Dump Trailer

[JoeG]

I'm considering a purchase of a dump trailer for personal/non-business use. I'm looking to solicit opinions from others who own and use them.

Here are my parameters:

1/2 ton pickup (I already own. No brand wars here. Approx 10k towing capacity.)
Leaning towards 7k to 8k gross.
6x10 or 6x12 size (i have a different trailer for moving my tractor.)
torsion axles.
box frame (no angle iron.)

What brands have a quality reputation?

What other features should I be looking for?

What do you like/don't like about your dump trailer?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Skyco]

Why the torsion axles? I love them on trailers I haul "stuff" in. Wouldn't want and don't have them on my dump trailer. Reason- I sometimes use the trailer in rough terrain which can easily overload a torsion axle tandem set since they don't distribute weight. Only reason I see for them is they have a great smooth ride, dirt in a dump trailer could care less

I also don't like box tubing on a trailer. Mine has a very stout channel iron frame. Box tubing traps water and rusts internally. I had to go and drill weep holes in the bed framing members of mine after I noticed rusty water dripping out from condensation, rain water getting in through weld pinholes etc. I've been pondering a way to blow an oil mist or something through the members to coat the inside of them.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree on the no torsion axle recommendation. They do not share the load on uneven terain and lead to a lot of axle overloads. I sell trailers and have seen it many times. I would stick to regular old axles with load equalizers.

I like the EZ Dump trailers just for the fit and finish. I have never sold one but they are nice. Another good one is Gator Made. I have sold them and Bri-Mar and they are both good.

Chris

 

[Builder]

I'm considering a purchase of a dump trailer for personal/non-business use. I'm looking to solicit opinions from others who own and use them.

Here are my parameters:

1/2 ton pickup (I already own. No brand wars here. Approx 10k towing capacity.)
Leaning towards 7k to 8k gross.
6x10 or 6x12 size (i have a different trailer for moving my tractor.)
torsion axles.
box frame (no angle iron.)

What brands have a quality reputation?

What other features should I be looking for?

What do you like/don't like about your dump trailer?

Thanks,

Joe

My experience was with Bri Mar & Cam Superline. I had a Bri-Mar years ago it was poorly finished. Paint was missing or thin, poor wiring procedures. I am looking at a used PJ right now that looks better than my new trailer did. I like PJ trailers and Cam Superline, too. Cam had nice axles, tires & paint.

Look out for thin paint or paint sprayed over surface rust-a common occurance on trailers & equipment. Look for a trailer that has been dipped or primed properly indoors.

Look at the wiring. Reject trailers that use scotch locks or non-weather protected wiring connections. Look at the lights. Make sure they're protected by steel outline frames.

Look at the tires. Avoid chinese made tires if possible. Look for dexter axles, they're considered the best. See if the fenders are sturdy. Although you're not supposed to use them as steps, you will. See if they're sturdy enough to step on.

Look at the ram cylinders underneath. See if they look small or barely up to the task. Look at all moving joints (tailgate pivot points, etc.) see if they're greaseable.

I'm sure there's more and the experts will be adding more things to look for.

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

I'm considering a purchase of a dump trailer for personal/non-business use. I'm looking to solicit opinions from others who own and use them.

Here are my parameters:

1/2 ton pickup (I already own. No brand wars here. Approx 10k towing capacity.)
Leaning towards 7k to 8k gross.
6x10 or 6x12 size (i have a different trailer for moving my tractor.)
torsion axles.
box frame (no angle iron.)

What brands have a quality reputation?

What other features should I be looking for?

What do you like/don't like about your dump trailer?

Thanks,

Joe

I have a big tex dump trailer that I bought used. It is a 12K lb. So far I have really liked it. Three things that I wished it had:

1. The battery can only be charged with the truck wiring or hooking up an external battery charger. I have seen them where they have a little battery minder mounted in the battery box. I think that would be nice.

2. My rear gate has to barn doors on it, works well but I saw one the other day that also hinged at the bottom to spread as well as the barn doors. I took pictures and plan on doing that to mine.

3. The lights sit on the fenders and I hate them there. They are very prone to get knocked off. My car hauling trailer which is a PJ and is much better quality has oval that are flush with the rear.

Mine had butt connectors all over the place and I went and soldered and shrinked all the connections. The tires are china junk but I will run them until one goes bad and replace all.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You guys talk about China tires but do your research. Goodyear Marathons are now junk, have been since 2004 and a Carlisel is worse yet. Google it. I take care of about 75 trailers in my marine business of which 50 plus are tandems and the rest are tri axle and we have had the best luck with Green Ball Tow Masters. They are made in China and by far the best tire I have found. I probably have 10 sets a year put on and the price is very good, usually about $260 out the door mounted and balanced for 4 8 ply 15" tires.

Chris

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

You guys talk about China tires but do your research. Goodyear Marathons are now junk, have been since 2004 and a Carlisel is worse yet. Google it. I take care of about 75 trailers in my marine business of which 50 plus are tandems and the rest are tri axle and we have had the best luck with Green Ball Tow Masters. They are made in China and by far the best tire I have found. I probably have 10 sets a year put on and the price is very good, usually about $260 out the door mounted and balanced for 4 8 ply 15" tires.

Chris

Good to know, I learn something new every day. My car hauler has carlisel tires on it when I bought it. I will have to look into the green ball when I replace tires on both trailers. Thanks

 

[Diamondpilot]

Here is a link to the Green Ball Site. I have been running them for 6 years now and not one blow out. I tow about 10,000 miles per year and have turned probably 20 customers on to them and hear of zero issues. Last new set of Carlisle I bought were in 2003 and they lasted all of 4 months. It was on the trailer in my avatar and I blew 3 on one 1,000 mile trip to Tennessee and back. Yes, I did check the air pressure. I even had the spare blow out in my drive while not even touching the ground 1 single mile. Sounded like a shot gun going off. Ended up owing my neighbor a new pair of undies since he was standing about 30 yards from it when it went off.

Products

Chris

 

[gerard]

Not sure of the brand name (maybe provost), but the coolest trailer concept I ever saw was a three way dump trailer. Picture a single ram in the center of the box with a ball joint on top. Each corner now has a ball on the frame and a corresponding socket on the bed that is pinnable. Pull the two pins on the towing side and it works like a conventional dump trailer. Pull the two left side pins and it dumps to the right. Pull the right side pins and it dumps to the left. (The back and two sides are all hinged and can be dropped to dump). Nice if you have to dump in a tight place and get back up etc.

 

[JoeG]

Not sure of the brand name (maybe provost), but the coolest trailer concept I ever saw was a three way dump trailer.

That is exactly the one I want. The one I know of is made by Thule. Unfortunately they closed up trailer sales here in the US a few months back. My local dealer is trying to see if he can get me a closeout one.