dump trailer

[white cloud]

First, thanks for reading this.

My wife and I have a farm and some of the roads need some help. I want to fill in some places with gravel or crusher run. I think that I need about 15 tons to do this. I have a tractor to distribute the gravel. My problem is getting the gravel to the farm.

Because of my "butt head" neighbor, I have access issues. I don't think I can get a dump truck in deliver the gravel because of the overhang of some pretty big trees. Their dump trucks a big class 8 rigs. So my wife asked if I thought I could rent a dump trailer and tow the gravel in myself.

Expanding on my wife's idea, I have this question. I have a 2015 Ram 3500 SRW diesel. Max towing is 16,900 LBS. There is a place here that rents 5 ton dump trailers. Doing a little arithmetic gets me to about 13,500 LBS. I think the truck can handle the load. What I am concerned about is raising the dump trailer to drop the gravel. 5 tons of gravel moving around scares the crap out of me. I would appreciate any and all wisdom in this area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TMGT]

What are your concerns about raising the bed? As long as you're on fairly flat ground it's a non issue, especially with gravel. Is the trailer a deckover or low profile?

I have a 16ft deckover dump that I pull behind a 2500 dodge, regularly have 5+tones of material. Gravel isn't an issue since it slides out pretty easy, I've been hauling clay fill the last couple weeks. It's a little damp so it sticks, then you have to be more carefu, but honestly most dump trailers can't lift the bed if the material is too far forward anyways.

I wouldn't worry about it, just don't try to dump on a side hill and you'll be fine.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have a2005 Dodge RAM 3500 SRW, with Super Hitch, 12 foot 14K Load Trail dump trailer do it all the time no problem just be level and make sure you have a good hitch stinger.

David

 

[RyeThomas]

The only issue with most dump trailers is they don’t dump the entire rating, meaning if it’s a 10k unit that’s what it’s meant to tow total. You have to subtract the weight of the trailer, let’s guess 3k trailer weight. So 7k is about all it will really haul and dump with no issue. So you’ll have to run a few more trips is all. Remember stone is heavy. As long as you load it within it’s ratings it will be fine and is rated to do so, no worries.

 

[white cloud]

Thanks for these replies. I am feeling better. This is not going to weigh much more than the tractor with implements on trailer.

TMGT, its a deck over. I guess that raises the center of gravity? Does that have other implications?

 

[TMGT]

No, if you're dumping on uneven ground it'll feel more tippy, should have more dump clearance though so you won't have to make as long a pile.

 

[jaxs]

I have a caution. Imagine 2 large men have their shoulders against a heavy steel door pushing from the other side when you turn the knob unlatching the door. Of course the door slam's into you unexpectenly. Some tailgates will do the same when unlatched so beware and stand aside/back while unlatching.

 

[white cloud]

I have a caution. Imagine 2 large men have their shoulders against a heavy steel door pushing from the other side when you turn the knob unlatching the door. Of course the door slam's into you unexpectenly. Some tailgates will do the same when unlatched so beware and stand aside/back while unlatching.

Thank you very much for this insight. Feel very free to provide more. We are totally new to dump trailers.

 

[deezler]

Yeah jaxs, that was a good one. They can really spring open on you with a big load inside, so if you plan to tailgate spread it, make sure to hook up the check chains BEFORE you unlatch the tailgate.

I've also gotten into trouble with opening the tailgate barn door style all the way to the side, dumping the load in one spot, and then not being able to close the gate again because the pile is in the way. Just plan ahead a bit.

Remember to check the tire pressures before you accept a load in the trailer. Fill 'em to max sidewall rating.