Versatile and sturdy, a dump trailer can hold virtually anything you need to haul &#; like sand, debris, or building materials. Once you arrive at your destination, a simple hoist mechanism allows you to unload your cargo efficiently wherever needed.
If you're in the market for a dump trailer, explore our comprehensive guide covering everything from trailer sizes to types and other essential details. We're here to assist you in finding the ideal dump trailer that offers the best value for your needs.
What is a dump trailer?
A dump trailer features an open-box bed with a hydraulic mechanism or other lifting system for easy unloading by lifting and tilting the bed. Unlike a dump truck, a dump trailer needs to be pulled by another vehicle. For many people, a dump trailer is a more affordable choice than a dump truck, and it doesn&#;t require a special driver&#;s license to operate. A dump trailer can assist in landscaping, construction, transportation of large machinery, or debris or snow removal.
Types of dump trailers
Dump trailers are categorized by their type of hoist, the lifting mechanism that raises the front of the trailer bed. There are four different hoist systems that a dump trailer might use:
Single ram
Dual ram
Telescopic
Scissor
Dual ram dump trailer
A dual ram dump trailer uses a piston and cylinder as part of its lift. This type of hoist system is highly stable, pushing up the front end of the dump trailer to lift the box so your load dumps out. Dual ram hoist systems are a popular type of dump trailer lift. They are stable and easy to use.
Telescopic dump trailer
A telescopic lift uses a single cylinder. You&#;ll find this cylinder under the front of the trailer. This is what the lift uses to raise the trailer. Dump trailers with telescopic lifts are very efficient, working more quickly than other hoist systems. A telescopic system also puts less stress on the body of your trailer.
Scissor lift dump trailer
A scissor lift mechanism is a popular dump trailer feature, largely because it&#;s more affordable. This hoist type relies on one cylinder to fully extend one side of the trailer bed.
You can benefit from a scissor lift because it provides more leverage and power when dumping, making it effective with heavy loads. A dump trailer with a scissor lift will also be very stable &#; helpful for uneven loads. What&#;s more, a scissor lift with a gravity-down hydraulic pump (instead of a power-down pump) will save your battery life because it relies on gravity, not battery power.
Dump trailer sizes
Dump trailers come in many sizes. Each size is best suited for a different use case. Here are the most popular dump trailer sizes you&#;ll find:
- 10&#;:
A dump trailer with a length of 10&#;-12&#; is a great way to carry small, lightweight loads of materials like yard debris, sand, or dirt.
- 14&#;:
Dump trailers of 14&#;-16&#; are an excellent middle ground for heavier loads of equipment or materials.
- 20&#;:
On the larger side, a 20-foot-long dump trailer can hold heavier cargo, such as small vehicles or machinery, particularly if it has a ramp to help with loading and unloading.
Dump trailer profiles
As you shop for the best dump trailer for your needs, you&#;ll find different dump trailer profiles &#; trailers with side walls of varying heights. A low-profile dump trailer has shorter side walls, making getting your cargo in and out easier. The deck of the trailer rides lower, too.
Other dump trailers have higher side walls, creating a deeper &#;box.&#; This dump trailer style can be beneficial if you need to fit a lot of material inside the trailer (particularly material made up of small pieces, like bark or yard debris, that could blow out of a more shallow trailer).
How much does a dump trailer weigh?
Dump trailers can weigh anywhere from 1,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs or more. The average dump trailer weight is around 4,000-5,000 lbs. Of course, larger trailers will weigh more than models with shorter lengths. For example, a 7x14 dump trailer might weigh about 4,000 lbs.
Learn more: Guide to Trailer Weights by Trailer Type
How much can a dump trailer hold?
Depending on size, the average dump trailer can hold approximately 6,000 lbs.
Each dump trailer has a specific payload capacity. This number refers to the weight a vehicle or trailer can carry. For example, depending on size, a dump trailer&#;s payload capacity might be over 10,000 lbs or under 5,000 lbs.
Dump trailers also have an axle capacity. Larger axles can carry more weight &#; such as 5,000 lbs or 7,000 lbs.
Learn more: Single vs. Double Axle Trailer: Which Is Right for You?
Finally, as you shop for the best dump trailer, you should also be familiar with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This term represents the maximum weight a vehicle is designed to carry. Knowing GVWR helps you determine how much weight you could pull with certain vehicles and trailers, which is helpful as you investigate common dump trailer sizes to determine which one is right for you.
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Dump trailer features
If you&#;re considering investing in a dump trailer, here&#;s what to look for.
Lifts
Some dump trailers have a manual lift. With this type of trailer, you&#;ll need to be willing to apply some elbow grease with a hand crank or lever to lift the trailer. A hydraulic dump trailer is likely a better option. Trailers with a hydraulic mechanism will automatically lift and dump the trailer &#; all you need to do is push a button.
Frames
Also, consider the frame of the trailer. If you plan to carry heavy or clunky cargo that could beat up the trailer, you&#;ll need a thick, sturdy trailer frame. Look for a dense, solid metal that can withstand loads of concrete or rocks. Steel is the most durable material. Aluminum is more affordable and requires less maintenance. One-piece floors in 10 and 12-tencel strength steel are much stronger and have a longer life than other alternatives.
Sidewalls
Think about what you plan to transport in your trailer and how high you want the sidewalls. If the trailer is deeper, you can fit more inside. But shorter walls might be better if you&#;re worried about lifting material in and out. You can customize your sidewalls if desired, building them up taller.
Finishes
A galvanized dump trailer is the most durable option. When a trailer is galvanized, it&#;s dipped in a chemical bath that makes it rust-resistant. This protective coating helps the trailer last longer.
Ramps
A ramp allows you to load small vehicles or machinery onto the trailer. Look for a ramp that can be stored underneath the trailer, out of the way. In other cases, the ramp is part of the trailer gate.
Gates
Some dump trailers have a single-door gate. Others have a truck bed-style gate, which opens down instead of out. A dump trailer might also have side gates that make loading and unloading items more accessible.
Brakes
Your dump trailer must have high-quality brakes to give you the control needed to safely and quickly come to a stop.
Charging couples
The hydraulic lift on a dump trailer is powered by a battery that must be charged. Typically, a battery lasts about two years. You can charge this battery using:
A charging station that plugs into an outlet
A charge that connects through the truck
A solar panel on the trailer
The best dump trailers
Here are a few of our top recommendations for the best dump trailers:
With a floor length of 10&#; and a payload capacity of 7,570 lbs, the Homesteader 610MB lets you easily transport and dump materials. This trailer has a heavy gauge steel floor, sidewalls, and an extra reinforced frame system. You&#;ll also find features including a tarp tie-down system, stake pockets, E-Z Lube hub axles, bed guides, and a deep cycle battery with an onboard charger.
7x14 is a standard size for a dump trailer that can hold a healthy amount of cargo. The Homesteader 7x14 is a low-profile trailer with a tarp tie-down and a payload capacity of 10,000 lbs.
The Sure-Trac 7x14 Low Profile Telescopic Lift Dump Trailer includes 24&#; sides, a 7-way RV-style molded plug, ramps stored underneath the bed, and a reinforced combo barn door spreader gate, among other features. With this best telescopic dump trailer, you get a payload capacity of 10,120 lbs.
Choosing the best dump trailer for you
By figuring out what type of material and how much material you need to hold, you can select the right dump trailer size with high-quality features that will work for you.
When shopping for a dump trailer, make sure you consider:
- What type of materials you need to carry.
If you&#;re planning to transport concrete or rocks, a trailer that&#;s made of strong, durable metal is best. Smaller, lighter cargo &#; like dirt or yard debris &#; will need a trailer with higher side walls.
- What axle capacity you&#;re looking for.
Make sure you know the axle capacity of the dump trailer you&#;re considering. Larger axles can carry more weight.
- What kind of battery you prefer.
The lift mechanism of a dump trailer often relies on battery power. The batteries will need to be charged and/or replaced. A scissor lift with a gravity-down hydraulic pump uses gravity rather than a battery.
If you&#;re ready to buy a dump trailer or just want to browse your options, we&#;d love to help. Contact us here at Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer by , , or text (or feel free to just swing by!) so we can lend a hand finding the best hauling dump trailer for you.
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