about 6 x 12 metres), made to cover vehicles, boats and outdoor furniture, or to shelter a campsite. It's 16 mil thick, with a waterproof surface, reinforced edges and rust-proof grommets every 18 inches. Here is what those numbers mean and where a tarp this size fits in.

What 16 mil means

A mil is a thousandth of an inch, so 16 mil is about 0.4 mm. Tarp thickness is one of the main ways to compare tarps: thin ones are light and easy to fold but tear and wear out sooner, while thicker ones generally hold up better to wind, abrasion and long-term outdoor use. At 16 mil, this is a heavy-duty tarp, which also means it's heavier and stiffer to handle than a light camping tarp.

The 16 x 16 weave and bearing tension

Poly tarps like this one are typically made from woven strips of polyethylene that are then coated to make them waterproof. The 16 x 16 weave density usually refers to the number of strands per inch in each direction. A denser weave generally resists tearing better, because a small cut has more strands to get through before it spreads.

VEVOR lists a bearing tension of 850 newtons, roughly the pull of an 87 kg (190 lb) weight. Either side of the tarp can face up.

Weather resistance

The surface is waterproof with UV protection, and VEVOR says the tarp is made to resist wind and ageing, to keep covered items dry. UV treatment matters because sunlight is what eventually breaks down most plastic tarps; it slows that process rather than stopping it. A tarp left out year-round will still age faster than one that's folded away between uses.

Cleaning is simple: VEVOR says it needs no special maintenance. In general, rinsing off dirt and letting a tarp dry fully before folding it helps prevent mildew.

Grommets and reinforced edges

Rust-proof grommets are spaced every 18 inches along the edges, so you can tie the tarp down at many points, including every corner. The reinforced edges and sealed corners help prevent damage and deformation where the most strain occurs.

At 20 x 40 feet, the tarp covers about 800 square feet (roughly 74 square metres), and a sheet that size catches a lot of wind. Using plenty of tie-down points and pulling the tarp snug helps stop it flapping, which is what usually wears out grommets and edges.

What it can cover

VEVOR suggests it for covering a truck, RV, car, motorcycle or boat, or yard furniture. At a campsite or picnic, it can be rigged as a shelter from sun and rain. A tarp this size can also cover firewood, building materials or a work area during a project.

When covering a vehicle, a tarp that's tied down tightly is less likely to rub against the paint in the wind. On a boat or RV, check that water can run off rather than pooling in a dip, since pooled water adds weight and strain.

Who it suits

It suits RV, boat and truck owners, homeowners protecting furniture or materials outdoors, and campers who need a large rain or sun shelter. Because it's large and heavy-duty, it's a two-person job to unfold, position and fold.

What to check before you buy

• Size: measure what you need to cover, adding enough overhang to reach your tie-down points.
• Handling: check the listed weight and whether you have help and space to unfold a 20 x 40 ft sheet.
• Tie-downs: check what's included; you may need your own rope, straps or bungee cords.
• Long-term use: if it will stay out for months, plan to check the ties, edges and grommets regularly for wear.
• Folding away: let it dry fully before folding, and have somewhere to keep it.

The short version

• A 20 x 40 ft (about 6 x 12 m) waterproof polyethylene tarp, 16 mil thick.
• A 16 x 16 high-density weave for tear resistance; VEVOR lists 850 N bearing tension.
• UV protection, and made to resist wind and ageing; either side can face up.
• Rust-proof grommets every 18 inches, with reinforced edges and corners.
• Covers trucks, RVs, cars, motorcycles, boats and yard furniture, or shelters a campsite.

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