Buying a dump trailer is a significant investment. It’s important to look at all the options to ensure you get the best value possible. The first thing to consider is the weight capacity. You’ll want to ensure it matches your needs and will work safely with the vehicle you plan to tow it.
Removable Sides
A dump trailer for sale that can accommodate the size of the materials you plan to haul will make it easier and safer. Depending on the nature of your work, you can choose a trailer with removable sides that help keep the material inside while transporting or high-side walls to allow for taller equipment to fit. If you’re hauling heavier materials, consider choosing a clamshell dump gate instead of a tailgate for added durability. A clamshell design can give you a greater dump angle so that the load disperses quicker and more efficiently. Other options include a barn-style door extending half the trailer’s length or a truck bed gate that opens down instead of up. These doors are more durable than a traditional gate, and they may be easier to open in certain situations because you won’t have to worry about the side wall being in the way. Other features available to help load, unload, and secure your cargo are ramps for heavy machinery or tarps that protect it from the elements. It would help if you also looked for a reliable brake system that meets regional safety requirements, especially for larger models. It is also important to pay attention to the axles and hydraulics used on a dump trailer since these ensure it can withstand pressure.
Removable Floor
Dump trailer floors must be tough enough to handle equipment like skid steers, construction tools, landscaping businesses’ lawnmowers and weed trimmers. They also need to withstand water, mud, and other messes that will be spilled occasionally. Look for a floor material that is both durable and attractive. Trailer flooring options come in many different styles and colors. Some include diamond or coin patterns that give the floor a unique appearance. Others are softer materials, creating a more comfortable ride for the equipment being hauled inside. The thickness of the floor is another important factor. The higher the gauge, the stronger and more dependable the trailer. Lower meters tend to warp across the crossmembers and aren’t ideal for loading equipment into a dump trailer. Other must-have features for a dump trailer include connection points for straps or chains. These should be strategically located throughout the trailer bed to help secure heavy equipment. A spot to keep mud flaps is also a good idea. They protect the paint on the trailer while hauling and prevent chips from forming. A dual-acting hydraulic unit is another essential feature if speed and efficiency are important when moving your trailer around.
Hydraulic Lift
One of the most essential dump trailer features is the hydraulic lift system. This allows you to tilt the dump box of the trailer to empty its contents with minimal contact, reducing the risk of puncture wounds and splinters from debris. The type of lift you choose depends on the materials you’ll be hauling and your budget. Most manufacturers offer two lift options: telescopic and scissor. Telescopic lifts use a single cylinder extending from the center of the dump container to its full dump angle, making it more affordable than a dual-piston option. However, the telescoping action of this design may provide less leverage for heavier loads, and it will be harder to control.
On the other hand, a scissor lift uses a hybrid design of two pistons. This gives you maximum leverage when dumping and spreads the load to prevent it from racking the trailer frame and box. Lastly, a scissor lift can operate at a lower pressure than a telescoping lift, so you don’t need to worry about overtaxing the battery. Additionally, some trailers are designed with a gravity-down feature that will allow you to let gravity do the work when it comes time to dump the bed. Other important considerations for a dump trailer include the payload capacity, wall height and tire type. Be sure to look for a trailer with properly rated tires for the load’s weight, as undersized tires can be a safety hazard and damage your cargo. Also, opt for radial tires instead of bias ply ones to improve your trailer’s ride quality and fuel efficiency.
Axles
Not all dump trailers are made equal, and paying special attention to the quality and durability of the axles and hydraulics in a dump trailer is important. These components stabilize the trailer and allow the dumping mechanism to work smoothly, even with heavier loads. If the dump trailer you’re looking at doesn’t have durable and rugged axles and hydraulics, it will not be worth your time or money in the long run. Look at the details, such as if the frame rails are tubing or just folded over sheet metal. This is an easy area for manufacturers to cut costs, but it will impact the trailer’s longevity. Also, pay attention to the thickness of the metal used on the sides of the trailer. If the side walls are thinner than the bed, they won’t hold up to heavy loads. Look at the seams where pieces of steel meet as well and if they are caulked or sealed properly. Lastly, look at the dump trailers available and see which works best for you. Solid-side dump trailers are popular because they are durable and have large load capacities. They can be used for hauling equipment and materials, but they’re also good for graveling roads because they can drop through the bottom gates and make a windrow rather than a pile. Belly dump trailers have bottom entrances that open like clamshells and can be driven at various speeds. They’re ideal for moving rock and demolition debris but require a leakproof tailgate to handle semi-liquid materials.