In the Australian transport industry, your vehicle’s cover is more than just a lid; it is a critical component of your operational efficiency. Whether you are hauling freight across the Nullarbor or protecting tools in the back of a trade ute, the fabric you choose dictates your cargo’s safety, your fuel economy, and your long-term maintenance costs.
Our transport range is engineered to meet the specific mechanical stresses of the Australian road—high UV exposure, constant wind-whip, and the abrasive nature of road grime. This guide provides a deep technical dive into our core transport textiles: B6000, Maxiside, Tonneau EC, and Tonneau RR.

The Infrastructure of Haulage: Side Curtain & Roll-Top Solutions
Large-scale transport requires fabrics with high “dimensional stability.” This means the fabric must resist stretching under tension while maintaining the flexibility to be rolled or slid daily.
B6000: The High-Tenacity Workhorse
B6000 is a premium, heavy-duty PVC designed for the most demanding transport applications. It is characterised by its high-gloss finish and exceptional physical strength.

  • Technical Specifications:
    • Weight: 900gsm, providing a substantial barrier against physical impact.
    • Base Fabric: High-tenacity polyester (1100 dtex), ensuring maximum tear and tensile resistance.
    • Finish: High-gloss acrylic lacquer on both sides for superior dirt resistance and ease of cleaning.
  • Key Features: B6000 is UV stabilised and fire retardant (complying with AS1530.3). Its weldability is industry-leading, allowing for seamless, strong joins during fabrication.
  • Best For: Heavy-duty truck side curtains, roll-over tarps for grain and waste, and large-scale industrial covers.
  • Customer Benefit: The dual-sided lacquer finish doesn’t just look professional; it prevents “wicking”—where moisture travels along the internal fibres—extending the life of the curtain significantly.

Maxiside: Optimised for Transport Side Curtains
While B6000 is the all-rounder, Maxiside is specifically optimized for the unique stresses of tautliner (side curtain) systems.

  • Technical Specifications:
    • Weight: 900gsm.
    • Construction: 12 x 12 panama weave base cloth. This specific weave pattern provides enhanced resistance to “punctures” and “runs.”
  • Key Features: Maxiside features a high-gloss acrylic lacquer that is specifically formulated for digital printing. This makes it the preferred choice for fleet owners who want to use their curtains as mobile billboards.
  • Best For: Tautliner side curtains where branding and high-resolution graphics are required.
  • Customer Benefit: The panama weave ensures that even if the curtain sustained a small tear from a forklift or debris, the rip is less likely to propagate across the entire sheet, allowing for easier localised repairs.

Protecting the Tray: The Tonneau Cover Range
For utes and light commercial vehicles, the requirements shift from “tension-handling” to “UV-stability” and “weatherproofing.” A tonneau cover must be easy to handle, look sleek, and remain waterproof despite being horizontal and exposed to direct, overhead sun.
Tonneau RR (The Premium Standard)
Tonneau RR is the flagship of the Ricky ute cover range. It is a high-quality PVC-coated polyester fabric designed to withstand the rigors of the trade.

  • Technical Specifications:
    • Weight: 570gsm.
    • Finish: Subtle leather-grain texture for a premium “OEM” (Original Equipment Manufacturer) look.
  • Key Features: It is highly UV stabilised and treated with a protective coating to prevent the fabric from becoming brittle over time. It is also mould and mildew resistant—essential for covers that may stay damp after a rainstorm.
  • Best For: Custom-fitted tonneau covers for modern dual-cab and single-cab utes.
  • Customer Benefit: The Tonneau RR is designed to stay supple. It won’t shrink or stretch excessively, meaning you won’t have to fight with your bungee cords or clips every time you want to close the tray.

Tonneau EC (The Economic Choice)
Tonneau EC offers a reliable, lighter-weight alternative for those seeking effective protection on a budget.

  • Technical Specifications:
    • Weight: 540gsm.
    • Width: Available in 198cm and 205cm rolls, allowing for efficient cutting and minimal waste for standard ute trays.
  • Key Features: Like the RR version, it is UV stabilised and waterproof. It features a simplified weave that remains durable while being slightly easier on the pocket.
  • Best For: General-purpose ute covers, budget-conscious trade builds, and light-duty trailer covers.
  • Customer Benefit: Despite being the “Economy” choice, it does not compromise on UV protection, ensuring your gear stays safe from the sun even if the fabric is slightly lighter than the RR grade.

Comparison & Selection Guidance
Side Curtains vs. Roll-Tops: B6000 or Maxiside?

  • Choose B6000 if your primary concern is extreme durability and general-purpose industrial use. Its balanced properties make it excellent for roll-over tarps where the fabric is constantly being crushed or folded.
  • Choose Maxiside if you are a fleet owner looking for a tautliner curtain that needs to look incredible with digital printing. The panama weave is the “extra insurance” against the mechanical fatigue of highway travel.

Ute Covers: RR or EC?

  • Choose Tonneau RR for a professional finish on a high-value vehicle. The extra weight (570gsm) and the leather-grain texture provide a superior aesthetic and longer service life.
  • Choose Tonneau EC for fleet applications or older vehicles where functionality is the priority. It offers the same waterproof and UV-blocking benefits in a slightly lighter 540gsm package.

Frequently asked questions
1. How long do PVC truck curtains last in Australia?
While variables like cleaning frequency and road conditions play a part, high-quality 900gsm fabrics like B6000 and Maxiside are designed to last between 5 to 10 years. Proper tensioning and the use of the acrylic lacquer finish are key to preventing UV breakdown.

2. Can I print my logo on any PVC?
Not all PVCs are “print-receptive.” Maxiside is specifically engineered with a lacquer that accepts digital inks, ensuring the ink bonds correctly and doesn’t peel or fade prematurely.

3. Is tonneau fabric waterproof?
Yes. Both Tonneau RR and EC are 100% waterproof. However, the “waterproofness” of your tray also depends on the fabrication of the cover—ensuring proper drainage and a tight seal around the edges.

4. How do I stop my PVC covers from getting mouldy?
Ricky fabrics include anti-fungal treatments. To maximise this, always allow your covers to dry before folding them for long-term storage, and use a mild detergent to remove organic matter (dust, bird droppings) which can harbor mould.

In the transport industry, downtime is lost revenue. A failed side curtain or a torn tonneau cover is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard and a threat to your reputation. By specifying B6000, Maxiside, or the Tonneau range, you are choosing textiles that have been field-tested in the unique, punishing conditions of the Australian road.