When outfitting or building a caravan annex, patio screen, or camper setup, selecting the correct mesh is critical to the comfort and durability of the final product. Australian travellers face some of the harshest environments on earth, ranging from intense UV exposure and scorching heat to coastal winds and persistent swarms of tiny insects.
To help fabricators, trimmers, and outdoor manufacturers choose the right material for their next build, we are comparing two of Ricky’s trusted caravan and camping staples: Finetex and Tentex.
Understanding What Your Build Actually Needs
Before comparing mesh specifications or roll widths, answering a few core questions will determine which product is right for your specific application:
- What is the primary environmental challenge?
(Is the client trying to keep out tiny biting midges, or do they need a rugged, heavy-duty shade barrier for a high-wear annex?)
- Where will the screen be installed?
(Standard roll sizing and weight densities affect how the mesh handles tension across large spans versus smaller zippered windows.)
- What are the key technical compliance metrics?
(Roll dimensions, weight, thickness, and UV warranties dictate whether the material meets long-term commercial standards.)
The Two Main Options
- Finetex: The Bug Barrier
For campers and travellers journeying through regions prone to sandflies, midges, and tiny bugs, standard mesh often lets pests pass right through.
- Overview: Finetex is a high-density fine mesh solution engineered with a tighter weave. It acts as an effective physical barrier against small insects while still permitting essential airflow and maintaining privacy in a camping setup.
- Key Specifications:
- Roll Width / Length: 205cm x 50m
- Nominal Weight: 130gsm
- Thickness: 0.21mm
- Openness Factor & Shade Cover: 40% openness / 60% shade cover
- Warranty: 2-year UV warranty
- Tentex: The Mighty Mesh
When the priority is heavy-duty durability and structural resilience for standard caravan annexes and partitions, a more robust weight is required.
- Overview: Tentex is a dependable, regular-weave choice purpose-built for the caravan and camping industry. It provides an ideal balance of shade and privacy for standard annex screens, with a rugged construction designed for frequent pack-downs and long-lasting performance.
- Key Specifications:
- Roll Width / Length: 205cm x 50m
- Nominal Weight: 170gsm
- Thickness: 0.33mm
- Openness Factor & Shade Cover: 40% openness / 60% shade cover
- Warranty: 2-year UV warranty
Key Features to Look For
- UV Stabilisation: Both Finetex and Tentex are treated to ensure long-term colourfastness and prevent fading under severe Australian sunlight.
- Consistency in Sizing: Supplied in uniform 205cm widths and 50m roll lengths, allowing fabricators to seamlessly integrate either product into existing production lines without changing cutting layouts.
- Optimised Airflow: Despite their differing weights and weave tightness, both options maintain a balanced 40% openness factor to ensure optimal ventilation inside the annex.
Recommended Selection by Application
| Application / Requirement | Recommended Product | Key Reason |
| High-Insect / Coastal Regions | Finetex (130gsm) | Tighter fine-mesh weave blocks tiny midges and sandflies without sacrificing airflow |
| Standard Caravan Annexes & Partitions | Tentex (170gsm) | Heavier, rugged regular-weave designed for durability and frequent tensioning |
| General Outdoor Camping Screens | Finetex or Tentex | Both share identical 60% shade cover and 205cm standard sizing |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Finetex and Tentex?
While both meshes share the same 205cm roll width, 50m length, and 60% shade cover, they are engineered for different priorities. Finetex features a tighter, high-density fine weave (130gsm, 0.21mm thick) specifically designed to block tiny insects like midges and sandflies. Tentex is a heavier, regular-weave fabric (170gsm, 0.33mm thick) built for rugged, everyday durability in standard caravan annexes and partitions.
Do both meshes offer the same level of shade and airflow?
Yes. Both Finetex and Tentex feature a balanced 40% openness factor, providing a 60% shade cover. This ensures that whichever product you choose, your customers still receive excellent sun protection while maintaining vital airflow and ventilation inside their annex.
Are Finetex and Tentex UV-stabilised for Australian conditions?
Yes. Both products are fully UV-stabilised to ensure long-term colourfastness and resistance against fading under severe Australian sunlight. They are also both backed by a 2-year UV warranty.
What are the standard roll dimensions for ordering?
Both Finetex and Tentex are supplied in convenient, workshop-friendly 205cm widths and 50m roll lengths, making them easy to integrate into standard cutting and fabrication workflows.
Which mesh should I choose for coastal or buggy camping trips?
If your clients are traveling through coastal or river regions prone to tiny biting insects (like sandflies and midges), Finetex is the ideal choice due to its tight, fine-mesh barrier. For general-purpose, high-wear annex walls that require extra physical sturdiness, Tentex is recommended.
Upgrade Your Next Caravan Build
Selecting the right textile ensures your builds stand up to the Australian elements year after year. Explore the full technical datasheets for Finetex and Tentex on our website, or reach out to our team today to request product samples for your workshop.
